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This study assesses the Laguna District's spatial qualities in Gazimagusa. Gazimagusa is a coastal settlement that possesses long golden beaches. However, almost all sea fronts are closed to the public. There is both a physical and a visual barrier along the sea-shore. The Laguna District is the only area in the city, where the sea-shore is open to the public. Therefore, this district is an important area. In this study, three indicators and eleven determinants are used to assess the spatial qualities of the Laguna District. The indicators are natural and physical aspects as well as existing functions and activities in the district. In this research, the determinants are used in question form for assessing the spatial qualities of the Laguna District. The first part of this paper discusses some theoretical issues related to the significance of sea fronts in respect of coastal settlements and the spatial qualities of the coastal districts. Observation and physical analysis methods are used for assessing the spatial qualities. According to findings, some recommendations are given for improving the spatial qualities of the Laguna District.

Economic, socio-cultural and demographic changes in Famagusta have altered consumers’ shopping expectations; they expect good architectural quality as well as various functions and activities besides shopping. The concept of shopping has moved away from being purely a necessity towards being part of the urban lifestyle. Accordingly, recently developed shopping centres try to satisfy these new demands in a variety of ways. The new Lemar shopping centre in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus, is an example of such a centre. This study aimed to measure user satisfaction and identifies the impact of the Lemar shopping centre on the immediate local context by surveying 104 randomly selected consumers, local residents and shopkeepers. Statistical analysis of the resulting data was used to determine Lemar’s physical qualities, functions and activities as well as its general impact on its close urban context and the wider city. Survey data is supplemented with on-site observations. This study reveals that the majority of respondents perceive the shopping centre as a positive contribution to the area, as an attractive building with a contemporary style and pleasant indoor spaces. On the other hand, it has increased the traffic on the high street, the area has become more crowded and air pollution has increased. This study suggests that consumers’ and citizens’ viewpoints should be considered in planning decisions in order to contribute to the success of shopping centres.

This study investigates the relationship between medical tourism and city branding as the main purpose. To this end, two measurement scales (questionnaires) were designed and validated. The data obtained through the questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses as well as structural equation modeling via SPSS and LISREL. The study was done in the city of Shiraz which is a famous tourist destination worldwide and has high capacities in medical tourism as well. Participants included scholars and managerial staff in the fields of medical tourism and city branding. The results confirmed that the four underlying factors of medical tourism include medical facilities and services, doctors and staff, tourism factors and costs. Furthermore, city branding was confirmed to be comprised of three underlying factors including place and facilities, opportunities, and residents and culture. Finally, according to the findings from Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) method of assessment branding in shiraz it was found that medical tourism affects directly on city branding.

What can a special issue on sustainable and healthy housing contribute to the widespread ongoing debate? Well, there is a need for good examples, for successful strategies and for “stepping stones”, meaning that better practices are based on acquired experience. Also, the young generation has to be prepared for state-of-the art sustainable principles and products and not to treat them as innovations.