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A Typology for Urban Landscape Progression: Toward a Sustainable Planning Mechanism in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Urban Sci. 2023, 7(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci7020036

by Danjuma Abdu Yusuf^1,2,*

, Jie Zhu^1,3,*, Sadiq Abdullahi Nashe², Abdullahi Muhammad Usman², Abdullahi Sagir², Adamu Yukubu⁴, Abdulmalik Sule Hamma⁵, Namadi Sharif Alfa⁶ and Abubakar Ahmed²

Reviewer 1:

Agnieszka Dembicka-Niemiec

Reviewer 2:

Maryam Naghibi

Urban Sci. 2023, 7(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci7020036

Submission received: 13 February 2023 / Revised: 20 March 2023 / Accepted: 22 March 2023 / Published: 30 March 2023

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment)

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

I have gone through the manuscript entitled: “A typology for urban landscape progression: toward sustainable planning mechanism in Kano metropolis, Nigeria.” and found it interesting. However there is a deep modification required towards improving its readability:

1. The research gap should be added and literature references should be widened. The literature analysis should be expanded in depth.

2. The author uses the concept of a metropolis and recognizes the city of Kano as a metropolis. It's worth quoting short information about the city that will indicate that it can be considered a metropolis and not classified as a large city. Not every big city in terms of the population deserves to be called a metropolis. In the process of metropolisation, features are crucially related to high-quality technical infrastructure and a developed sector with higher-order services, and innovative potential. Developed service sector (mainly all institutions and services related to financial intermediation, media, telecommunications, economic management, science and research, arts, culture, as well as public administration). Innovative potential (institutions related to manufacturing and information processing: universities, research institutes, laboratories. If Kano not has such functions, you should consider whether to call it a metropolis.

3. the English language needs to be corrected so that it is understandable

4. some sentences are not clear and are too long (line 75-78)

5. to keep the logical structure of the article, I suggest moving the characteristics of the city to the introduction (line 110-129)

6. The text is missing a mention of the map and its description and explanation of the point of showing it. I suggest moving the map lower under its description (line 142)

7. please describe the research clearly in the Materials and methods section. When were they conducted, what were the stages of the study How many people participated in the study ( how many custodians, prominent elders). Did representatives of other communities/institutions also participate in the FGD study? If so, it is worth adding. What documents were analyzed?

8. I suggest replacing the word "wards" with "district" (line 240)-a language dilemma to be solved by a native speaker

9. I propose to move the text from section 3.1.2. a) 3.2 "Spatial data" (line 373-375) to the Methods section

10. I do not see the sesn of describing " wards" in this way. Rather, the landscape should be made visible here , so that the content of the article is more consistent with its title. Or abandon this part of the text (lines 260-370)

11. to enrich the research ( if possible) I suggest adding photos of individual neighborhoods. The authors conducted research on the landscape. So it is worthwhile to present the types of landscape.

12. the author writes that the tables also include progression. This needs to be strengthened in the text. The landscape changes shown in the text are small ( line 399)

13. line 436- in the text there is a reference to figures 3 , but there is no reference to figures

14. line 436-442 the text is incomprehensibly written, it needs to be corrected.

15. There are 8 LGAs in diagrams 2 and 3, while the author describes 12 sample wards in the text.

16. the authors claim that Kano is a large city-metropolis, while in line 499 they write "(...) research was carried out in a small municipality". Is this an error?

17. I suggest recasting the title or adding the necessary literature analysis on sustainable planning and the typology for urban landscape itself. It should be presented what types of landscape are distinguished by other research authors.

18. "Sustainable planning" in the title is inadequate for the content of the article. I suggest that the author should look deeper into the issue of sustainable planning and consider removing the word "sustainable" from the title or replace it with an appropriate one that is consistent with the content of the article. I suggest reading the literature on sustainable planning, such as :

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149718904000035?casa_token=J07j7XKcXFUA AAAA:D39ECJTwYvMakvcylAkqYm5sVFymTi9bNPFHZprnO4UsxGdaJ0QxjgnhM9dqkjqhOD4WMnvv https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-42085-1_53

Author Response

AUTHOR’S RESPOND/COMMENTS FORM

Manuscript ID.	: urbansci-2250011
Title	: A typology for urban landscape progression: toward sustainable planning mechanism in Kano metropolis, Nigeria
Authors
Submission date	:February 13, 2023
Revision date	:February 23, 2023
Round	: 1

REVIEWER 1 COMMENTS

	Details of Author’sRespond	Modification
Reviewer 1 Comments	Author’sRespond; Response, appeal etc., and mention
1. The research gap should be added and literature references should be widened. The literature analysis should be expanded in depth.	In the revised manuscript addition/correction are mark with LEAF GREEN text highlight color tool. Added to introduction section In the revised manuscript. Furthermore, reviewing the evolution of urban landscape based on spatial planning across the districts will help researchers to identify the embodied history and mechanism for the urban typology.	The modification : In recent years the circumstances is changing as number of studies are being conducted focusing on the urban spaces and green network in Africa (Abass et al., 2019, 2020; Abdulraheem, Huang, et al., 2022; Gelo & Turpie, 2021; Moussa et al., 2022; Woldesemayat and Genovese, 2021; Yusuf et al., 2016). One of the commonalities of these studies is the assessment of depletion state, effects and accessibility of the urban space use several approach. A perception of cities in northern Nigerian validate a challenging state of fast decline in green infrastructure, due to force from severe human influence index (Dyachia et al., 2017). Nasidi (2022) assesses environmental challenges that surface due to uncoordinated human influent index (disturbance of open spaces, deforestation, in the Kano, Nigeria and other cultural values). While, Idris (2022) analysis the declining state off urban greenery in metropolitan Kano along with urban development as it disrupt ecological equilibrium by rising invulnerability of land. Moreover, majority of the research on urban spaces in West African cities also presented above is primarily focused on the routine protection approach that failed to harness adaptive schemes of the past or emerging the landscape index approaches of recent time. Yet, they cease to correlate the evolutionary practice of the selected precincts to explore the principles that affect the plot layout formation, processes, phenomena and summarizing typology of landscape values and establish comprehensive framework. This study attempts to fill this gap.
2. The author uses the concept of a metropolis and recognizes the city of Kano as a metropolis. It's worth quoting short information about the city that will indicate that it can be considered a metropolis and not classified as a large city. Not every big city in terms of the population deserves to be called a metropolis. In the process of metropolisation, features are crucially related to high-quality technical infrastructure and a developed sector with higher-order services, and innovative potential. Developed service sector (mainly all institutions and services related to financial intermediation, media, telecommunications, economic management, science and research, arts, culture, as well as public administration). Innovative potential (institutions related to manufacturing and information processing: universities, research institutes, laboratories. If Kano not has such functions, you should consider whether to call it a metropolis.	Response/ arguments mark with YELLOW text highlight color tool Barau et al. (2015) assert that urban expansion in metropolitan Kano is noteworthy over few decades and activities have been improved towards unbearable margins, making suitable management of the results of such events almost impossible, ending in derelict landscape. Some of the West Africa’s mega cities are extremely inclined to environmental transformation. For example, open spaces like gardens and other recreational facilities in cities like Kumasi, Lagos, Freetown, Kano, and Accra have been transformed to built-up areas and others abandoned as waste dumps (UN-Habitat, 2012, 2016) It also remains prominent in term of art, culture as well figure in economic management. As large and developing city authors like (Adamu, 2020; Butu & Mshelia, 2014; Dankani, 2013; Kabir, 2008; Maiwada, 2000; Moussa et al., 2022; Nasidi, 2022) recognize metropolitankkano as one of west african mega cities. Authors appeal Base on the foregoing we (the authors) categorize kano as metropolis. Thus, it is believe that urban Kano is an ancient city of the Northern Nigeria with eight different local metropolitan regions moreover, a commercial hub of West Africa that help to proffer a traditional and innovative structure against urban vulnerability.	-
3. the English language needs to be corrected so that it is understandable	See comment The English language has be corrected/checked by native English speaker	-
4. some sentences are not clear and are too long (line 75-78)	In the revised manuscript addition/correction are mark with LEAF GREEN text highlight color tool. Added to introduction section; section 1.2 In the revised manuscript.	Morphological transformation and cultural landscape management has been increasing towards a comprehensive approaches which cover ideas such as the intangible landscape and context, and sustainable urban development, along with a better reflection of the economic and social function of ancient cities (Bandarin & Oers, 2012; Jokilehto, 2007; Kabir et al., 2019; UNESCO, 2011; Veldpaus et al., 2013)
5. keep the logical structure of the article, I suggest moving the characteristics of the city to the introduction (line 110-129)	In the revised manuscript addition/correction are mark with LEAF GREEN text highlight color tool. Moved to introduction section In the revised manuscript.	-
6. The text is missing a mention of the map and its description and explanation of the point of showing it. I suggest moving the map lower under its description (line 142)	Moved as suggested	-
7. please describe the research clearly in the Materials and methods section. When were they conducted, what were the stages of the study How many people participated in the study (how many custodians, prominent elders). Did representatives of other communities/institutions also participate in the FGD study? If so, it is worth adding. What documents were analyzed?	In the revised manuscript addition/correction are mark with LEAF GREEN text highlight color tool. Added to Materials And Methods section In the revised manuscript. Authors appeal Privacy of the participant /remains paramount, as content of the recorded FGD contain information that is threatening to their livelihood, offices or positions. As such the authors cease to acknowledge/ publish their name on the basis of confidentiality	As a typological framework to common metropolitan, the study adopts a framework developed based on knowledge acquired from literature review alongside objectives of the study. The process entails field observation/visual evaluation and focus interview/FGD that pave way for research findings. The two-stage qualitative approach using spatial analysis methods (Inventory/Direct assessment of physical characteristics of the study area) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) sessions with 8 custodians/ prominent elders, and 11 “Mai Unguwa” (ward head) of some sample wards. From April 2020 to November 2022, field observation was carried out to collect spatial information. At the first stage, involves mapping urban form/spaces and focus group interview on the sampled wards/districts, primarily start with defining context and identifiable attribute of urban landscapes and layouts that surround metropolitan Kano. Accordingly, information on every urban space within the districts in terms of spatial composition, such as literature, behaviours, and maps were gathered through collection of recording technique, in-depth interviews, sketch outline and measurements. In this context, the landscape form essentials comprise both objective elements (such as layout typology, structure and core) and subjective elements (such as spatial behaviours, function of boundary and function) were included.
8. I suggest replacing the word "wards" with "district" (line 240)-a language dilemma to be solved by a native speaker	Response/ arguments mark with YELLOW text highlight color tool In this context, the word "wards" and"district" cannot be swapped. District refers to region within local government area that constitutes several wards. District is head by “Dagaci” ( district chief/head) controlling “masu unguwani” (ward/village heads) in his province. Authors appeal As such, the surveyed wards include urban area spanning ancient and modern historic districts of Kano metropolis.	-
9. I propose to move the text from section 3.1.2. a) 3.2 "Spatial data" (line 373-375) to the Methods section	Response/ arguments mark with YELLOW text highlight color tool In the authors’ opinion, these sections are outcome of both focus group interviews and field assessment. Authors appeal As such, to keep the logical structure of research articles we find it worthy to maintain these sections.	-
10. I do not see the sesn of describing " wards" in this way. Rather, the landscape should be made visible here, so that the content of the article is more consistent with its title. Or abandon this part of the text (lines 260-370)	Added to section 3; figure 2 In the revised manuscript. Some of the Historic Urban Landscape(HUL) within the sampled wards were made visible in the revised manuscript	Kofar kudu, KMC LGA Masjid Isyaku Rabiu, G. Dutse, Dala LGA BUK Sport Arena, Old Site, Gwale LGA Masjid Murtala Muhammad, Tarauni LGA Golden Jubilee, State Rd, Nassarawa LGA MAK International Airport, Fagge LGA
11. To enrich the research ( if possible) I suggest adding photos of individual neighborhoods. The authors conducted research on the landscape. So it is worthwhile to present the types of landscape	See authors modification in serial number 10 above Added to section 3; figure 2 of the revised manuscript. Some of the Historic Urban Landscape(HUL) within the sampled wards were made visible in the revised manuscript
12. the author writes that the tables also include progression. This needs to be strengthened in the text. The landscape changes shown in the text are small (line 399)	Response/ arguments mark with YELLOW text highlight color tool The progression was presented under section 3.2 :landform description (second or third paragraph) of each ward. It highlights the notable landscape alongside the transformation. For example; In table 3.1 Dala ward: Transformation is observed largely in bigger family houses (Babban Gida) that are sub-divided (i.e Alfanda houses) and re-built due to inheritance by the descendants of the deceased compound head. The notable landscapes include the first orthopaedic hospital in Northern Nigeria, Masaka Textiles Factory, “Kofar ruwa”, Isyaku Rabiu residence, Dala Hill, GGSS Dala, Kofar Ruwa (Building Material) Market, while due West is a deep and dirty water pond of about 6-10m below ground level. In table 3.2 Fagge ward: Transformation is as a result of infrastructural construction, inheritance and socio-economic activities. Also the whole settlement is been dominated by commercial activities. The notable landscape includes “kofofin Fagge” (the gates), “Dandali”, Kano Hajj camp, “kwari” textile market, hospitals (M. Jidda & IDH), “Kudidifinwafa” (Water Pond), MAK International Airport, “Kwakwaci” green matrix, Jumm’at Mosque, Police Station and Courts. In table 3.3 Gwale ward: Transformation is observed largely by the degradation of the old city wall and backfilling of some “Kudidifis” (Water Ponds) – “Kukkuъa” And “Mai Allo”. The notable landscapes includes Bayero university (BUK), Goron Dutse Hill, old city wall and gates (Dan Agundi, Na’isa, Gadon Kaya, Fanfo Etc), The ‘Haures’(Wanki, Shanu etc), graveyards, FCE kano, Goron Dutse Prison and Galadanci mosque. In table 3.4 Sharada ward: Transformation is as a result of industrial infrastructural, constructions and socio-economic activities. The notable landscapes include industrial estate, zone 1 police station, recreational facilities and religious places.	-
13. line 436- in the text there is a reference to figures 3 , but there is no reference to figures	Amended in section 3; figure 3 of the revised manuscript. From the bar chart (Figure 3) below, the study reveals the embodied layout distribution within the sampled wards. The said figure 3 appears to be below the paragraph however, amended as suggested
14. line 436-442 the text is incomprehensibly written, it needs to be corrected.	Amended in section 3 of the revised manuscript.	From the bar chart (Figure 3) below, the study reveals the embodied layout distribution within the sampled wards. It unveil the predominant layouts as: i) 15x22.5m distributed across twelve (12) sampled wards ( within seven Local Government Area); ii) 30x30m distributed across eleven (11) wards (in six Local Government Area) and iii) 10x10m distributed across ten(10)wards, seven LGA. Whereas the stumpy layouts are: i) 7.5x10m and 8.5x15m both dispended in one(1) ward and one Local Government Area each); ii) 12x12m distributed across two (2) wards, two Local Government Area. While 15x22.5m and 30x30m has sufficient road network in grid patterns, the stumpy layouts having poor access.
15. There are 8 LGAs in diagrams 2 and 3, while the author describes 12 sample wards in the text.	The phrase “12 sample wards” was mentioned only in line 439; in this context the authors refers to the prime embodied layout remain 15x22.5m typology, distributed across twelve (12) wards out of the 16 sampled.
16. the authors claim that Kano is a large city-metropolis, while in line 499 they write "(...) research was carried out in a small municipality". Is this an error?	Amended in section 5 of the revised manuscript.	Even though, it was carried out in some sampled wards….
17. I suggest recasting the title or adding the necessary literature analysis on sustainable planning and the typology for urban landscape itself. It should be presented what types of landscape are distinguished by other research authors.	Added in section 1.2 of the revised manuscript. Literature added as suggested	See modification in 18 below
18.	Added in section 1.2 of the revised manuscript. Literature added as suggested	Sustainability has been trending as a universal term to illustrate the progression that includes a variety of forms that the procedure may take (Shediec-Rizkallah & Bone, 1998). Although, they (Johnsona et al., 2004) classifies accessible definitions in the literature into three class that focus on these subjects: (i) preserving benefits attained through an early program, (ii) enduring to the program in an organization, and (iii) building the capacity of the benefiting public to maintain a program. Following this classification as a basis, (Johnsona et al., 2004) define sustainability as ‘the technique of ensuring an adaptive prevention scheme and a sustainable development that can be incorporated into current operations to profit various stakeholders. At first, they (Johnsona et al., 2004) view sustainability as a transformative process with explicit sustainability act pushes to reinforce organization infrastructure and inventive features that are necessary to uphold a particular innovation. Subsequently, ensuring an adaptive prevention scheme is piece of the sustainability practice. The scheme must be open to alteration, hence building setting for innovations to adapt to the system, if compulsory, to which they are established. Consequently, one assumption is that ample infrastructure facility is imperative to sustainability. As such, sustainable planning in context of Metropolitan landscape remains an inclusive and elaborate interaction between urbanization, population increase, economic development and the living ambiance (Shah & Atiqul, 2011). Sustainability entails the running of all the aspects that will support the continuation of the urban spaces for the inhabitants in order to ensure the environment remain livable for community (Emechebe & Eze, 2019). More so (Shah & Atiqul, 2011) proclaim, these sustainable aspects that will support existence of sustainable urban landscape include having a good: (i) demographic and socio economic settings, (ii) planning and appropriate management towards the persuasive urban migrants and (iii) planning by-law and authorities. In this context, it is necessary that public knows the value of urban landscape, in order to value the existence and need for urban forms and spaces.

Literature added/ cited

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Abass, K., Buor, D., Afriyie, K., Dumedah, G., Segbefi, A. Y., Guodaar, L., Garsonu, E. K., Adu-gyamfi, S., Forkuor, D., Ofosu, A., Mohammed, A., & Gyasi, R. M. (2020). Urban sprawl and green space depletion: Implications for flood incidence in Kumasi, Ghana. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 101915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101915

Abdulraheem, M. O., Huang, X., & Oloyede, O. I. (2022). Papers in Applied Geography Spatio-Temporal Change Detection of Built-up Areas in Ilorin Metropolis and Implications for Green Space Conservation Spatio-Temporal Change Detection of Built-up Areas in Ilorin Metropolis and Implications for Green Space Cons. Papers in Applied Geography, 0(0), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/23754931.2022.2062574

Adamu, H. S. (2020). An Analysis of Cultural Heritage Conservation in Kano, Nigeria. In NEU. NEU.

Bandarin, F., & Oers, R. (2012). The Historic Urban Landscape: Managing Heritage in an Urban Century. Wiley-Blackwell.

Barau, A. S., Maconachie, R., Ludin, A. N. M., & Abdulhamid, A. (2015). Urban morphology dynamics and environmental change in Kano , Nigeria. Land Use Policy, 42, 307–317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2014.08.007

Butu, A. W., & Mshelia, S. S. (2014). Municipal Solid Waste Disposal and Environmental issues in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. British Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2, 10–26.

Dankani, I. M. (2013). Constraints to Sustainable Physical Planning in Metropolitan Kano. InternatIonal Journal of ManageMent and SocIal ScIenceS ReSearch, 2(3), 34–42. www.irjcjournals.org

Dyachia, S., Sugandi, A., Rafee, M., Danladi, A., & Emmanuel, P. (2017). Urban Greenery a pathway to Environmental Sustainability in Sub Saharan Africa : A Case of Northern Nigeria Cities. 4(3), 180–189. https://doi.org/10.11113/ijbes.v4.n3.211

Emechebe, L. C., & Eze, C. J. (2019). Integration of Sustainable Urban Green Space in Reducing Thermal Heat in Residential Area in Abuja. Environmental Technology & Science Journal, 10.

Gelo, D., & Turpie, J. (2021). Land Use Policy Bayesian analysis of demand for urban green space : A contingent valuation of developing a new urban park. Land Use Policy, 109(July 2018), 105623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2021.105623

Idris, H. A. (2022). Declining Urban Greenery in Kano Metropolis , Nigeria. Journal of Land Administration and Environmental Management, 2(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.54222/ajlaem/v2i1.1

Johnsona, K., Haysb, C., Centerc, H., & Daleyd, C. (2004). Building capacity and sustainable prevention innovations: a sustainability planning model. Evaluation and Program Planning, 27, 135–149.

Jokilehto, J. (2007). International Charters on Urban Conservation: Some Thoughts on the Principles Expressed in Current International Doctrine, City & Time. City & Time, 3(3), 23–42.

Kabir, G. U. (2008). Transformation in Hausa traditional architecture: A case study of some selected parts of Kano Metropolis (1950–2004). ABU Zaria.

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Maiwada, A. D. (2000). Disappearing Open Spaces in Kano Metropolis,. In J. A. Falola, K. Ahmed, M. A. Liman, & A. Maiwada (Eds.), Land Administration and Development in Northern Nigeria. Department of Geography, Bayero University, Kano.

Moussa, Y. M., Diop, I. T., SOULÉ, M., & NAFIOU, M. M. (2022). URBAN GREEN SPACES ACCESSIBILITY : THE CURRENT STATE IN NIAMEY CITY , NIGER. Journal of Global Ecology and Environment, 15(3), 1–16.

Nasidi, N. A. (2022). Urbanism And the Conservation of The Natural Environment for Sustainable Development : A Case CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT : (hal-03762087; 4th). https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-03762087

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Shediec-Rizkallah, M. C., & Bone, L. R. (1998). Planning for the sustainability of community-based health programs: Conceptual framework and future directions for research, practice, and policy. Health Education Research, 13(1), 87–108.

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Veldpaus, L., Roders, A. R. P., & Colenbrander, B. J. F. (2013). Urban Heritage: Putting the Past into the Future. The historic environment (Vol. 4, Issue 1). W. S. Maney & Son LTD. https://doi.org/DOI 10.1179/1756750513Z.00000000022

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

^{This is a paper that deals with an interesting and useful issue. However, it suffers seriously from major flows as follows:}

^{- In Introduction section, Line 42, However, [2]….. Why do author(s) use references here? Using it after the sentences is appropriate. Also, in Line 45, [3] (1883) cited in [2], [3] (1883) cited in [2], the citation format makes the text unclear.}

^{- b) Description of the selected wards could be concise. It is almost three pages long. It might be useful to summarize it in a table.}

^{- Also, the table 3.1-8 is too long.}

^{- It is recommended to use Figure 2-3 to end-up with progression.}

^{- In Discussion and Concussion, authors should explain how they reach their research questions.}

^{- Conclusion is vague: "Based on the foregoing, this study could be said to have achieved its aim".}

^{- As author(s) claimed that “the research presents a valuable tool that would help 499 the people of Kano and government agencies in revitalization of it distorted urban landscape 500 forms and planning typology.”... Could you elaborate this tool? Conclusion is the only section that discusses tools; it is recommended to explain these achievements in more detail.}

^{- Does this tool have the potential to be expanded or used in other contexts internationally?}

^{- There are no innovative statements in the recommendations.}

Author Response

AUTHOR’S RESPOND/COMMENTS FORM

Manuscript ID.	: urbansci-2250011
Title	: A typology for urban landscape progression: toward sustainable planning mechanism in Kano metropolis, Nigeria
Authors	:
Submission date	:February 13, 2023
Revision date	:February 23, 2023
Round	: 1

REVIEWER 2 COMMENTS

Details of Author’sRespond

Modification

Reviewer 2 Comments

Author’sRespond;

Response, appeal etc., and mention

- In Introduction section, Line 42, However, [2]….. Why do author(s) use references here? Using it after the sentences is appropriate. Also, in Line 45, [3] (1883) cited in [2], [3] (1883) cited in [2], the citation format makes the text unclear.

In the revised manuscript addition/correction are mark with LEAF GREEN text highlight color tool.

Amended to introduction section-1.1 In the revised manuscript.

The English language has be corrected/checked by native English speaker

Authors appeal

However, the citation format was adopted and part of the manuscript template.

The modification :

In addition, “the study of historic urban landscapes alongside it typology originated by describing the fundamental character of metropolitan landscapes in the early development of city morphology within the profession of geography” (Whitehand, 2010). “Urban typo-morphology begin to seize form as an structured field of knowledge at the end of the 19th century (Whitehand, 2010),(Richthofen, 1883).

-Description of the selected wards could be concise. It is almost three pages long. It might be useful to summarize it in a table.

-Also, the table 3.1-8 is too long.

Amended to introduction section-3.1.1 In the revised manuscript.

Authors appeal

Summarize as suggested.However, in the authors’ opinion the sections presents outcome of both focus group interviews and field assessment. As such, to keep the logical structure of research articles we find it worthy to maintain this configuration.

-It is recommended to use Figure 2-3 to end-up with progression.

See figure 3and 4 In the revised manuscript.

-In Discussion and Concussion, authors should explain how they reach their research questions.

In the revised manuscript addition/correction are mark with LEAF GREEN text highlight color tool.

Added to introduction section; section 1.2 In the revised manuscript.

The research questions are in line with the objectives. As such, it is address in the recent submission (both in discussion and conclusion).

1. See table 4.1

2. As it explores the historical establishment and landscape assets and layout Typology of some residential environment within Kano metropolis.

-Conclusion is vague: "Based on the foregoing, this study could be said to have achieved its aim".

In the revised manuscript addition/correction are mark with LEAF GREEN text highlight color tool.

Amended in section 5 of the revised manuscript.

Based on the foregoing, this study could be said to have achieved its aim. As it explores the historical establishment and landscape assets and layout Typology of some residential environment within Kano metropolis.

-As author(s) claimed that “the research presents a valuable tool that would help 499 the people of Kano and government agencies in revitalization of it distorted urban landscape 500 forms and planning typology.”... Could you elaborate this tool? Conclusion is the only section that discusses tools; it is recommended to explain these achievements in more detail.

Response/ arguments mark with YELLOW text highlight color tool

Cluster analysis is usually applied in urban and architectural research being a descriptive and statistical classification process (Djoki, 2009; Stanley et al., 2012), including in the analysis of building functions, facilities, landscape characteristics, and elements of buildings (Zhang & Wei, 2017). Consequently, this study uses cluster analysis for the open spaces hierarchical classification.

As well, it is an essential tool adopted in typological analysis of urban open spaces along with landscape dynamics aiding understanding of the mechanisms to mitigate depleting state and presents future model for the spatial composition and protective elucidation of the metropolitan spaces (Jones et al., 2022; Wei, 2015; Zhang & Deguchi, 2011).

Authors appeal

As such, Cluster analysis is recognized by scholars in the field of typological study as a tool. Furthermore sustainable aspects in section 1.2 will support existence of sustainable urban landscape and promote optimization measures against urban vulnerability.

As such sustainable planning in context of Metropolitan landscape remains an inclusive and elaborate interaction between urbanization, population increase, economic development and the living ambiance (Shah & Atiqul, 2011). Sustainable planning entails the running of all the aspects that will support the continuation of the urban spaces for the inhabitants in order to ensure the environment remain livable for community (Emechebe & Eze, 2019). More so (Shah & Atiqul, 2011) proclaim, these sustainable aspects that will support existence of sustainable urban landscape include having a good: (i) demographic and socio economic settings, (ii) planning and appropriate management towards the persuasive urban migrants and (iii) planning by-law and authorities. In this context, it is necessary that public knows the value of urban landscape, in order to value the existence and need for urban forms and spaces.

-Does this tool have the potential to be expanded or used in other contexts internationally?

Authors appeal

The authors are of the opinion of the tool have the potentials to be used in other context considering geographical and cultural background. The landscape dynamic will prove understanding the mechanism as asserted by (Zhang & Deguchi, 2011)

-There are no innovative statements in the recommendations.

Response/ arguments mark with YELLOW text highlight color tool

In the revised manuscript addition/correction are mark with LEAF GREEN text highlight color tool.

Amended in section 5 of the revised manuscript.

The authors see second recommendation “landscape architects should be part and parcel of planning programmes and development schemes” inventiveness. However, it further recommends “Integrating techniques of evaluating landscape values, problems and potentials to involve special protection and optimization measures for the urban landscape according to the current development”.

However, in order to effectively utilize its findings to preserve and restore the Historic Urban Landscape, the following recommendations are offered;

1. On implementing planning programmes and development controls, it is recommended that unhealthy development should be discouraged and government agencies responsible should come to its expectations of controlling and regulating urban development; the formal practice of land allocation, land acquisition, building codes, design, planning and constructions.

2. It recommended that landscape architects should be part and parcel of planning programmes and development schemes.

3. Integrating techniques of evaluating landscape values, problems and potentials to involve special protection and optimization measures for the urban landscape according to the current development.

4. Increase in awareness at all levels (community, local and state levels) for protection, conservation and revitalization of historic landscapes and cultural heritages. These will implore the government and people in the state to redefining urban landscape forms.

5. Government should also consider Implementation of 2011 UNESCO proposal on successful mapping of Historic Urban Landscape; be a flexible activity that embeds policy, public involvement, economic empowerment conservation, and building partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

Literature added/cited

Djoki, V. (2009). MORPHOLOGY AND TYPOLOGY AS A UNIQUE DISCOURSE OF RESEARCH.

Emechebe, L. C., & Eze, C. J. (2019). Integration of Sustainable Urban Green Space in Reducing Thermal Heat in Residential Area in Abuja. Environmental Technology & Science Journal, 10.

Jones, L., Anderson, S., Læss, J., Banzhaf, E., Jensen, A., Bird, N., Miller, J., Hutchins, M. G., Yang, J., Garrett, J., Taylor, T., Wheeler, B. W., Lovell, R., Fletcher, D., Qu, Y., Vieno, M., & Zandersen, M. (2022). A typology for urban Green Infrastructure to guide multifunctional planning of nature-based solutions. Nature-Based Solutions, 2(June). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbsj.2022.100041

Richthofen, F. V. (1883). Auƒgaben und Methoden der heutigen Geographie. Inaugural Lecture.

Shah, M., & Atiqul, H. (2011). Urban Green Spaces and an Integrative Approach to Sustainable Environment. Journal of Environmental Protection, 2, 601–608.

Stanley, B. W., Stark, B. L., Johnston, K. L., & Smith, M. E. (2012). URBAN OPEN SPACES IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE : A TRANSDISCIPLINARY TYPOLOGY AND ANALYSIS 1. Urban Geography, 33(8), 1089–1117. https://doi.org/10.2747/0272-3638.33.8.1089

Wei, T. (2015). Research on Typology of and the Sustainable Renewal Urban Religious Space in Lhasa City, Tibet. Southwest Jiaotong University.

Whitehand, J. (2010). Urban morphology and historic urban landscapes. In Managing Historic Cities. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. University of Birmingham.

Zhang, Y., & Deguchi, A. (2011). Typology of urban forms in Tibetan cities. Journal of Archit.Plan.(Trans.AIJ), 76(667), 1611–1620.

Zhang, Y., & Wei, T. (2017). Typology of religious spaces in the urban historical area of Lhasa , Tibet. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.05.001

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

I thank the authors for meticulously correcting the text.

Author Response

AUTHOR’S RESPOND/COMMENTS FORM

Manuscript ID.	: urbansci-2250011
Title	: A typology for urban landscape progression: toward sustainable planning mechanism in Kano metropolis, Nigeria
Authors
Submission date	:February 13, 2023
Revision date	:March 20, 2023
Round	: 2

REVIEWER 1 COMMENTS

	Details of Author’sRespond	Modification
Reviewer 1 Comments	Author’s Respond; Response, appeal etc., and mention
1. The English language still needs to be modified; minor spell check required	See modification in the revised manuscript. The English language has be modified/checked by native English speaker	-

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

In comparison with the last version, it has improved. The English language still needs to be modified.

Author Response

AUTHOR’S RESPOND/COMMENTS FORM

Manuscript ID.	: urbansci-2250011
Title	: A typology for urban landscape progression: toward sustainable planning mechanism in Kano metropolis, Nigeria
Authors
Submission date	:February 13, 2023
Revision date	:March 20, 2023
Round	: 2

REVIEWER 2 COMMENTS

	Details of Author’sRespond	Modification
Reviewer 2 Comments	Author’sRespond; Response, appeal etc., and mention
1. The English language still needs to be modified.	See corrections in the revised manuscript. The English language has be modified/checked by native English speaker	-

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

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A Typology for Urban Landscape Progression: Toward a Sustainable Planning Mechanism in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

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