Can master planning control and regulate urban growth in Vientiane, Laos?

摘要: Abstract The rate of urbanization in Laos has increased significantly since the country began its transition to a market economy 1986. Although developing countries been examined extensively literature, very few researchers have focused on Laos. Our main aim here was examine effectiveness utilizing master plan as management tool regulate urban growth Vientiane, capital city We used mixed-methods approach address research objective. First, we population changes 1985. Next, land-use and land-cover were detected by analyzing satellite images from three different time periods. Then, analyzed city's recently approved determine whether it can growth. Finally, investigate socio-economic institutional issues better understand reasons for rapid changes, interviewed several key figures departments related number residents living peri-urban area. Between 1995 2011, study area 337,000 780,000. In same period, built-up approximately 154 km2 more than 206 km2. total forests decreased 2354 km2 1353 km2. results indicate that there is an urgent need improvements regulatory aspects should be revised provide realistic account existing situation.