Planning Public Space Climate Comfortability: A GIS-Based Algorithm for the Compact Cities of the Far North

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper makes an important contribution to urban planning in cold climates, especially with its innovative use of GIS by including climate considerations in public space design. The emphasis on enhancing connectivity in Yakutsk is relevant. However, the paper could be better improved by clarifying the methodology, results, and conclusion with a bit of more details. Below are some comments to consider:

1.      The introduction is good, as the authors link the issue to larger urban planning perspectives. However, adding a few more references to similar studies, could give them more context and help make them applicable to a wider range of situations. For example, the authors only mentioned the cases of the Netherlands and China in section 1.3 but they can add more examples even if these examples use different methods rather than GIS to provide the reader with better context.

2.      The methodology could be improved to make it easier to follow. For example, I would suggest a clearer, step-by-step more detailed explanation of the GIS data processing and algorithm would help readers who are less familiar with the software. This would include providing more rich and detailed subsections: data collection, data geoanalysis, and public space design.

3.     In section 2.4, I think it's important to expand the explanation of the WindChill Index and how it influences decisions on placing points of interest (POIs) which would enhance understanding for readers.

4.      The choice of specific time thresholds for isochrones (eg, 2, 5, 10 minutes) in section 3.1.2 -line 557- could use more justification. It would be helpful to explain why these particular time ranges were chosen, along with a clearer description of how intermediate POIs are selected based on discomfort zones.

5.      It's a good point raised by the authors to highlight some related social benefits of better connectivity, such as proposing cultural and recreational facilities as proposed in Stage 2 – Geodata analysis. However, when focusing mainly on physical connectivity, it overlooks some social factors like cultural preferences and raises safety concerns in these extreme climates. For example, the assumption that shorter travel distances will automatically encourage more public space use might not hold if residents still prefer staying indoors during this harsh weather. So, to make the study more relevant for decision-makers, it would be useful to study the potential social impacts of improved connectivity. This can be done as a validation step for the used approach through feedback from different groups of people. Additionally, discussing how pedestrian behavior varies -based on the analysis of the pedestrian networks, and pedestrian zones - in response to extreme weather conditions, that could offer a better understanding of how people use public spaces in reality. The authors can build on what they mentioned in lines 618-620.

6.      The conclusion is good in terms of summarizing the paper's contributions, but it would be even more helpful with more practical recommendations for urban planners. Offering further strategies, governmental policies, and explanations on how the GIS analysis can be integrated into current planning processes could make it more applicable and useful.

7.      while the findings are important, they are specific to Yakutsk. The authors need to show the applicability of the adopted approach in other study areas. Either by expanding the scope or suggesting ways to apply the proposed methodology in different contexts would make the study more broadly relevant and helpful for others.

8.      The paper lacks a discussion on the limitations and challenges of implementing the proposed methodology solution in the real world by highlighting the potential barriers, such as financial costs, regulatory challenges, or community acceptance, which would offer a more realistic perspective on the feasibility of the study. Additionally, further discussion is needed on future work, such as applying this methodology to other cities in Russia or the region by outlining the necessary procedures to implement it in these contexts.

Author Response

Comments 1: The introduction is good, as the authors link the issue to larger urban planning perspectives. However, adding a few more references to similar studies, could give them more context and help make them applicable to a wider range of situations. For example, the authors only mentioned the cases of the Netherlands and China in section 1.3 but they can add more examples even if these examples use different methods rather than GIS to provide the reader with better context.

Response 1: Thank you for the important clarification. Added links to research on the application of The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and tourism climate index (TCI). Also added a link to an extensive literature study from the Scopus database on urban microclimate and outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) in public places (lines 147-156).

Comments 2: The methodology could be improved to make it easier to follow. For example, I would suggest a clearer, step-by-step more detailed explanation of the GIS data processing and algorithm would help readers who are less familiar with the software. This would include providing more rich and detailed subsections: data collection, data geoanalysis, and public space design.

Response 2: Thank you for your comment. The methodology (Figure 6) was completed and described step-by-step in more detail.

Comments 3: In section 2.4, I think it's important to expand the explanation of the WindChill Index and how it influences decisions on placing points of interest (POIs) which would enhance understanding for readers.

Response 3: Section 2.4 adds a more detailed explanation of how the use of the WindChill index affects the selection of allowable dwell times on open street spaces (lines 456-460).

Comments 4: The choice of specific time thresholds for isochrones (eg, 2, 5, 10 minutes) in section 3.1.2 -line 557- could use more justification. It would be helpful to explain why these particular time ranges were chosen, along with a clearer description of how intermediate POIs are selected based on discomfort zones.

Response 4: The times were chosen according to the WindChill Index table for average and maximum values of temperature and wind speed. For average values of wind speed and temperature for the city of Yakutsk (-40 °C and 3.3 km/h), the maximum allowable time of staying outdoors before frostbite is 10 minutes. For maximum values of wind speed and temperature (-50 °C and 6.1 km/h) for the city of Yakutsk, the maximum allowable time of staying outside before frostbite is from 2 to 5 minutes (lines 597-601).

Comments 5: It's a good point raised by the authors to highlight some related social benefits of better connectivity, such as proposing cultural and recreational facilities as proposed in Stage 2 – Geodata analysis. However, when focusing mainly on physical connectivity, it overlooks some social factors like cultural preferences and raises safety concerns in these extreme climates. For example, the assumption that shorter travel distances will automatically encourage more public space use might not hold if residents still prefer staying indoors during this harsh weather. So, to make the study more relevant for decision-makers, it would be useful to study the potential social impacts of improved connectivity. This can be done as a validation step for the used approach through feedback from different groups of people. Additionally, discussing how pedestrian behavior varies -based on the analysis of the pedestrian networks, and pedestrian zones - in response to extreme weather conditions, that could offer a better understanding of how people use public spaces in reality. The authors can build on what they mentioned in lines 618-620.

Response 5: In the article (3. Results) were added the results of sociological surveys conducted within the framework of Yakutsk master plan development, fully disclosing social benefits for Yakutsk residents from increasing POI density and ensuring public space climate comfortability. Diagrams with the results of sociological research data have also been added to the article.

The Master Plan of the city of Yakutsk, developed by the Institute of General Plan of Moscow and approved in 2023, sufficiently discloses social and cultural aspects of life of Yakutsk residents (Fig. 10). Sociological research conducted as part of the master plan development (118 re-spondents were interviewed, including representatives of administration, scientific community and ordinary residents of the city) confirms that the main request of resi-dents, regardless of age, is to create public spaces and green recreation for the comfort of staying in the environment. The key request was to improve the appearance of buildings and public spaces, as well as to create accessibility infrastructure. New pub-lic spaces and green recreation for the comfort of staying in the urban environment also received the majority of respondents' votes. And being outdoors does not scare the residents of Yakutsk, they want to be in open spaces designed with the application of solutions to improve climatic outdoor comfort (windproof elements, increased density, etc.). The master plan also identifies a request from residents for the creation of all-season open public spaces. The inhabitants of the city are not afraid of their harsh climate, but perceive it as part of their cultural code and therefore seek not to hide from the manifestations of the harsh climate, but to adapt to it. The city residents want to develop cryo-culture and cryo-recreation as part of their cultural identity. Moreo-ver, the master plan proposes to develop the direction of cryo-logistics: new pedestrian and transportation links taking into account the climatic conditions of the Far North cities.

As a solution for the development of the city, experts suggest the creation of interconnected public urban spaces aimed at increasing their synergistic effect on the social, economic and tourist spheres of the city (lines 519-546).

Comments 6: The conclusion is good in terms of summarizing the paper's contributions, but it would be even more helpful with more practical recommendations for urban planners. Offering further strategies, governmental policies, and explanations on how the GIS analysis can be integrated into current planning processes could make it more applicable and useful.

Response 6: In Сonclusion, a paragraph is added that reveals the applicability of the developed methodology and algorithm in practical urban planning activities. It is also noted how the developed algorithm using GIS-analysis can be integrated into the current processes of urban planning, decision-making and planning (lines 811-815).

Comments 7: while the findings are important, they are specific to Yakutsk. The authors need to show the applicability of the adopted approach in other study areas. Either by expanding the scope or suggesting ways to apply the proposed methodology in different contexts would make the study more broadly relevant and helpful for others.

Response 7: The Сonclusion is supplemented by specifying the applicability of this approach for any cities of the Far North characterized by complex climatic conditions (lines 820-825).

Comments 8: The paper lacks a discussion on the limitations and challenges of implementing the proposed methodology solution in the real world by highlighting the potential barriers, such as financial costs, regulatory challenges, or community acceptance, which would offer a more realistic perspective on the feasibility of the study. Additionally, further discussion is needed on future work, such as applying this methodology to other cities in Russia or the region by outlining the necessary procedures to implement it in these contexts.

Response 8: Discussion is supplemented with references to studies on the complexity of urban development in the Far North. The conclusion also considers the proposed approach from the point of view of economic efficiency (lines 750-756, 816-819).

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

For me, the article is worthy of publication.

From the article, it is noted that the cities in the Far North of Russia face several specific climatic challenges regarding public space planning, specifically with respect to:
1. Extreme Low Temperatures: There is an indication that harsh cold could persist for about nine months of the year, making outdoor activities uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. This could affect the design and usability of public spaces, as prolonged exposure to low temperatures can deter people from using these areas as stated by the authors in the article.
2. Strong Winds: It was noted by the authors that the high wind speeds could exacerbate the discomfort caused by low temperatures, leading to a need for sheltered public spaces. Therefore, urban planners must consider wind patterns when designing public areas to ensure these provide adequate protection from the elements and this is well confirmed and emphasised by the authors.
3. Snow and Ice Accumulation: It was noted that heavy snowfall could obstruct pathways and public spaces, making them less accessible. Therefore, urban infrastructure must be designed to facilitate snow removal and ensure safe passage for pedestrians, and this is one of the points addressed by the authors.
4. Limited Daylight: It was also noted that during winter months, cities in the Far North experience significantly reduced daylight hours, which can impact social activities and the overall vibrancy of public spaces. This would cause the need for thoughtful lighting design to enhance safety and usability during dark hours as noted by the authors.
5. Poor Quality of Urban Infrastructure: The authors also noted that the existing urban infrastructure may not meet modern environmental requirements, leading to challenges in maintaining public spaces that are both functional and inviting.
6. Social Isolation: The authors also noted that the combination of harsh climatic conditions and inadequate public facilities can lead to social isolation, as residents may prefer to stay indoors rather than venture out into uncomfortable environments. Definitely, this poses a challenge for urban planners aiming to create vibrant, accessible public spaces that encourage social interaction

To address these challenges requires innovative urban planning strategies that prioritise climate comfort and enhance the usability of public spaces in these extreme environments, and the paper uses a GIS-based algorithm in the paper to address these observations and challenges.

To me, the paper:

- is relevant and aligns with wide academic and global discussion on sustainable urban development and climate adaptation;
- the article provides a thorough examination of the climatic challenges faced by these cities, from my view, and this approach helps to contextualise the need for highly improved space planning, and would be of interest to readers – far and wide;
- the introduction of a GIS-based algorithm for optimising the placement of interests is one of the strong strengths of this paper and this methodological innovation would definitely help provide practical solutions for planners (urban) and other necessary stakeholders;
- the aligns its findings with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11, which emphasises the importance of sustainable cities and human settlements. I believe that this connection also enhances the article's significance in the broader context of global sustainability efforts and could be widely accepted by academics and practitioners alike.

I will still recommend for the authors’ consideration and edits:
-  The corrections of grammatical errors and phrasings as some sections of the article contain those that should be corrected before the article is published;
- if there are any perspectives from stakeholders (residents, urban planners and policymakers) on the proposed tasks, their perspectives could be enhanced summarily added. However, the exclusion of this does not invalidate the concepts presented by the authors. Its inclusion would just add a holistic view.
- the paper places so much emphasis on the technological solutions without any relevance to social and cultural factors that also influence public space usage. I will recommend the addition of a section to address this limitation and how this could be addressed.

To me, the article presents a valuable contribution to the field of urban planning, particularly in the context of extreme climates and I will recommend its consideration for publication after making the minor modifications to the English usage where relevant and also to consider the three points above.

 

Note that this review or the previous ones submitted could be disregarded by the Editor should the Editor find them not necessary or useful.

Author Response

Comments 1:  The corrections of grammatical errors and phrasings as some sections of the article contain those that should be corrected before the article is published;

Response 1: The article has been reviewed again for grammatical errors and corrected.

Comments 2:  if there are any perspectives from stakeholders (residents, urban planners and policymakers) on the proposed tasks, their perspectives could be enhanced summarily added. However, the exclusion of this does not invalidate the concepts presented by the authors. Its inclusion would just add a holistic view.

Response 2: In 3. Results added information about the conducted sociological survey of the city residents and its results in the form of diagrams.  The social survey involved 118 respondents, including representatives of the administration, scientific community and ordinary residents of the city. The main request of Yakutsk residents is to create public spaces and green recreation for the comfort of staying in the environment, as well as to create all-season open public spaces taking into account climatic conditions (lines 519-546).

Comments 3:  the paper places so much emphasis on the technological solutions without any relevance to social and cultural factors that also influence public space usage. I will recommend the addition of a section to address this limitation and how this could be addressed.

Response 3: Social and cultural aspects of public space development taking into account climatic comfort are also considered in 3. Results. The sociological survey conducted during the development of the master plan reveals these aspects quite well. The inhabitants of the city are not afraid of their harsh climate, but perceive it as part of their cultural code and therefore seek not to hide from the manifestations of the harsh climate, but to adapt to it. The city residents want to develop cryo-culture and cryo-recreation as part of their cultural identity. Moreover, the master plan proposes to develop the direction of cryo-logistics: new pedestrian and transportation links taking into account the climatic conditions of the Far North cities (lines 519-546).

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study proposes a GIS-based algorithm to enhance public space comfort and connectivity in Far North cities by identifying optimal POI locations considering climate challenges. This is a very interesting topic, but as a scientific paper, there are some areas that need to be improved:

1. It is believed that the proposal of research questions will be more convincing if it can be considered by more diverse stakeholders (such as local communities, urban planners, and policymakers). In addition, this study explores urban development issues in the context of climate challenges, so how did this issue evolve?

2. Although there is a relatively sufficient literature review in this study, it is believed that if corresponding comparative analysis and discussion can be added, it will be more natural and logical in the study of gap.

3. As for the selection of research methods, it will be more convincing if a comparison with other relevant methods (such as agent-based modeling or machine learning techniques) can be given. In addition, it is suggested to further elaborate the advantages and limitations of this method.

4. For the selection of research data, open source geodata is mainly used in this study, but if we can add other data sources for analysis and comparison, we believe that we can have a more detailed understanding of the local situation.

5. In the results and discussion section, this research effectively links the research findings to the broader context of urban planning in extreme climates.  However, it is recommended that the case of Yakutsk be discussed in more depth, such as the cultural heritage of the city, to provide valuable insights. Further discussion of the implications of the findings on policy and management practice is recommended to provide useful reference for the case area and other similar areas.

Author Response

Comments 1: It is believed that the proposal of research questions will be more convincing if it can be considered by more diverse stakeholders (such as local communities, urban planners, and policymakers). In addition, this study explores urban development issues in the context of climate challenges, so how did this issue evolve?

Response 1: In 3. Results, information on the sociological survey of the city residents conducted in the process of developing the master plan of the city of Yakutsk and its results in the form of diagrams was added.  The social survey involved 118 respondents, including representatives of the administration, scientific community and ordinary residents of the city. The main request of Yakutsk residents is to create all-season public spaces and green recreation for the comfort of staying in the environment. The city residents perceive their harsh climate as part of their own identity. The city administration and urban planners propose to develop the direction of cryo-culture for tourism development and economic growth in the city (lines 519-546).

Comments 2: Although there is a relatively sufficient literature review in this study, it is believed that if corresponding comparative analysis and discussion can be added, it will be more natural and logical in the study of gap.

Response 2: The Discussion section is supplemented by a more comprehensive literature review with references to studies on urban development in the Far North and the challenges associated with it (lines 751-758).

Comments 3: As for the selection of research methods, it will be more convincing if a comparison with other relevant methods (such as agent-based modeling or machine learning techniques) can be given. In addition, it is suggested to further elaborate the advantages and limitations of this method.

Response 3: In Conclusions, a paragraph is added, revealing the optimality of GIS application for solving such problems, as well as comparing it with other technologies. The advantages of GIS and the possibilities of its integration with other innovative analytical tools are noted (lines 805-810).

Comments 4:  For the selection of research data, open source geodata is mainly used in this study, but if we can add other data sources for analysis and comparison, we believe that we can have a more detailed understanding of the local situation.

Response 4: We absolutely agree with this comment. At the moment we are planning to conduct field surveys for further studies of the territories of the Far North cities. In field surveys we plan to use Internet of Things and cloud technologies for quick and accurate export of collected data to GIS environment.

Comments 5: In the results and discussion section, this research effectively links the research findings to the broader context of urban planning in extreme climates.  However, it is recommended that the case of Yakutsk be discussed in more depth, such as the cultural heritage of the city, to provide valuable insights. Further discussion of the implications of the findings on policy and management practice is recommended to provide useful reference for the case area and other similar areas.

Response 5: In Results, in the paragraph about sociological research (fig.10), the importance of historical development and cultural heritage for the city residents is noted. Also, in the conclusion, a paragraph is added that reveals the applicability of the developed methodology and algorithm in practical urban planning activities. The paragraph notes how the developed algorithm using GIS analysis can be integrated into current management, urban planning, decision-making and planning processes (lines 519-546).

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf