Urban Science

20 pages, 6521 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of Coupling Coordination and Resilience in Regional Economies and Information Network Institutions: The Case of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Urban Agglomeration

by Mengyu Wang, Jianyi Huang and Yitai Yuan

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010066 - 22 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1029

Abstract

In the context of high-quality urbanization, a key challenge for urban agglomerations is the structural mismatch between economic linkages and rapidly expanding information interactions, which may constrain the performance of coupled systems under shocks. Taking the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration as a case, [...] Read more.

In the context of high-quality urbanization, a key challenge for urban agglomerations is the structural mismatch between economic linkages and rapidly expanding information interactions, which may constrain the performance of coupled systems under shocks. Taking the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration as a case, we construct an inter-city economic network from cross-city corporate investment ties and an information network from online attention flows, and further derive an economic–information coupled network using a coupling-coordination framework. Using social network analysis and resilience assessment (hierarchy, assortativity, clustering, and disruption simulations), we compare network structures in 2013 and 2023 and evaluate how the structural gap shapes coupled resilience. Results show that (i) economic ties strengthen steadily but moderately, whereas the information network expands faster and becomes more inclusive, widening the structural gap between “virtual” and “material” flows; (ii) despite a persistently high correlation between the two layers, coordination declines, indicating increasing local divergence in link organization; and (iii) resilience improves overall, but differentiation remains: the information network gains robustness through decentralization and redundancy, while the economic network is more sensitive to targeted removals of core nodes, and the coupled network exhibits intermediate performance. These findings suggest that enhancing BTH resilience requires strengthening cross-jurisdictional redundant links and reducing excessive dependence on core corridors to better translate information interactions into balanced economic connectivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Innovative Approaches in Geospatial Analysis and Modeling of Urban Environments)

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16 pages, 849 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integration of Electric Vehicles as a Sustainable Development Approach: The Case of Yerevan as a Smart City

by Nonna Khachatryan, Narine Mirzoyan, Armen Tshughuryan, Inessa Avanesova and Anna Hakobjanyan

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010065 - 21 Jan 2026

Viewed by 791

Abstract

The integration of electric vehicles into urban life is currently being implemented rapidly. However, the excessive integration of electric cars into urban environments creates several risks that impede their sustainable development. In this regard, it is relevant to systematize the integration processes of [...] Read more.

The integration of electric vehicles into urban life is currently being implemented rapidly. However, the excessive integration of electric cars into urban environments creates several risks that impede their sustainable development. In this regard, it is relevant to systematize the integration processes of electric cars supported by smart city tools. This study proposes a methodology for the sustainable development ecosystem of smart cities, enabling the measurement of both positive and negative results from the integration of electric cars, which can inform rational managerial decisions. This study utilized scientific abstraction approaches to establish a management framework for integrating electric vehicles into the smart city ecosystem. Comparative analyses of the impact of counterbalancing factors were conducted, and based on this, methodological approaches for determining the boundaries of the use of electric vehicles in smart cities were proposed. Full article

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25 pages, 7120 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Imaging Optics as Radiative Cooling Enhancers: An Empirical Performance Characterization

by Edgar Saavedra, Guillermo del Campo, Igor Gomez, Juan Carrero, Adrian Perez and Asuncion Santamaria

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010064 - 20 Jan 2026

Viewed by 2078

Abstract

Radiative cooling (RC) offers a passive pathway to reduce surface and system temperatures by emitting thermal radiation through the atmospheric window, yet its daytime effectiveness is often constrained by geometry, angular solar exposure, and practical integration limits. This work experimentally investigates the use [...] Read more.

Radiative cooling (RC) offers a passive pathway to reduce surface and system temperatures by emitting thermal radiation through the atmospheric window, yet its daytime effectiveness is often constrained by geometry, angular solar exposure, and practical integration limits. This work experimentally investigates the use of passive non-imaging optics, specifically compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs), as enhancers of RC performance under realistic conditions. A three-tier experimental methodology is followed. First, controlled indoor screening using an infrared lamp quantifies the intrinsic heat gain suppression of a commercial RC film, showing a temperature reduction of nearly 88 °C relative to a black-painted reference. Second, outdoor rooftop experiments on aluminum plates assess partial RC coverage, with and without CPCs, under varying orientations and tilt angles, revealing peak daytime temperature reductions close to 8 °C when CPCs are integrated. Third, system-level validation is conducted using a modified GUNT ET-202 solar thermal unit to evaluate the transfer of RC effects to a water circuit absorber. While RC strips alone produce modest reductions in water temperature, the addition of CPC optics amplifies the effect by factors of approximately three for ambient water and nine for water at 70 °C. Across all configurations, statistical analysis confirms stable, repeatable measurements. These results demonstrate that coupling commercially available RC materials with non-imaging optics provides consistent and measurable performance gains, supporting CPC-assisted RC as a scalable and retrofit-friendly strategy for urban and building energy applications while calling for longer-term experiments, durability assessments, and techno-economic analysis before deriving definitive deployment guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Resilience in Urban Areas: Exploring the Impact of Material Properties and Building Design)

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14 pages, 1372 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Organizational Transformation of Artificial Intelligence in Smart Cities: An Urban Artificial Intelligence Governance Maturity Model

by Omar Alrasbi and Samuel T. Ariaratnam

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010063 - 20 Jan 2026

Viewed by 838

Abstract

The transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in urban management is severely constrained by pervasive systemic fragmentation. While AI applications demonstrate high efficacy within isolated domains, they rarely achieve the cross-domain integration necessary for realizing systemic benefits. Our prior research identified this fragmentation [...] Read more.

The transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in urban management is severely constrained by pervasive systemic fragmentation. While AI applications demonstrate high efficacy within isolated domains, they rarely achieve the cross-domain integration necessary for realizing systemic benefits. Our prior research identified this fragmentation paradox, revealing that 91.5% of urban AI implementations operate at the lowest levels of integration. While the Urban Systems Artificial Intelligence Framework (UAIF) offers a technical blueprint for integration, realizing this vision is contingent upon organizational readiness. This paper addresses this critical gap by introducing the Urban AI Governance Maturity Model (UAIG), developed using a Design Science Research methodology. Distinguished from generic maturity models, the UAIG operationalizes Socio-Technical Systems theory by establishing a direct Governance-Technology Interlock that specifically links organizational maturity levels to the engineering requirements of cross-domain AI. The model defines five maturity levels across five critical dimensions: Strategy and Investment; Organizational Structure and Culture; Data Governance and Policy; Technical Capacity and Interoperability; and Trust, Ethics, and Security. Through illustrative applications, we demonstrate how the UAIG serves as a diagnostic tool and a strategic roadmap, enabling policymakers to bridge the gap between technical possibility and organizational reality. Full article

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51 pages, 7467 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Resilience and Fluvial Adaptation: Comparative Tactics of Green and Grey Infrastructure

by Lorena del Rocio Castañeda Rodriguez, Maria Jose Diaz Shimidzu, Marjhory Nayelhi Castro Rivera, Alexander Galvez-Nieto, Yuri Amed Aguilar Chunga, Jimena Alejandra Ccalla Chusho and Mirella Estefania Salinas Romero

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010062 - 20 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1071

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and climate change have intensified flood risk and ecological degradation along urban riverfronts. Recent literature suggests that combining green and grey infrastructure can enhance resilience while delivering ecological and social co-benefits. This study analyzes and compares five riverfront projects in China [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization and climate change have intensified flood risk and ecological degradation along urban riverfronts. Recent literature suggests that combining green and grey infrastructure can enhance resilience while delivering ecological and social co-benefits. This study analyzes and compares five riverfront projects in China and Spain, assessing how their tactic mixes operationalize three urban flood-resilience strategies—Resist, Delay, and Store/reuse—and how these mixes translate into ecological, social, and urban impacts. A six-phase framework was applied: (1) literature review; (2) case selection; (3) categorization of resilience strategies; (4) systematization and typification of tactics into green vs. grey infrastructure; (5) percentage analysis and qualitative matrices; and (6) comparative synthesis supported by an alluvial diagram. Across cases, Delay emerges as the structural backbone—via wetlands, terraces, vegetated buffers, and floodable spaces—while Resist is used selectively where exposure and erodibility require it. Store/reuse appears in targeted settings where operational capacity and water-quality standards enable circular use. The comparison highlights hybrid, safe-to-fail configurations that integrate public space, ecological restoration, and hydraulic performance. Effective urban riverfront resilience does not replace grey infrastructure but hybridizes it with nature-based solutions. Planning should prioritize Delay with green systems, add Resist where necessary, and enable Store/reuse when governance, operation and maintenance, and water quality permit, using iterative monitoring to adapt the green–grey mix over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Water Resilience: Integrated Strategies for Sustainable, Smart, and Healthy Cities)

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19 pages, 1329 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Heat and Cooling Demand: Tree Canopy Targets for Equitable Energy Planning in Baltimore

by Chibuike Chiedozie Ibebuchi and Clement Nyamekye

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010061 - 18 Jan 2026

Viewed by 634

Abstract

Urban heat and hardscapes increase cooling electricity demand, stressing power grids and disproportionately burdening deprived neighborhoods. While previous studies have documented the cooling benefits of urban tree canopy, most analyses remain at coarse spatial scales and do not isolate the canopy’s marginal effect [...] Read more.

Urban heat and hardscapes increase cooling electricity demand, stressing power grids and disproportionately burdening deprived neighborhoods. While previous studies have documented the cooling benefits of urban tree canopy, most analyses remain at coarse spatial scales and do not isolate the canopy’s marginal effect from built surfaces, limiting their utility for equitable neighborhood-level planning. We introduce a novel neighborhood-scale (census block-group, CBG) model to estimate cooling-season energy demand across Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Maryland. We quantify demand drivers and actionable tree-canopy targets while controlling for built surfaces. Correlation analysis shows demand increases with developed fraction and imperviousness, and decreases with tree canopy and other vegetated or water cover. Using an explainable monotone gradient-boosted tree model (SHAP) with controls for imperviousness and development, we isolate the canopy’s marginal effect. Demand reductions begin once the canopy exceeds ~11% in Baltimore City and ~23% in Baltimore County, with diminishing returns beyond ~18% (City) and ~24% (County). This flattening is strongest in highly impervious CBGs, while low-impervious county areas show renewed reductions at very high canopy (>55–60%), consistent with forest-dominated microclimates. Spatial hotspots cluster in Baltimore City and southern Baltimore County, where low canopy and high hardscapes coincide with elevated demand; 61% of City CBGs fall below the 18% threshold. We translate these findings into priority intervention tiers combining demand, hardscapes, jurisdiction-specific canopy thresholds, and an equity overlay, identifying 21% of City and 1.2% of County CBGs as high-priority targets for greening and energy-relief interventions. Full article

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19 pages, 2543 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multisensory Interactions in Greenway Plazas of Differing Openness and Effects on User Behaviors

by Zhaohui Peng, Wenping Liu, Mingjun Teng, Yangyang Zhang, Abdul Baess Keyhani and Pengcheng Wang

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010060 - 18 Jan 2026

Viewed by 439

Abstract

Spatial openness affects the subjective evaluation of soundscape, landscape, and thermal perceptions, leading to various restoration effects and recreational behaviors. However, the literature lacks studies investigating the effects of multisensory interactions under different levels of spatial openness in plazas on users’ behaviors in [...] Read more.

Spatial openness affects the subjective evaluation of soundscape, landscape, and thermal perceptions, leading to various restoration effects and recreational behaviors. However, the literature lacks studies investigating the effects of multisensory interactions under different levels of spatial openness in plazas on users’ behaviors in urban greenways. Thus, this study contributes to the enhancement of recreational experiences and the environmental design of urban greenways by examining the interaction between multisensory evaluations and recreational behaviors in greenway plazas with different levels of spatial openness. Three types of plazas (enclosed, semi-enclosed, open) were selected along an urban greenway to analyze interactions through in situ measurements, questionnaires, and behavior observation. The results showed that people rated the environment as the quietest and coolest in enclosed plazas, although the sound pressure level of these plazas was the highest. Furthermore, the visual evaluation (VE) was mostly correlated with acoustic evaluation (AE) in plazas with high openness, while the correlation effect between AE and thermal evaluation (TE) was only significant in enclosed plazas. In other words, AE was the key factor targeting the improvement in comfort in greenway plazas. Secondly, improving AE was more effective for stimulating the frequency of interactive activities in enclosed plazas, compared to improving TE. However, AE had a negative effect on the time that people were willing to spend on interactive activities in semi-enclosed plazas. Finally, these findings provide corresponding strategies for creating comfortable audio, visual, and thermal environments in greenway plazas with different levels of openness, as well as strategies for enhancing the recreational experiences of visitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Governance for Health and Well-Being)

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22 pages, 2612 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Walkability Index (DWI)—Enhancing Walking Equity for the City of Čačak, Serbia

by Ana Trpković, Sreten Jevremović, Nevena Marinković, Ranka Gajić and Svetlana Batarilo

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010059 - 18 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 945

Abstract

Walkability for non-motorized users is crucial for fostering inclusive, healthy, and sustainable communities. By prioritizing modern human-centered design principles, social equality is promoted for all categories of users, regardless of physical abilities or socio-economic status. Despite the importance of this indicator, a series [...] Read more.

Walkability for non-motorized users is crucial for fostering inclusive, healthy, and sustainable communities. By prioritizing modern human-centered design principles, social equality is promoted for all categories of users, regardless of physical abilities or socio-economic status. Despite the importance of this indicator, a series of inconsistencies that produce inadequate and inaccessible urban space can still be observed in cities. The aim of this paper is to present the methodology for the calculation of the walkability index at the local level. This new methodological procedure considers walkability for pedestrians, with a special focus on people with reduced mobility. Based on specifically defined criteria, initial calculations were performed and integrated into the dynamic walkability index (DWI). One of the main advantages of this index is that it includes the dynamic component of the share of different categories of users in the total sample, which enables simple time modification without repeating the entire procedure. The developed methodology can be used as a tool for ranking existing street segments according to the urgency of reconstruction, while on the other hand promoting equality and inclusion of all categories of users in decision-making processes, thus creating more comfortable and safer environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Urban Environments-Public Health)

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19 pages, 1098 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation-Based Evaluation of AI-Orchestrated Port–City Logistics

by Nistor Andrei

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010058 - 17 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1365

Abstract

AI technologies are increasingly applied to optimize operations in both port and urban logistics systems, yet integration across the full maritime city chain remains limited. The objective of this study is to assess, using a simulation-based experiment, the impact of an AI-orchestrated control [...] Read more.

AI technologies are increasingly applied to optimize operations in both port and urban logistics systems, yet integration across the full maritime city chain remains limited. The objective of this study is to assess, using a simulation-based experiment, the impact of an AI-orchestrated control policy on the performance of port–city logistics relative to a baseline scheduler. The study proposes an AI-orchestrated approach that connects autonomous ships, smart ports, central warehouses, and multimodal urban networks via a shared cloud control layer. This approach is designed to enable real-time, cross-domain coordination using federated sensing and adaptive control policies. To evaluate its impact, a simulation-based experiment was conducted comparing a traditional scheduler with an AI-orchestrated policy across 20 paired runs under identical conditions. The orchestrator dynamically coordinated container dispatching, vehicle assignment, and gate operations based on capacity-aware logic. Results show that the AI policy substantially reduced the total completion time, lowered truck idle time and estimated emissions, and improved system throughput and predictability without modifying physical resources. These findings support the expectation that integrated, data-driven decision-making can significantly enhance logistics performance and sustainability in port–city contexts. The study provides a replicable pathway from conceptual architecture to quantifiable evidence and lays the groundwork for future extensions involving learning controllers, richer environmental modeling, and real-world deployment in digitally connected logistics corridors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Urban Planning and the Digitalization of City Management)

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35 pages, 14790 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Interpretation Center for Conservation and Environmental Education in Ecologically Sensitive Areas of the Tumbes Mangrove, Peru, 2025

by Doris Esenarro, Miller Garcia, Yerika Calampa, Patricia Vasquez, Duilio Aguilar Vizcarra, Carlos Vargas, Vicenta Irene Tafur Anzualdo, Jesica Vilchez Cairo and Pablo Cobeñas

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010057 - 16 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1053

Abstract

The continuous degradation of mangrove ecosystems, considered among the most vulnerable worldwide, reveals multiple threats driven by human activities and climate change. In the Peruvian context, particularly in the Tumbes Mangrove ecosystem, these pressures are intensified by the absence of integrated spatial and [...] Read more.

The continuous degradation of mangrove ecosystems, considered among the most vulnerable worldwide, reveals multiple threats driven by human activities and climate change. In the Peruvian context, particularly in the Tumbes Mangrove ecosystem, these pressures are intensified by the absence of integrated spatial and educational infrastructures capable of supporting conservation efforts while engaging local communities. In response, this research proposes a Sustainable Interpretation Center for Conservation and Environmental Education in Ecologically Sensitive Areas of the Tumbes Mangrove, Peru. The methodology includes climate data analysis, identification of local flora and fauna, and site topography characterization, supported by digital tools such as Google Earth, AutoCAD 2025, Revit 2025, and 3D Sun Path. The results are reflected in an architectural proposal that incorporates sustainable materials compatible with sensitive ecosystems, including eco-friendly structural solutions based on algarrobo timber, together with resilient strategies addressing climatic variability, such as lightweight structures, elevated platforms, and passive environmental solutions that minimize impact on the mangrove. Furthermore, the proposal integrates a photovoltaic energy system consisting of 12 solar panels with a unit capacity of 450 W, providing a total installed capacity of 5.4 kWp, complemented by a 48 V LiFePO₄ battery storage system designed to ensure energy autonomy during periods of low solar availability. In conclusion, the proposal adheres to principles of sustainability and energy efficiency and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 8, 12, 14, and 15, reinforcing the use of clean energy, responsible tourism, sustainable resource management, and the conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Challenges and Solutions of Sustainable Development in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas or Social Fringe Zones)

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33 pages, 4974 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Enabled Sustainable Landscape Design: A Decision-Support Framework Based on “Generative-Critical” Multi-Agent

by Li Li, Xuesong Yang, Sijia Liu and Feiyang Deng

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010056 - 16 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1782

Abstract

Under the dual pressures of global climate change and accelerating urbanization, landscape design has been tasked with the critical mission of enhancing urban environmental resilience and ecological livability. However, conventional design practices often struggle to efficiently integrate complex sustainability norms with aesthetic creativity, [...] Read more.

Under the dual pressures of global climate change and accelerating urbanization, landscape design has been tasked with the critical mission of enhancing urban environmental resilience and ecological livability. However, conventional design practices often struggle to efficiently integrate complex sustainability norms with aesthetic creativity, leading to a disconnect between form and function. To address this issue, this study proposes and validates an AI-enabled sustainability decision-support framework. The framework is based on a “Generative-Critical” multi-agent workflow that enables “Self-Correcting” iterative optimization of design schemes through a built-in expert knowledge base and a quantitative scorecard. The framework’s effectiveness was validated through a cultural park case study and a blind evaluation by 10 experts. It guided a design from an initial concept with only aesthetic forms and lacking effective stormwater management, to an ecologically integrated scheme that strategically incorporated bioretention ponds at key nodes and converted hard plazas into permeable pavements. This transformation significantly elevated the scheme’s sustainability score from 59.3 to 88.0 (p < 0.001), while the framework itself achieved a high system usability scale (SUS) score of 85.5. These results confirm that the proposed “Generative-Critical” mechanism can effectively guide AIGC to adhere to ecological-technical norms and constraints while pursuing aesthetic innovation, thereby achieving a scientific integration of aesthetic form and ecological function at the early conceptual design stage. This study offers a scalable methodology for AI-assisted sustainable design and provides a novel intelligent tool for creating resilient urban landscapes that possess both environmental performance and aesthetic value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging -Scapes: Conceptual and Spatial Constructs in Architectural and Urban Studies)

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18 pages, 7295 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Right-Turning Vehicles’ Yielding Behavior for Crossing E-Bikes at Signalized Intersections

by Ting Ge, Tingting Hao, Sen Cai and Xiaomeng Wang

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010055 - 16 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1005

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the factors influencing right-turning vehicles’ yielding behavior for crossing e-bikes at signalized intersections to improve safety for crossing e-bikes. Videos of different intersections were obtained through manual video recording and drone aerial photography. Spatiotemporal information data for right-turning [...] Read more.

This study aimed to explore the factors influencing right-turning vehicles’ yielding behavior for crossing e-bikes at signalized intersections to improve safety for crossing e-bikes. Videos of different intersections were obtained through manual video recording and drone aerial photography. Spatiotemporal information data for right-turning vehicles and straight-through e-bikes were extracted through Tracker 6.0 software. Right-turning vehicle yielding decisions were categorized into three types: no yielding, decelerating to yield, and stopping to yield. Five potential variables influencing yielding decisions were selected: personal attributes of e-bike riders, traffic characteristics of e-bikes, traffic characteristics of right-turning vehicles, road characteristics, and right-turning vehicle–e-bike interaction influence characteristics. A multiple ordered logistic regression model was established to predict right-turn vehicle yielding decisions. Simultaneously calculating the OR (Odds Ratio) value reveals the likelihood of increased yielding probability under varying factors. For every one-unit increase in the number of crossing e-bikes, the yielding probability increases to 1.002 times the original value; for every one-unit increase in the average speed of right-turning vehicles, the yielding probability decreases to 0.406 times the original value; for every one-unit increase in the average crossing speed of e-bikes, the yielding probability increases to 1.737 times the original value. Compared with the straight + right-turn lane, a dedicated right-turning lane increases the yielding probability of right-turning vehicles to 4.2 times, and compared with not occupying a crosswalk, illegally occupying a crosswalk decreases the yielding probability of right-turning vehicles to 0.356 times. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing the safety of e-bikes crossing signal-controlled intersections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Traffic Control and Innovative Planning)

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21 pages, 626 KB

Open AccessArticle

Built Environment and Elderly Safety Risks in Old Residential Communities Under Urban Renewal

by Ziying Wen, Caimiao Zheng, Jian Li Hao and Shiwang Yu

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010054 - 15 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 701

Abstract

With China’s rapidly aging population, enhancing the safety and age-friendliness of existing residential communities has become a pressing need in the context of urban renewal. Based on empirical analysis of 146 questionnaires collected from aging communities in Jiangsu Province, this study examines how [...] Read more.

With China’s rapidly aging population, enhancing the safety and age-friendliness of existing residential communities has become a pressing need in the context of urban renewal. Based on empirical analysis of 146 questionnaires collected from aging communities in Jiangsu Province, this study examines how built environment factors influence safety risks and perceived security among older adults. The results show that public seating (F3), pedestrian pathways (F11), staircases (F1), lighting (F5), landscaping (F10), and outdoor animals (F12) significantly affect both actual safety risks and perceived safety. Insufficient lighting, uneven pathways, unstable seating, and unsafe staircases are the primary causes of falls, collisions, and abrasions, while issues such as standing water, overgrown vegetation, and stray animals further reduce residents’ sense of security. The findings indicate that improving elderly safety relies more on environmental visibility, accessibility, and spatial maintenance than on compensating for individual physical limitations. Therefore, interventions such as enhancing lighting, maintaining pedestrian routes, providing stable seating, and strengthening community management can effectively reduce risks and enhance perceived security. This study offers empirical evidence to guide age-friendly community renewal and provides policy insights for promoting safe, inclusive, and sustainable development in aging cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Governance for Health and Well-Being)

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26 pages, 2192 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Hybrid AHP–MCDM Model for Prioritising Accessibility Interventions in Urban Mobility Nodes: Application to Segovia (Spain)

by Juan L. Elorduy and Yesica Pino

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010053 - 15 Jan 2026

Viewed by 996

Abstract

Universal accessibility remains a critical challenge for effective public transport and urban equity. This study addresses the need for operational prioritisation tools by proposing a robust hybrid methodology to rank interventions at urban mobility nodes. The approach combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) [...] Read more.

Universal accessibility remains a critical challenge for effective public transport and urban equity. This study addresses the need for operational prioritisation tools by proposing a robust hybrid methodology to rank interventions at urban mobility nodes. The approach combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for integrating expert and participatory criteria weighting with four Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques (TOPSIS, VIKOR, COPRAS, and ARAS) to ensure solution reliability. Empirical validation, conducted on 30 bus stops in Segovia, Spain, confirmed the methodological soundness, evidenced by near-perfect correlations (ρ = 0.99) among the compromise and additive ratio models (TOPSIS–VIKOR and COPRAS–ARAS) and stability across over 85% of sensitivity simulations. The findings validate that the methodology effectively guides resource allocation towards interventions yielding maximum social impact and demonstrate its transferability to complex urban supply chain contexts, such as logistics microhubs. Ultimately, this replicable and adaptable model supports the transition towards more equitable, resilient urban systems, aligning directly with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supply Chains in Sustainable Cities)

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25 pages, 1534 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Quality of Life Indicators and Geospatial Methods Across Multiple Spatial Scales: A Systematic Review

by Panagiota Papachrysou and Christos Vasilakos

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010052 - 15 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1101

Abstract

Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional concept involving physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions. Therefore, it reflects not only individual well-being but also the overall well-being and sustainability of societies. Current approaches to QoL have expanded from purely economic or health-based indicators [...] Read more.

Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional concept involving physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions. Therefore, it reflects not only individual well-being but also the overall well-being and sustainability of societies. Current approaches to QoL have expanded from purely economic or health-based indicators to incorporate a range of multidimensional analyses at urban, regional, and national levels, with more recent emphasis on interlinkages between socio-economic and spatial factors. This research investigates how geoinformation methodologies, including remote sensing, spatial analysis, and machine learning, can be applied to assess QoL across multiple spatial scales. Through a systematic review and comparative evaluation, the study aims to identify which indicators, data sources, and analytical tools are used at each spatial level—from neighborhood and urban scale to regional and national levels. Emphasis was placed on understanding how methodological approaches vary across scales and how spatial resolution, data availability, and urban context influence the design and implementation of QoL assessment frameworks. The main objective was to establish a common analytical framework for evaluating QoL across different spatial scales. The review revealed that combining data, machine learning algorithms, and spatial analysis approaches in a common framework will enhance comparative and predictive capabilities beyond the state of the art, although it will face significant data heterogeneity challenges. Future research aims to develop consistent, multidimensional models supportive of policies fostering sustainability and spatial equity in urban and regional contexts. Full article

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47 pages, 3135 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Transformative Urban Resilience and Collaborative Participation in Public Spaces: A Systematic Review of Theoretical and Methodological Insights

by Lorena del Rocio Castañeda Rodriguez, Alexander Galvez-Nieto, Yuri Amed Aguilar Chunga, Jimena Alejandra Ccalla Chusho and Mirella Estefania Salinas Romero

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010051 - 15 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1308

Abstract

Urban resilience has emerged as a critical paradigm for addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change, rapid urbanization, and social inequality, positioning green public spaces as catalysts for social, ecological, and institutional transformation. This article presents a systematic review conducted under the PRISMA [...] Read more.

Urban resilience has emerged as a critical paradigm for addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change, rapid urbanization, and social inequality, positioning green public spaces as catalysts for social, ecological, and institutional transformation. This article presents a systematic review conducted under the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, examining how collaborative and community participation influenced transformative urban resilience in green public spaces between 2021 and 2025. A total of 6179 records were initially identified across ScienceDirect and MDPI (last search: July 2025), of which 26 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed, empirical, published 2021–2025). Methodological rigor was strengthened through the application of the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT, 2018) and confidence in qualitative evidence was assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach, enhancing transparency and reliability. Data extraction and synthesis followed a theoretical-methodological coding framework, allowing for the comparison of participatory strategies, typologies of green spaces, resilience dimensions, and applied instruments. The results show that multi-actor co-management, co-design, and community self-organization are the most frequent participatory strategies, while urban green infrastructure, pocket parks, and urban gardens constitute the predominant spatial contexts. Socio-ecological and social-participatory resilience emerged as dominant theoretical perspectives, with qualitative and mixed-methods designs prevailing across studies. Evidence synthesis through GRADE-CERQual identified seven key pathways—multi-actor co-management, Nature-based Solutions, community-based actions, social equity, cultural identity, institutional innovation, and planned densification—each contributing differently to resilience dimensions. Overall, the findings highlight that transformative resilience depends on deep, inclusive participatory processes, multi-level governance, and the integration of social, ecological, and cultural dimensions. Despite the heterogeneity of designs and unequal data adequacy, this review confirms that transformative urban resilience is a co-produced process grounded in community action, ecological sustainability, and collaborative governance. Strengthening underexplored areas—technological innovation, cultural resilience, and standardized methodological instruments—is essential for advancing comparative research and practice. Full article

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41 pages, 2683 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multilevel Governance of Urban Climate Adaptation in the European Union: An Overview

by Grazia Brunetta and Martina Caputo

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010050 - 14 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Europe is warming faster than the global average, making climate change adaptation a central concern for urban policy and planning. This article develops and applies an analytical framework to assess the maturity of multilevel adaptation governance across European Union Member States as of [...] Read more.

Europe is warming faster than the global average, making climate change adaptation a central concern for urban policy and planning. This article develops and applies an analytical framework to assess the maturity of multilevel adaptation governance across European Union Member States as of 2025. Governance is operationalised through eight dimensions: (i) National Adaptation Strategies/Plans; (ii) Regional Adaptation Plans; (iii) Local Adaptation Plans; (iv) Sectoral Adaptation Plans; (v) integration in National Urban Policies; (vi) adaptive content in Long-Term Strategies; (vii) adaptation relevance in climate laws; and (viii) participation in the Covenant of Mayors. The results reveal pronounced heterogeneity: many Member States have up-to-date national strategies but display incomplete territorial diffusion, weak legal anchoring, or limited urban policy standards. By linking auditable rules to urban-facing instruments, this study offers a practical tool for benchmarking governance capacities, prioritising reforms, and tracking progress towards integrated, multilevel adaptation systems that support resilient urban development across the European Union. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Urban Environmental Change, Resilience, and Adaptation: Integrative Approaches to Sustainable and Climate-Responsive Cities)

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30 pages, 3639 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tiered Evolution and Sustainable Governance of High-Quality Development in Megacities: A System Dynamics Simulation of Chinese Cases

by Zongyuan Huang, Liying Sheng, Miaomiao Qin and Xiangyuan Yu

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010049 - 14 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization, megacities have become crucial drivers of development. As the country with the largest number of megacities (seven in total), China is confronted with significant challenges such as population–resource–environment conflicts, which render high-quality development an imperative pursuit. This [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization, megacities have become crucial drivers of development. As the country with the largest number of megacities (seven in total), China is confronted with significant challenges such as population–resource–environment conflicts, which render high-quality development an imperative pursuit. This study employs a system dynamics approach to assess high-quality development in China’s megacities. It analyzes interactions among economic growth, technological innovation, environmental quality, and livelihood security under policy regulation, clarifying their evolutionary mechanisms and constructing a model to project the high-quality development index (HQDI) and coupling coordination degree (CCD) among subsystems. Findings reveal an upward trend in both HQDI and CCD across the seven megacities, with notable stratification. Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen form the top echelon, leveraging financial and technological resources, driven by science and green development. Guangzhou and Chongqing constitute the second tier, supported by regional integration and industrial clusters, while Chengdu and Tianjin form the third echelon via regional strategic transformations. In coordinated development, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou lead with multi-link synergy, whereas Chengdu, Chongqing, and Tianjin advance industry–ecology–livelihood coordination through regional strategies. This study offers insights for overcoming development bottlenecks, optimizing policies, and enhancing urban governance to foster a coordinated, high-quality development pattern. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Evolution and Sustainability in the Urban Context)

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18 pages, 3872 KB

Open AccessArticle

Liquefaction-Resistant Backfill Soil Using Slag and Dried Sludge

by Hiroyuki Ishimori

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010048 - 13 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Liquefaction in urban areas has repeatedly caused severe damage to infrastructure, including manhole uplift, road subsidence, and failure of buried utility lines, as evidenced by reports during major earthquakes such as the 1964 Niigata earthquake and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Although [...] Read more.

Liquefaction in urban areas has repeatedly caused severe damage to infrastructure, including manhole uplift, road subsidence, and failure of buried utility lines, as evidenced by reports during major earthquakes such as the 1964 Niigata earthquake and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Although natural sand has been widely used as backfill, excess pore water pressure leads to rapid loosening. This study evaluates slag–dried sludge mixed soil as a new liquefaction-resistant backfill that improves disaster mitigation while promoting resource recycling. Compaction, cone penetration, and shaking table tests were conducted with sludge mixing ratios of 0–30%, identifying 20% as optimal. Liquefaction in slag-only soil occurred at 1013 s (7 m/s²), whereas the 20% mixture delayed it to 1380 s (11 m/s²), increasing the acceleration threshold by 1.5 times and extending the onset time by 36%. Therefore, the acceleration required for liquefaction to begin was approximately 1.5 times higher, and the occurrence time was extended by approximately 36%. Also, the cone index reached 7750 kPa, exceeding the traffic load requirement of 1200 kN/m², while still allowing for sufficient permeability and workability compared to the use of natural clay particles. The improved backfill material proposed is promising as a sustainable urban infrastructure technology that simultaneously reduces liquefaction damage, improves the resilience of urban infrastructure, and reduces environmental impact through waste recycling. Full article

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19 pages, 1048 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental and Institutional Factors Affecting Renewable Energy Development and Implications for Achieving SDGs 7 and 11 in Mozambique’s Major Cities

by Ambe J. Njoh, Irene Boane Tomás, Elisabeth N. M. Ayuk-Etang, Lucy Deba Enomah, Tangwan Pascar Tah and Tenguh A. Njoh

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010047 - 12 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Mozambique’s rapidly urbanizing landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 11, which aim to ensure access to clean energy and sustainable cities. This study employs the HESPECT analytical framework—emphasizing Historical, Economic, Social, Political, Ecological, Cultural, and [...] Read more.

Mozambique’s rapidly urbanizing landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 11, which aim to ensure access to clean energy and sustainable cities. This study employs the HESPECT analytical framework—emphasizing Historical, Economic, Social, Political, Ecological, Cultural, and Technological dimensions of the energy context—to examine the factors shaping renewable energy transitions in Mozambican cities. The analysis reveals a dual dynamic: facilitating factors such as abundant solar and wind potential, expanding urban energy demand, and growing policy support; and inhibiting factors including deforestation-driven ecological stress, poverty, infrastructural deficits, and uneven access to technology and education. By linking renewable energy development to urban planning, service delivery, and social inclusion, the study underscores how energy systems shape the sustainability and livability of Mozambique’s cities. The paper concludes that advancing Mozambique’s renewable energy agenda requires targeted interventions to mitigate constraints while leveraging enabling factors to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance social inclusion, and accelerate progress toward guaranteeing clean and affordable energy to all (SDG 7) and livable, sustainable cities (SDG 11). Full article

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22 pages, 11988 KB

Open AccessArticle

Heavy Metal Pollution and Health Risk Assessments of Urban Dust in Downtown Murcia, Spain

by Ángeles Gallegos, Francisco Bautista, Pura Marín-Sanleandro, Elvira Díaz-Pereira, Antonio Sánchez-Navarro, María José Delgado-Iniesta, Miriam Romero, María-Felicidad Bógalo and Avto Goguitchaichvili

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010046 - 12 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Around eight million people—mainly in cities—die prematurely from pollution-related diseases; thus, studies of urban dust have become increasingly relevant over the last two decades. In this study, an assessment of heavy metal and metalloid contamination in urban dust was conducted in downtown Murcia, [...] Read more.

Around eight million people—mainly in cities—die prematurely from pollution-related diseases; thus, studies of urban dust have become increasingly relevant over the last two decades. In this study, an assessment of heavy metal and metalloid contamination in urban dust was conducted in downtown Murcia, Spain. The objectives were to evaluate the level of contamination and the associated health risks, both with a spatially explicit focus. One hundred and twenty-eight urban dust samples were collected, each from a 1-square-meter area, using plastic tools to prevent contamination. The dust was dried and weighed, then acid-digested before analysis via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Corresponding maps were then generated using a geographic information system. The elements analyzed in the urban dust (with their median concentrations, given in mg/kg) were As (2.14), Bi (14.06), Cd (0.38), Co (1.88), Cr (71.17), Cu (142.60), Fe (13,752), Mn (316.64), Mo (3.90), Ni (21.94), Pb (106.27), Sb (6.54), Se (4.34), Sr (488.08), V (28.05), and Zn (357.33). The sequence of median concentrations for the analyzed elements was Fe > Sr > Zn > Mn > Cu > Pb > Cr > V > Ni > Bi > Sb > Se > Mo > As > Co > Cd. The pollution assessment reveals that the city is moderately polluted. Using local background levels, the elements with median values exceeding the threshold for considerable contamination were As, Cu, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn. Using the global background level, the elements with median values exceeding the threshold for considerable contamination were Bi, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, Se, and Zn. The median value of the sum of the hazard index (1.82) indicates a risk to children’s health. The hazard index revealed that 43% of the sites pose a relative risk to children. In contrast to previous global studies, the present research provides a multi-scale assessment of urban pollution and health risks. Pollution is evaluated by metal, city, zone, and site, while health risks are assessed by metal, city, and site. We recommend a strategy for both local authorities and residents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Urban Mobility Analysis, Air Quality Modelling and Spatiotemporal Data Science for Urban Pollution, Health and Social Disparities)

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27 pages, 2838 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Empirical Analysis of Running-Behavior Influencing Factors for Crashes with Different Economic Losses

by Peng Song, Yiping Wu, Hongpeng Zhang, Jian Rong, Ning Zhang, Jun Ma and Xiaoheng Sun

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010045 - 12 Jan 2026

Viewed by 572

Abstract

Miniature commercial trucks constitute a critical component of urban freight systems but face elevated crash risk due to distinctive driving patterns, frequent operation, and variable loads. This study quantifies how long-term and short-term driving behaviors jointly shape crash economic loss levels and identifies [...] Read more.

Miniature commercial trucks constitute a critical component of urban freight systems but face elevated crash risk due to distinctive driving patterns, frequent operation, and variable loads. This study quantifies how long-term and short-term driving behaviors jointly shape crash economic loss levels and identifies factors most strongly associated with severe claims. A driver-level dataset linking multi-source running behavior indicators, vehicle attributes, and insurance claims is constructed, and an enhanced Wasserstein generative adversarial network with Euclidean distance is employed to synthesize minority crash samples and alleviate class imbalance. Crash economic loss levels are modeled using a random-effects generalized ordinal logit specification, and model performance is compared with a generalized ordered logit benchmark. Marginal effects analysis is used to evaluate the influence of pre-collision driving states (straight, turning, reversing, rolling, following closely) and key behavioral indicators. Results indicate significant effects of inter-provincial duration and count ratios, morning and empty-trip frequencies, no-claim discount coefficients, and vehicle age on crash economic loss, with prolonged speeding duration and fatigued mileage associated with major losses, whereas frequent speeding and fatigue episodes are primarily linked to minor claims. These findings clarify causal patterns for miniature commercial truck crashes with different economic losses and provide an empirical basis for targeted safety interventions and refined insurance pricing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Traffic Control and Innovative Planning)

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21 pages, 786 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Correlates of Perceived Safety: Natural Surveillance and Incivilities in Bayan Baru, Malaysia

by Aldrin Abdullah, Nurfarahin Roslan, Massoomeh Hedayati Marzbali and Mohammad Javad Maghsoodi Tilaki

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010044 - 12 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Perceived safety strongly shapes how residents use and experience their neighborhoods, yet evidence on how spatial and social factors interact in rapidly urbanizing Asian cities remains limited. This study investigates the role of natural surveillance, spatial connectivity, and perceived incivilities in shaping residents’ [...] Read more.

Perceived safety strongly shapes how residents use and experience their neighborhoods, yet evidence on how spatial and social factors interact in rapidly urbanizing Asian cities remains limited. This study investigates the role of natural surveillance, spatial connectivity, and perceived incivilities in shaping residents’ perceived safety in Bayan Baru, Malaysia, with fear of crime examined as a key mediating factor. A face-to-face survey of 300 adults measured five constructs: natural surveillance, spatial connectivity, perceived incivilities, fear of crime, and perceived safety. Data were analyzed using PLS-SEM in SmartPLS 4.0, supported by bootstrapping and predictive relevance tests. Results showed that natural surveillance and spatial connectivity increased perceived safety both directly and indirectly by reducing fear, while perceived incivilities undermined perceived safety through heightened fear. Additional interdependencies indicated that spatial connectivity strengthened natural surveillance, which in turn reduced perceived incivilities and reinforced perceived safety, though connectivity alone did not directly reduce incivilities. Mediation analysis confirmed fear of crime as a central psychological bridge linking environmental cues to safety evaluations. These findings highlight how the interplay of visibility, connectivity, and disorder shape perceived safety in Malaysian neighbourhood settings. Interventions should combine design improvements, maintenance of public space, and community engagement to reduce fear and strengthen everyday confidence in neighborhood safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization Dynamics, Urban Space, and Sustainable Governance)

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25 pages, 3934 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Heat Islands: Their Influence on Building Heating and Cooling Energy Demand Throughout Local Climate Zones

by Marta Lucas Bonilla, Cristina Nuevo-Gallardo, Jose Manuel Lorenzo Gallardo and Beatriz Montalbán Pozas

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010043 - 11 Jan 2026

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Abstract

The thermal influence of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) is not limited to periods of high temperature but persists throughout the year. The present study utilizes hourly data collected over a period of one year from a network of hygrothermal monitoring stations with a [...] Read more.

The thermal influence of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) is not limited to periods of high temperature but persists throughout the year. The present study utilizes hourly data collected over a period of one year from a network of hygrothermal monitoring stations with a high density, which were deployed across the city of Cáceres (Spain). The network was designed in accordance with the World Meteorological Organization’s guidelines for urban measurements (employing radiation footprints and surface roughness) and ensures representation of each Local Climate Zone (LCZ), characterized by those factors (such as building typology and density, urban fabric, vegetation, and anthropogenic activity, among others) that influence potential solar radiation absorption. The magnitude of the heat island effect in this city has been determined to be approximately 7 °C in summer and winter at the first hours of the morning. In order to assess the energy impact of UHIs, Cooling and Heating Degree Days (CDD and HDD) were calculated for both summer and winter periods across the different LCZs. Following the implementation of rigorous quality control procedures and the utilization of gap-filling techniques, the analysis yielded discrepancies in energy demand of up to 10% between LCZs within the city. The significance of incorporating UHIs into the design of building envelopes and climate control systems is underscored by these findings, with the potential to enhance both energy efficiency and occupant thermal comfort. This methodology is particularly relevant for extrapolation to larger and denser urban environments, where the intensification of UHI effects exerts a direct impact on energy consumption and costs. The following essay will provide a comprehensive overview of the relevant literature on the subject. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Building Energy Analysis)

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25 pages, 13506 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ultra-High Resolution Large-Eddy Simulation of Typhoon Yagi (2024) over Urban Haikou

by Jingying Xu, Jing Wu, Yihang Xing, Deshi Yang, Ming Shang, Chenxiao Shi, Chunxiang Shi and Lei Bai

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010042 - 11 Jan 2026

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Abstract

About 16% of typhoons making landfall in China strike Hainan Island, where near-surface extreme winds in dense urban areas exhibit a strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity that is difficult to capture with current observations and mesoscale models. Focusing on Haikou during Super Typhoon Yagi (2024)—the [...] Read more.

About 16% of typhoons making landfall in China strike Hainan Island, where near-surface extreme winds in dense urban areas exhibit a strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity that is difficult to capture with current observations and mesoscale models. Focusing on Haikou during Super Typhoon Yagi (2024)—the strongest autumn typhoon to hit China since 1949—we developed a multiscale ERA5–WRF–PALM framework to conduct 30 m resolution large-eddy simulations. PALM results are in reasonable agreement with most of the five automatic weather stations, while performance is weaker at the most sheltered park site. Mean near-surface wind speeds increased by 20–50% relative to normal conditions, showing a coastal–urban gradient: maps of weighted cumulative exposure to strong winds (≥Beaufort force 8) show much longer and more intense events along open coasts than within built-up urban cores. Urban morphology exerted nonlinear effects: wind speeds followed a U-shaped relation with both the open-space ratio and mean building height, with suppression zones at ~0.5–0.7 openness and ~20–40 m height, while clusters of super-tall buildings induced Venturi-like acceleration of 2–3 m s⁻¹. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed banded swaths of high winds, with open areas and islands sustaining longer, broader extremes, and dense street grids experiencing shorter, localized events. Methodologically, this study provides a rare, systematically evaluated application of a multiscale ERA5–WRF–PALM framework to a real typhoon case at 30 m resolution in a tropical coastal city. These findings clarify typhoon–city interactions, quantify morphological regulation of extreme winds, and support risk assessment, urban planning, and wind-resilient design in coastal megacities. Full article

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27 pages, 3384 KB

Open AccessArticle

Contested Atmospheres: Heritage, Selective Permeability and Political Affordances in the City

by Matthew Crippen

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010041 - 11 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 831

Abstract

This article examines how the same heritage or revival site can produce both welcoming and hostile atmospheres depending on the cohort, yielding selectively permeable environments that enable some groups while constraining others. Climatic volatility further shapes these encounters, as extreme weather has been [...] Read more.

This article examines how the same heritage or revival site can produce both welcoming and hostile atmospheres depending on the cohort, yielding selectively permeable environments that enable some groups while constraining others. Climatic volatility further shapes these encounters, as extreme weather has been shown to increase negative valence by making movement and access more difficult, especially for marginalized populations. Drawing on built-form analyses and political history—supplemented with interview data on everyday navigation and affective experiences in cities—the paper examines three cases: Cairo’s Tahrir Square, revivalist university campuses and Buenos Aires women’s marches. To explain why these locales produce varying atmospheres for different groups, the article draws on affordance theory—an empirically grounded account of valenced action possibilities that exist independently of any one observer yet remain harder for vulnerable populations to negotiate. These challenges often intensify around heritage and revival aesthetics, which can alienate outsiders, and are amplified by Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) elements, such as elevation changes, ornamental walls and other territorial cues. The study contributes to urban political ecology, especially scholarship on how aestheticized urban forms serve as instruments through which powerbrokers materialize dominance and produce uneven access to public venues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage and Urban Resilience: Integrating Sustainable Conservation)

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26 pages, 5591 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rating and Spatial Pattern Analysis of Human–Land Symbiosis Relationship from an Ecological Perspective: A Case Study of the “Five Poles” Urban Agglomeration in the Yellow River Basin

by Xue Zhou and Xin Tang

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010040 - 10 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 968

Abstract

The “Anthropocene” has witnessed unprecedented challenges to the sustainability of human development. Resolving the contradiction between humans and land and achieving coordinated development has become a pressing issue across many disciplines in the era of ecological civilization. This study adopts an ecological perspective [...] Read more.

The “Anthropocene” has witnessed unprecedented challenges to the sustainability of human development. Resolving the contradiction between humans and land and achieving coordinated development has become a pressing issue across many disciplines in the era of ecological civilization. This study adopts an ecological perspective to investigate the symbiotic relationship between humans and land in the “Five Poles” urban agglomerations of the Yellow River Basin. In this framework, ecosystem service value and human well-being are employed to quantify “human” and “land,” respectively. The Lotka–Volterra model is then applied as a structural analogy to quantify the dynamic interactions within this symbiotic relationship, treating ecosystem service value and human well-being as two interdependent systems with feedback mechanisms. For the “Five Poles” urban agglomerations in the Yellow River Basin, the ecosystem service and human well-being pressures, along with the symbiosis indices for the period 2011–2020, were calculated and categorized. The results were first subjected to a visual analysis to describe the spatial patterns. Subsequently, spatial autocorrelation analysis was employed to quantitatively investigate the clustering and heterogeneity of these patterns, thereby systematically elucidating the spatial characteristics of human–land symbiosis in the Yellow River Basin. The findings indicate that: (1) the human–land relationship in the Yellow River Basin has evolved from partial interaction to mutualism, reflecting improved coordination within the regional human–land system. (2) The evaluation of this relationship improved between 2011–2015 and 2016–2020. (3) High-evaluation areas have shifted from east to west, exhibiting distinct agglomeration characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Planning for Addressing Climate Change: Technologies, Innovations, Strategies and Modelling)

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12 pages, 319 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Does Vertical Density Affect Lung Cancer Mortality Differently for Men and Women?

by Yuval Arbel

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010039 - 9 Jan 2026

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Abstract

This study examines the relationship between lung and bronchus cancer mortality, vertical urban density, and smoking prevalence across 48 U.S. states from 1999 to 2022. Using 2034 state-year observations, skyscraper counts are employed as a proxy for vertical urban density, together with sex-specific, [...] Read more.

This study examines the relationship between lung and bronchus cancer mortality, vertical urban density, and smoking prevalence across 48 U.S. states from 1999 to 2022. Using 2034 state-year observations, skyscraper counts are employed as a proxy for vertical urban density, together with sex-specific, age-adjusted mortality and smoking data. A fully interacted empirical model identifies a non-linear, inverted U-shaped relationship between vertical density and lung cancer mortality for both men and women: mortality initially increases with greater vertical density but declines at higher levels, consistent with offsetting effects of environmental exposure and improved access to healthcare in highly dense urban environments. Importantly, the shape and magnitude of this relationship differ by gender. While smoking prevalence is strongly associated with lung cancer mortality for both sexes, mortality rates are consistently higher among males, and the marginal effect of smoking on mortality is more pronounced for men than for women. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for both non-linearity and gender heterogeneity when assessing the public health implications of urban form. Full article

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17 pages, 3122 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Waste Composition Associated with Online Food Delivery in Bangkok, Thailand, with Emphasis on Plastic Waste Management

by Yanasinee Suma, Chongrak Polprasert and Numfon Eaktasang

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010038 - 9 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1009

Abstract

The rapid growth of online food delivery in urban areas reflects changing consumer lifestyles, but it has also contributed to increasing plastic waste and challenges in waste management. This study investigated the composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) related to online food delivery, [...] Read more.

The rapid growth of online food delivery in urban areas reflects changing consumer lifestyles, but it has also contributed to increasing plastic waste and challenges in waste management. This study investigated the composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) related to online food delivery, consumer ordering behavior, and single-use plastic (SUP) generation in households in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Data were collected from 385 food delivery customers via online questionnaires. The results show that the proportion of plastic waste in MSW has increased, with 76.6% of participants reporting higher online food delivery usage. SUPs from food delivery, including non-essential items such as plastic films, spoons, and cutlery, were prevalent, and participants rarely selected green options to opt out of receiving them. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, including closed-loop management involving producers, platforms, consumers, and government. Policy recommendations include implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) for environmentally friendly packaging, providing incentives for merchants and consumers to reduce SUP, applying the polluter-pays principle (PPP) to users, and designing government policies to regulate SUP and improve plastic waste management. Full article

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16 pages, 929 KB

Open AccessArticle

Event-Scale Assessment of the Effectiveness of SuDS in the Quantitative Control of CSOs

by Roberta D’Ambrosio and Antonia Longobardi

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10010037 - 7 Jan 2026

Viewed by 623

Abstract

The European Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) promotes an integrated approach to water management, recognizing water as a shared resource and defining quality objectives. Within this framework, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) provide effective solutions to improve water quality, control runoff, mitigate hydrogeological risk, and [...] Read more.

The European Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) promotes an integrated approach to water management, recognizing water as a shared resource and defining quality objectives. Within this framework, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) provide effective solutions to improve water quality, control runoff, mitigate hydrogeological risk, and enhance urban resilience. This study investigates the application of SuDS for quantitative stormwater management in a 290-ha industrial district within the Metropolitan City of Milan. Using a synthetic design storm as a benchmark, the study provides event-scale evidence of the performance of SuDS under observed rainfall events, a topic often underrepresented in the literature. Two hydrologic–hydraulic models were developed using SWMM ver. 5.2: a baseline model representing current conditions and a design model integrating SuDS across 24 hectares. Simulations were performed for four rainfall events representative of typical conditions and for a synthetic 10-year return period design event. Results show that, under observed events, SuDS reduce total CSO volumes by 44% and peak flows by 47%, while decreasing overflow activation by around 11%, with the highest effectiveness during ordinary rainfall conditions. Compared with the synthetic 10-year design event, SuDS exhibit similar volume reductions but lower peak-flow attenuation and overflow frequency reduction, highlighting different system responses under real and design rainfalls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitigating Flood Impact in Urbanized Spaces Through Sustainable Strategies)

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