Urban Science

42 pages, 1353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Participation of Frail Older People with Functional Limitations Ageing Alone in Place in Italy, and Its Impact on Loneliness: An Urban–Rural Comparison

by Maria Gabriella Melchiorre, Marco Socci, Giovanni Lamura and Sabrina Quattrini

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060233 - 19 Jun 2025

Viewed by 407

Abstract

(1) Background: Older people ageing in place alone with functional limitations experience several difficulties in daily life, potentially hampering their social participation. This in turn could impact their perceived loneliness. This paper aims to investigate these issues based on findings from the IN-AGE [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Older people ageing in place alone with functional limitations experience several difficulties in daily life, potentially hampering their social participation. This in turn could impact their perceived loneliness. This paper aims to investigate these issues based on findings from the IN-AGE (“Inclusive ageing in place”) study carried out in 2019 in Italy. (2) Methods: The focus of this paper is on the Marche region (Central Italy), where 40 qualitative/semi-structured interviews with seniors were administered in both urban and rural sites. A content analysis was carried out, in addition to some quantification of statements. (3) Results: Older people are mainly involved in receiving/making visits, lunches/dinners with family members and friends, religious functions, walking, and watching television (TV). Overall, the more active seniors are those living in rural sites, with lower physical impairments, and with lower perceived loneliness, even though in some cases, a reverse pattern emerged. The results also indicate some different nuances regarding urban and rural sites. (4) Conclusions: Despite the fact that this exploratory study did not have a representative sample of the target population, and that only general considerations can be drawn from results, these findings can offer some insights to policymakers who aim to develop adequate interventions supporting the social participation of older people with functional limitations ageing in place alone. This can also potentially reduce the perceived loneliness, while taking into consideration the urban–rural context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural–Urban Transformation and Regional Development: 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 4614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of the Urban Green Space Index in Ecuadorian Cities Through Mathematical Modeling: A Territorial Analysis

by Andrea Damaris Hernández-Allauca, Jorge Gualberto Paredes Gavilánez, Sandra Patricia Miranda Salazar, Carla Sofía Arguello Guadalupe, Juan Federico Villacis Uvidia, Eduardo Patricio Salazar Castañeda, Vilma Fernanda Noboa Silva and Roberto Fabián Sánchez Chávez

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060232 - 19 Jun 2025

Viewed by 538

Abstract

The Urban Green Space Index (UGSI) is an indicator that measures the quantity, quality, accessibility, and distribution of green spaces in urban environments. This study focused on analyzing the UGSI in Ecuadorian cities through a multiple linear regression model, analyzing the UGSI from [...] Read more.

The Urban Green Space Index (UGSI) is an indicator that measures the quantity, quality, accessibility, and distribution of green spaces in urban environments. This study focused on analyzing the UGSI in Ecuadorian cities through a multiple linear regression model, analyzing the UGSI from both territorial and public management perspectives. Ecuador was selected as a case study due to the limited availability of research on urban green spaces in the country, despite its high ecological diversity and increasing urbanization. The model was used to explore relationships among various factors influencing urban green spaces. Government variables and key factors, such as budget allocations, were analyzed. The model revealed an inverse relationship between urban population size and per capita green space availability. In cities with 50,000 inhabitants, the average is 60 m² per person, which decreases significantly to just 5 m² per person in cities with 300,000 residents. This trend highlights the pressure of urbanization on green spaces and emphasizes the need for evidence-based urban planning to ensure equitable access and to improve quality of life. However, challenges such as the lack of updated data and opportunities for improvement in territorial planning were also identified. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 13196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Fare Evasion in Urban Bus Lines: Case Study of a Large Database Considering Spatial Components

by Susana Freiria and Nuno Sousa

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060231 - 18 Jun 2025

Viewed by 383

Abstract

This article presents a large case study of fare evasion on bus lines in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, a common problem in dense urban areas. Focus is put on geographic factors, and an analysis is carried out using a generalized spatial two-step [...] Read more.

This article presents a large case study of fare evasion on bus lines in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, a common problem in dense urban areas. Focus is put on geographic factors, and an analysis is carried out using a generalized spatial two-step least-squares regression (GS2SLS). The large database, spanning one year of fare evasion reports, made it possible to segregate the analysis according to type of day (workday or weekend) and time period (rush hours, nighttime, etc.). Results show that indeed the type of day and time period lead to considerable differences between the seven models analyzed. It was found that the number of inspection actions is the strongest predictor of evasion, with geographic factors also playing a role in predicting fare evasion. Consideration of this spatial component made it possible to find moderate evidence for dissuasive effects of inspection actions in some models and of pockets of evasive tendencies in other models, which appear in the statistical error term. Interestingly, and contrary to other studies, age was found to have almost no influence on the propensity to evade fares. From a managerial point of view, this study highlights the importance of running inspection actions systematically and closely monitoring their outcomes. From a more theoretical standpoint, it suggests further research on geographic factors is needed to fully understand spatial patterns of evasion. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Built Environment Perceptions and Female Cycling Behavior: A Gender-Comparative Study of E-bike and Bicycle Riders in Nanjing, China

by Yayun Qu, Qianwen Wang and Hui Wang

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060230 - 17 Jun 2025

Viewed by 358

Abstract

As cities globally prioritize sustainable transportation, understanding gender-differentiated responses to the urban built environment is critical for equitable mobility planning. This study combined the Social Ecological Model (SEM) with the theoretical perspective of Gendered Spatial Experience to explore the differentiated impacts of the [...] Read more.

As cities globally prioritize sustainable transportation, understanding gender-differentiated responses to the urban built environment is critical for equitable mobility planning. This study combined the Social Ecological Model (SEM) with the theoretical perspective of Gendered Spatial Experience to explore the differentiated impacts of the Perceived Street Built Environment (PSBE) on the cycling behavior of men and women. Questionnaire data from 285 e-bike and traditional bicycle riders (236 e-bike riders and 49 traditional cyclists, 138 males and 147 females) from Gulou District, Nanjing, between May and October 2023, were used to investigate gender differences in cycling behavior and PSBE using the Mann–Whitney U-test and crossover analysis. Linear regression and logistic regression analyses examined the PSBE impact on gender differences in cycling probability and route choice. The cycling frequency of women was significantly higher than that of men, and their cycling behavior was obviously driven by family responsibilities. Greater gender differences were observed in the PSBE among e-bike riders. Women rated facility accessibility, road accessibility, sense of safety, and spatial comfort significantly lower than men. Clear traffic signals and zebra crossings positively influenced women’s cycling probability. Women were more sensitive to the width of bicycle lanes and street noise, while men’s detours were mainly driven by the convenience of bus connections. We recommend constructing a gender-inclusive cycling environment through intersection optimization, family-friendly routes, lane widening, and noise reduction. This study advances urban science by identifying gendered barriers in cycling infrastructure, providing actionable strategies for equitable transport planning and urban design. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 25437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of the General Resilience of Social–Ecological Systems on an Urban Scale Through the Strategic Location of Urban Community Gardens

by Dovile Kukukaite, Miguel Ángel Bartorila and Claudia Gutiérrez-Antonio

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060229 - 16 Jun 2025

Viewed by 612

Abstract

Urban community gardens are spaces where human well-being is improved by generating ecosystem services locally, and the interactions between humans and the environment increase the resilience of social–ecological systems. Their advantages locally have already been demonstrated. Yet, their effects on larger scales are [...] Read more.

Urban community gardens are spaces where human well-being is improved by generating ecosystem services locally, and the interactions between humans and the environment increase the resilience of social–ecological systems. Their advantages locally have already been demonstrated. Yet, their effects on larger scales are not clear. According to the panarchy principle, a resilient subsystem may improve the resilience of a whole system. The complex interactions between different scales are one of the challenges in the search for resilience in urban systems. With this research, we provide conceptual interscalar leverage points in urban planning to foster resilience. We postulate that strategically located urban community gardens enhance the general resilience of social–ecological systems on an urban scale by applying a qualitative method to approach the general resilience of a place and the cartography of general urban-landscape resilience. We applied these methods in five urban segments of Queretaro, Mexico. The case study of the Mu’ta urban community garden helps us demonstrate the changes in its general resilience with the emergence of a garden. The results confirmed the resilience influences between the scales of locality, neighborhood, and city through the social–ecological overlap, spatial continuity, and heterogeneity in the density of landscape openness to engage socially and ecologically. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5664 KiB

Open AccessReview

6PPD and 6PPD-Quinone in the Urban Environment: Assessing Exposure Pathways and Human Health Risks

by Stanley Chukwuemeka Ihenetu, Qiao Xu, Li Fang, Muhamed Azeem, Gang Li and Christian Ebere Enyoh

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060228 - 16 Jun 2025

Viewed by 605

Abstract

In recent years, tires have become a prominent concern for researchers and environmentalists in regard to their potential threat of tire-derived pollutants (TDPs) to human health. Among these pollutants, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its oxidized form, 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), have been of primary interest due [...] Read more.

In recent years, tires have become a prominent concern for researchers and environmentalists in regard to their potential threat of tire-derived pollutants (TDPs) to human health. Among these pollutants, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and its oxidized form, 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), have been of primary interest due their ubiquity in urban environments, and their potential negative effects on human health. This review provides a summary of human health implications of TDPs, including 6PPD and 6PPD-Q. For the methodology, datasets were collected from the literature sources, including sources, formations and ecological effects of these pollutants, and pathways of human exposure and public health significance. Urban soils are key for services including carbon storage, water filtration, and nutrient cycling, underpinning urban ecosystem resilience. Soil degradation through compaction, sealing, and pollution, particularly by pollutants from tire wear, destroys these functions, however. These pollutants disturb the soil microbial communities, leading to a loss of diversity, an increase in pathogenic species, and changes in metabolism, which in turn can impact human health by increasing disease transmission and diseases of the respiratory systems. Incorporating green-infrastructure practices can enhance the ecosystem service potentials of urban soils and contribute to sustainable, climate-resilient urban city development. These findings underscore the pressing need for a coordinated international campaign to study chronic health effects and science informed policy frameworks to address this ubiquitous environmental health concern—an issue that crosses urban water quality, environmental justice, and global management of tire pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Land Resource and Environmental Governance for Future Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Territorial Unit of the Urban Structure of Cities—The Urbocell

by Liucijus Dringelis and Evaldas Ramanauskas

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060227 - 16 Jun 2025

Viewed by 514

Abstract

One of the most significant factors shaping the formation of new urban structures is climate change—including global warming and the associated emerging issues—heatwaves, storms, hurricanes, floods, droughts, fires and others. In recent times, new threats have emerged, including war risks, radiation, pandemics and [...] Read more.

One of the most significant factors shaping the formation of new urban structures is climate change—including global warming and the associated emerging issues—heatwaves, storms, hurricanes, floods, droughts, fires and others. In recent times, new threats have emerged, including war risks, radiation, pandemics and other potential factors, whose devastating consequences are no less severe than those of climate change. Concerning these and other potential threats, this work aims to develop a new, sustainable urban structure element—a territorial unit or complex to be used in creating a new city planning framework. The formation of this sustainable urban unit or complex is based on three fundamental sustainability principles—social, ecological and economic—the harmonious interaction of which can enable the creation of a safe, healthy and convenient urban environment for living, working and leisure. Such a structural urban complex would consist of a group of neighbourhoods with various building densities, enclosed by public transport streets that integrate the complex into the city’s overall spatial structure. To support the complex’s functioning, a structural element—a green core—is planned at its centre, serving as a space for residents’ recreation, protection from various threats and social interaction. Given that this technical, structural and urban territorial unit, in terms of its autonomous functionality, structure, composition, significance and other characteristics, is identical to a natural cell, it is proposed (based on the principles of bionics) to name this structural urban territorial unit an ‘urban cell’ or ‘urbocell’ for semantic clarity. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1532 KiB

Open AccessReview

Climate Justice and Heat Inequity in Poor Urban Communities: The Lens of Transitional Justice, Green Climate Gentrification, and Adaptation Praxis

by Maxwell Fobi Kontor, Andre Brown and José Rafael Núñez Collado

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060226 - 13 Jun 2025

Viewed by 616

Abstract

Urban heat stress is becoming increasingly urgent, yet it remains understudied within the broader intersection of climate change and spatial justice. While urban climate scholarship has largely focused on climatic impacts such as flooding, rising sea levels, and prolonged droughts, the socio-spatial lens [...] Read more.

Urban heat stress is becoming increasingly urgent, yet it remains understudied within the broader intersection of climate change and spatial justice. While urban climate scholarship has largely focused on climatic impacts such as flooding, rising sea levels, and prolonged droughts, the socio-spatial lens of urban heat in marginalised and low-income urban communities has received limited attention. This article, grounded in a systematic review of the global literature, foregrounds the mechanisms through which heat functions as a site of socio-environmental injustice. We argue that fragmented urban morphologies, entrenched spatial inequalities, and uneven adaptation strategies collectively produce and sustain heat vulnerability. The article identifies three interrelated conceptual framings that elucidate the production and persistence of heat inequity: transitional injustice, green climate gentrification, and intersectional adaptation praxis. These lenses reveal how heat risk is differentially distributed, governed, and experienced with broader discourses of urban marginalisation, environmental dispossession, and epistemic exclusion. We contend that advancing climate justice in the context of urban heat requires moving beyond technocratic and elite-oriented adaptation, toward multi-scalar planning paradigms that recognise embodied vulnerability, structural inequality, and the socio-political ecologies of thermal exposure. By theorising urban heat through the lens of climate justice, this article contributes to a more expansive and critical understanding of urban climate risk, one that situates heat inequity within the broader structures of power, governance, and spatial exclusion shaping contemporary urban environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Urban Sustainability and Well-Being in Developing Regions Facing Climate Change Impacts and Economic Constraints)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 8335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contamination, Ecotoxicological Risks, and Sources of Potentially Toxic Elements in Roadside Dust Along Lahore–Islamabad Motorway (M-2), Pakistan

by Ibrar Hayat, Wajid Ali, Said Muhammad, Muhammad Nafees, Abdur Raziq, Imran Ud Din, Jehanzeb Khan and Shahid Iqbal

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060225 - 13 Jun 2025

Viewed by 968

Abstract

The Lahore–Islamabad Motorway (M-2) is a critical transportation corridor in Pakistan, where contamination in roadside dust by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) presents potential environmental and health concerns. This study evaluates the concentration, spatial distribution, and ecological risks of PTEs (Mn, Ni, Cr, Cu, [...] Read more.

The Lahore–Islamabad Motorway (M-2) is a critical transportation corridor in Pakistan, where contamination in roadside dust by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) presents potential environmental and health concerns. This study evaluates the concentration, spatial distribution, and ecological risks of PTEs (Mn, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ag, Fe) in road dust along the M-2. PTE concentrations were determined using standard protocols and by analysis using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The findings indicate substantial variability in metal concentrations, with Fe (CV% = 9.35%) and Pb (CV% = 7.06%) displaying the highest consistency, whereas Ni exhibited the greatest fluctuation (CV% = 168.80%). Contamination factor analysis revealed low to moderate contamination for Ni and Fe, while Zn contamination was significant in 60% of samples. Cr and Cd exhibited persistently high contamination, and Pb was uniformly elevated across all locations. Ecological risk assessment categorized Ni, Zn, and Cu as low-risk elements, while Pb posed a substantial risk. Cd concentrations indicated high to extreme ecological hazards, emphasizing the necessity for urgent mitigation measures. Factor analysis suggested an interaction of various sources, including industrial, vehicular emissions, and construction materials. Strengthened pollution control strategies and systematic monitoring are essential for mitigating contamination and ensuring environmental sustainability along the motorway. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 5025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Historical Urban Spaces for Managed Aquifer Recharge as a Tool to Support Sustainable Urban Development in Warsaw, Poland

by Joanna Trzeciak and Sebastian Zabłocki

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060224 - 13 Jun 2025

Viewed by 394

Abstract

In the context of progressing climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, there is a growing need for effective strategies to mitigate their impacts. One such strategy involves the implementation of tools aimed at sustainable rainfall management at the site [...] Read more.

In the context of progressing climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, there is a growing need for effective strategies to mitigate their impacts. One such strategy involves the implementation of tools aimed at sustainable rainfall management at the site of precipitation. This study focuses on assessing the state of the water environment as a prerequisite for introducing sustainable Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) practices in urban areas. The research was conducted in the historic district of Warsaw, Poland. A comprehensive methodological approach was employed, including field and laboratory measurements of soil moisture and electrical conductivity (EC), vadose zone hydraulic conductivity, spring discharge rates, and analytical calculations based on climatic data. These were supplemented by groundwater flow modeling to estimate infiltration rates. The study showed that the infiltration rate in the aquifer is low—only 4.4% of the average annual precipitation. This is primarily due to limited green space coverage and high surface runoff, as well as high potential evaporation rates and low soil permeability in the vadose zone. A positive water balance and infiltration were observed only in December and January, as indicated by increased soil moisture and decreased EC values. A multi-criteria spatial analysis identified priority zones for the installation of retention infrastructure aimed at enhancing effective infiltration and improving the urban water balance. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in urban water management to support climate resilience and sustainable development goals. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 5352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Events and Festivals as Strategic Tools for Understanding and Assessing the Symbolic Reconfiguration of the World Urban System

by Roberto Díez-Pisonero

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060223 - 13 Jun 2025

Viewed by 622

Abstract

The growing importance of the symbolic dimension in urban globalisation has led cities to compete not only in economic terms, but also in cultural and symbolic arenas. In this context, events and festivals have emerged as strategic tools for building reputation, attracting global [...] Read more.

The growing importance of the symbolic dimension in urban globalisation has led cities to compete not only in economic terms, but also in cultural and symbolic arenas. In this context, events and festivals have emerged as strategic tools for building reputation, attracting global audiences, and projecting soft power. This study introduces an updated version of the Synthetic Index of Events and Festivals (SIEF), which evaluates the positioning of 150 cities based on their capacity to host significant cultural and sporting events. Using a multi-methodological approach that combines an extensive literature review with a statistical analysis of data from various international organisations, the findings reveal a complex urban hierarchy. Globally multifunctional cities coexist with secondary or globalising ones that gain symbolic visibility through thematic specialisation. This study also identifies synergies between different event types and provides evidence of thematic clusters within the global urban network. The results underscore the importance of incorporating cultural indicators into global urban studies and position events as a privileged lens through which to examine the symbolic reconfiguration of the contemporary urban system. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Urban Layout, Façade Orientation, and Façade Height on Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) Availability in a Dense Residential Area: A Dynamic Analysis in Shanghai

by Xi Zhang, Jiangtao Du and Steve Sharples

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060222 - 13 Jun 2025

Viewed by 531

Abstract

Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) is critical for sustaining plant growth in the ground and on building surfaces, but how to accurately predict PAR availability in a complex urban environment can be a challenge. Using an advanced ray-tracing software (Radiance 4.0) and local weather [...] Read more.

Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) is critical for sustaining plant growth in the ground and on building surfaces, but how to accurately predict PAR availability in a complex urban environment can be a challenge. Using an advanced ray-tracing software (Radiance 4.0) and local weather data, this study presents a dynamic analysis of the effects of layout, façade orientation and height on PAR availability in four high density residential areas in Shanghai city, China. A metric system was also adopted using three light level requirements of outdoor plants (low, medium, high light levels). Key findings included: (1) the urban layout with the highest ratio of building height to north–south facing adjacent building separation achieved the higher levels of PAR availability for low/medium light level plants and the lower levels of PAR availability for high-light plants for middle and low façades and the ground, while high façades in all layouts could see similar PAR availability for all plants. (2) The PAR availability for low/medium-light plants decreased with the increasing façade height, while the PAR availability for high-light plants showed the opposite trend. (3) The north façade and its ground had higher levels of PAR availability for low/medium-light plants and lower levels of PAR availability for high-light plants than other façades. (4) All layouts offered more opportunities to apply high-light and medium-light plants at façades and the ground. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urbanization, Regional Planning and Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Environment and Momentary Psychological States: A Micro-Scale Study on a University Campus with Network Analysis

by Fanxi Wang and Feng Qi

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060221 - 13 Jun 2025

Viewed by 403

Abstract

Urban environmental settings influence human psychological states, contributing to varying mental health outcomes. This study examines the relationships between objective environmental features and psychological states at a fine scale. Using a geo-enabled survey tool, we collected data on individuals’ perceptions of their immediate [...] Read more.

Urban environmental settings influence human psychological states, contributing to varying mental health outcomes. This study examines the relationships between objective environmental features and psychological states at a fine scale. Using a geo-enabled survey tool, we collected data on individuals’ perceptions of their immediate environment within their daily activity space on an urban university campus. The psychological assessment included emotional and affective states such as perceived stress, fatigue, and happiness. Objective environmental properties were derived from high-resolution imagery to analyze the association between environmental settings and psychological responses. The data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation, moderated multiple regression, and partial correlation networks. Our findings revealed that beneficial psychological states were positively associated with the quantity of natural elements in the immediate environment such as trees, water, and grass. Conversely, negative psychological states were positively associated with barren areas, parking lots, buildings, and artificial surfaces. These relationships were not significantly moderated by gender or ethnicity in our experiment. The interconnections of psychological states show distinct patterns in three different environmental settings, which are a mostly green environment, a mixed environment with green and artificial elements, and a mostly artificial environment. A difference in such interconnections between males and females has been observed. These results highlight the complex interplay between environmental features and mental state networks. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2544 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Socio-Demographic and Local Sustainability Indicators: Implications for Urban Health and Children’s Vulnerability in Henequén Neighborhood in Cartagena, Colombia

by Irina P. Tirado-Ballestas, Jorge L. Gallego, Rohemi Zuluaga-Ortiz, Vladimir Roa-Pérez, Alejandro Silva-Cortés, María C. Sarmiento and Enrique J. De la Hoz-Domínguez

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060220 - 13 Jun 2025

Viewed by 805

Abstract

This study integrates socio-demographic factors and local sustainability indicators to assess their implications for public health and social vulnerability in the Henequén neighborhood of Cartagena, Colombia. This historically marginalized community, primarily composed of women and displaced families, faces chronic exposure to environmental contaminants [...] Read more.

This study integrates socio-demographic factors and local sustainability indicators to assess their implications for public health and social vulnerability in the Henequén neighborhood of Cartagena, Colombia. This historically marginalized community, primarily composed of women and displaced families, faces chronic exposure to environmental contaminants due to its past as a municipal landfill. Poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and inadequate access to water and sanitation services exacerbate health risks. Additionally, low educational attainment and limited economic opportunities contribute to cycles of poverty and illicit activities, disproportionately affecting children’s development. Using a cross-sectional and correlational approach, the study identifies key variables, such as housing conditions, access to basic services, and marital status, that shape social vulnerability. The findings are analyzed in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The study highlights critical gaps in sustainability efforts and provides a framework for assessing local progress toward achieving these global development objectives. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1385 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Normative Pluralism and Socio-Environmental Vulnerability in Cameroon: A Literature Review of Urban Land Policy Issues and Challenges

by Idiatou Bah and Roussel Lalande Teguia Kenmegne

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060219 - 12 Jun 2025

Viewed by 684

Abstract

African cities are experiencing rapid, unregulated growth, characterized by high land pressure and growing demand for housing and urban infrastructure. New arrivals often settle in vulnerable areas (wetlands, hills, flood) where land is cheaper and unregulated by public authorities. This type of settlement [...] Read more.

African cities are experiencing rapid, unregulated growth, characterized by high land pressure and growing demand for housing and urban infrastructure. New arrivals often settle in vulnerable areas (wetlands, hills, flood) where land is cheaper and unregulated by public authorities. This type of settlement is accompanied by numerous land conflicts, exacerbated by the coexistence of formal and customary land tenure systems, which struggle to harmonize. In this context, public land regulation policies often remain centralized and ill-adapted, revealing their limitations in ensuring equitable and sustainable management of urban land. Faced with this gap, our systematic study explores the socio-environmental dynamics of this normative pluralism in land governance within Cameroonian cities. Our findings highlight the tensions and opportunities of this complex coexistence, which vary significantly according to city size (small, medium, and large), the colonial heritage (Francophone and Anglophone), and the dominant legal framework (civil law and common law). The analysis highlights the need to take into account historical, linguistic, and politico-administrative roots, which profoundly influence local forms of the institutionalization of normative pluralism and the associated socio-environmental vulnerabilities. This normative plurality underlines the importance of a hybrid system of land governance capable of integrating local specificities while ensuring land security for all. Future research will include comparisons with other African countries in order to understand transferable mechanisms for better land governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Land Resource and Environmental Governance for Future Cities)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 23651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A GIS-Based Multi-Tier Framework for Assessing the Ecological Potential of Urban Vacant Land

by Izyan Ayuni Mohamad Selamat, Sreetheran Maruthaveeran, Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof and Mohd Fairuz Shahidan

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060218 - 12 Jun 2025

Viewed by 609

Abstract

Urban vacant land possesses significant yet untapped ecological potential (capacity to support biodiversity, ecological processes, and ecosystem functions) for enhancing urban sustainability and resilience. However, the absence of structured and adaptable frameworks for ecological assessment limits its effective integration into urban planning. This [...] Read more.

Urban vacant land possesses significant yet untapped ecological potential (capacity to support biodiversity, ecological processes, and ecosystem functions) for enhancing urban sustainability and resilience. However, the absence of structured and adaptable frameworks for ecological assessment limits its effective integration into urban planning. This study introduces a novel multi-tier ecological assessment framework, combining expert-driven criteria established through the Fuzzy Delphi Method with GIS-based spatial analysis. The framework ensures flexibility and scalability, enabling planners to perform rapid preliminary assessments and progressively detailed evaluations depending on available resources and specific planning objectives. A case study in Sentul-Manjalara, Kuala Lumpur, demonstrates the framework’s practical application, resulting in an ecological potential map categorising vacant parcels into high, medium, and low revitalisation priorities. This approach effectively connects theoretical ecological insights and actionable urban planning, providing policymakers and planners with an evidence-based decision-making tool for strategically prioritising vacant land revitalisation efforts. The outcome enhances urban biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and long-term urban resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Urban Ecological Environment Protection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1108 KiB

Open AccessReview

Urban Sustainability in Construction: A Comparative Review of Waste Management Practices in Developed Nations

by Tony Hadibarata and Risky Ayu Kristanti

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060217 - 12 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1081

Abstract

The development of the construction industry in Hong Kong and the UK has long played a vital role in economic development, advanced or otherwise, but has also brought formidable environmental challenges, particularly in terms of the huge volume of waste generated. This review [...] Read more.

The development of the construction industry in Hong Kong and the UK has long played a vital role in economic development, advanced or otherwise, but has also brought formidable environmental challenges, particularly in terms of the huge volume of waste generated. This review paper puts under scrutiny the environmental management practices and green materials and technologies adoption in the construction industries of two developed regions, Hong Kong and the UK, the main objective being to compare their approaches to construction waste management and assess the level to which they have adopted sustainable practices. This review recognizes construction waste as a major contributor to environmental degradation and indicates the on-site waste reduction according to waste hierarchy as adopted by both regions. Major findings are that effective environmental management practices, such as resource optimization, waste minimization, and pollution prevention, are also enforced through legislation and fiscal policies. The use of eco-concrete, plastic wood, and recycled steel, together with high-tech roofs and solar panels, shows a move toward sustainable and energy-saving building that is taking root more and more. This paper highlights the need for policies and innovation in promoting sustainable building. Future studies should look into the green techs’ long-term performance, cross-area policy spread, and how digital tools help maximize waste and create sustainably. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Greenprint: A Decision Support Tool for Optimizing Urban Forest Strategies in Sustainable Cities

by Marco di Cristofaro, Federico Valerio Moresi, Mauro Maesano, Bruno Lasserre and Giuseppe Scarascia-Mugnozza

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060216 - 11 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1308

Abstract

Urban forests (UFs) play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, but their management presents complex trade-offs between environmental, economic, and social aspects. We developed a Decision Support Tool (DST) to simulate 27-year UF dynamics under six different management strategies, aiming to maximize [...] Read more.

Urban forests (UFs) play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, but their management presents complex trade-offs between environmental, economic, and social aspects. We developed a Decision Support Tool (DST) to simulate 27-year UF dynamics under six different management strategies, aiming to maximize socio-economic and environmental benefits while considering costs. Business as Usual (BaU), Yielding Scenario (YS), High Management (HM), Forest Development (FD), Social Boost (SB), and Cover Maximizing (CM) strategies were tested with the DST in the Vazzieri district of Campobasso, central Italy. The DST integrates CO₂ removal, management expenditures and revenues, and the social usability of UFs. The findings show that while all the strategies contribute to climate change mitigation, FD and SB offer the best balance between the environmental and social sides. FD demonstrates significant CO₂ removal with moderate expenditures, whereas SB maximizes CO₂ removal despite its high management expenditures. Otherwise, YS and BaU show limited environmental benefits with beneficial economic outcomes. While achieving the highest environmental and social benefits, CM incurs the greatest economic costs. This study highlights the need for long-term, integrated UF strategies to harmonize climate change mitigation with economic viability and social inclusivity. The DST provides a valuable framework for urban planners and policymakers to optimize sustainable UF management. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2586 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Integrating Cultural Heritage into Smart City Development Through Place Making: A Systematic Review

by Elika Tousi, Surabhi Pancholi, Md Mizanur Rashid and Chin Koi Khoo

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060215 - 11 Jun 2025

Viewed by 835

Abstract

Balancing modernisation with cultural heritage preservation remains a core challenge in integrating smart technologies into historic cities. This study conducts a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis of 42 peer-reviewed articles across the fields of urban planning, smart technologies, heritage conservation, and [...] Read more.

Balancing modernisation with cultural heritage preservation remains a core challenge in integrating smart technologies into historic cities. This study conducts a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis of 42 peer-reviewed articles across the fields of urban planning, smart technologies, heritage conservation, and place making to address this issue. Through thematic coding using MAXQDA (2020), it identifies recurring themes and patterns that inform the development of a conceptual framework. The findings reveal that cultural heritage sites contribute to smart city planning by reinforcing place-based identity, enabling participatory governance, and supporting culturally sustainable innovation. The study also addresses a critical gap in existing smart city frameworks, which often fail to systematically incorporate cultural values and local identity in their planning logic. The proposed framework integrates cultural heritage with smart city development through place making and provides structured guidance for policymakers and urban planners by outlining four key areas—digital infrastructure, community participation, spatial design, and heritage preservation—while also acknowledging the challenges of applying it across diverse socio-cultural and technological contexts. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1892 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Carbon-Negative Woody Biomass Biochar System for Sustainable Urban Management in the United States of America

by Gamal El Afandi, Muhammad Irfan, Amira Moustafa, Salem Ibrahim and Santosh Sapkota

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060214 - 10 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1578

Abstract

It is essential to emphasize the significant impacts of climate change, which are evident in the form of severe and prolonged droughts, hurricanes, snowstorms, and other climatic disturbances. These challenges are particularly pronounced in urban environments and among human populations. The situation is [...] Read more.

It is essential to emphasize the significant impacts of climate change, which are evident in the form of severe and prolonged droughts, hurricanes, snowstorms, and other climatic disturbances. These challenges are particularly pronounced in urban environments and among human populations. The situation is further aggravated by the increasing utilization of available open spaces for residential and industrial development, leading to heightened energy consumption, elevated pollution levels, and increased carbon emissions, all of which negatively affect public health. The primary objective of this review article is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of current research, with a particular focus on the innovative use of residual biomass from urban vegetation for biochar production in the United States. This research entails an exhaustive review of existing literature to assess the implementation of a carbon-negative wood biomass biochar system as a strategic approach to sustainable urban management. By transforming urban wood waste—including tree trimmings, construction debris, and storm-damaged timber—into biochar through pyrolysis, a thermochemical process that sequesters carbon while generating renewable energy, we can leverage this valuable resource. The resulting biochar offers a range of co-benefits: it enhances soil health, improves water retention, reduces stormwater runoff, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions when applied in urban green spaces, agriculture, and land restoration projects. This review highlights the advantages and potential of converting urban wood waste into biochar while exploring how municipalities can strengthen their green ecosystems. Furthermore, it aims to provide a thorough understanding of how the utilization of woody biomass biochar can contribute to mitigating urban carbon emissions across the United States. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy Management and Planning in Urban Areas)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 44808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Satellite Imagery for Comprehensive Urban Morphology and Surface Roughness Analysis: Leveraging GIS Tools and Google Earth Engine for Sustainable Urban Planning

by Aikaterini Stamou, Eleni Karachaliou, Ioannis Tavantzis, Aikaterini Bakousi, Anna Dosiou, Zoi-Eirini Tsifodimou and Efstratios Stylianidis

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060213 - 9 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1814

Abstract

High-resolution remotely sensed data, which are characterised by their advanced spectral and spatial capabilities, provide unprecedented opportunities to monitor and analyse the dynamic structures of urban environments. Platforms like Google Earth Engine (GEE) enhance these capabilities, as they provide access to vast datasets [...] Read more.

High-resolution remotely sensed data, which are characterised by their advanced spectral and spatial capabilities, provide unprecedented opportunities to monitor and analyse the dynamic structures of urban environments. Platforms like Google Earth Engine (GEE) enhance these capabilities, as they provide access to vast datasets and tools for analysing key urban parameters, including land use, vegetation cover, and surface roughness–all critical components in urban sustainability studies. This study presents a knowledge-based framework for processing high-resolution satellite imagery tailored to address the demands of sustainable urban planning in the Municipality of Kalamaria in Thessaloniki, Greece. The framework emphasises the extraction of essential urban parameters, such as the spatial distribution of built-up and green spaces, alongside the analysis of surface roughness attributes, including displacement height and roughness length. Unlike conventional methods, our framework enables a detailed intra-urban analysis as these surface roughness attributes are calculated within 200 m × 200 m sub-units. Surface roughness indicators offer essential insights into aerodynamic drag and turbulent air mixing, both of which are directly influenced by the structural characteristics of the urban landscape. Using this approach, ‘wake interference flow’ type was identified as the dominant airflow pattern in the study area. This type was observed in 105 out of 150 sub-units, suggesting that these areas likely suffer from poor air circulation and are prone to higher concentrations of air pollutants. The integration of Google Earth Engine offered a scalable and replicable solution for large-scale urban analysis making it easily adaptable to other urban areas, especially where detailed morphological datasets are unavailable. By providing a robust, scalable, and data-driven tool for assessing urban form and airflow characteristics, our study offers a significant advancement in sustainable urban planning and climate resilience strategies, with clear potential for adaptation in other cities facing similar data limitations. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 932 KiB

Open AccessEssay

Beyond Sustainability: Paradigms for Complexity and Resilience in the Built Environment

by Simona Mannucci

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060212 - 8 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1842

Abstract

Conventional approaches in architecture and urban planning still rest on modernist, deterministic assumptions that downplay the nonlinearity and deep uncertainty that characterize contemporary cities. Sustainability, although crucial, has often been operationalized through incremental, efficiency-oriented checklists that struggle to address systemic transformation. This conceptual [...] Read more.

Conventional approaches in architecture and urban planning still rest on modernist, deterministic assumptions that downplay the nonlinearity and deep uncertainty that characterize contemporary cities. Sustainability, although crucial, has often been operationalized through incremental, efficiency-oriented checklists that struggle to address systemic transformation. This conceptual theory synthesis reframes the built environment as a complex adaptive system and interrogates three paradigms that have arisen in the wake of the sustainability turn: resilience planning, adaptive planning, and regenerative design. Drawing on an integrative, narrative review of interdisciplinary scholarship, the article maps these paradigms onto a functional “what–how–why” theoretical scaffold: resilience specifies what socio-technical capacities must be safeguarded or allowed to transform; adaptive planning sets out how planners can steer under conditions of deep uncertainty through sign-posted, flexible pathways; and regenerative design articulates why interventions should move beyond mitigation toward net-positive socio-ecological outcomes. This synthesis positions each paradigm along an uncertainty spectrum and identifies their complementary contributions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solar Radiation on Photovoltaic Systems Deployed near Obscuring Walls

by Joseph Appelbaum and Assaf Peled

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060211 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 356

Abstract

The deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops in urban environments utilizes the rooftop areas for electricity generation. Rooftops may provide a large amount of empty space that can reduce the use of land for large PV plant installations and other purposes. [...] Read more.

The deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops in urban environments utilizes the rooftop areas for electricity generation. Rooftops may provide a large amount of empty space that can reduce the use of land for large PV plant installations and other purposes. These deployments may encounter shading on the PV collectors from surrounding building walls, thus reducing the incident direct beam radiation on the PV collectors, resulting in shading losses. Moreover, walls and collector rows block part of the visible sky, reducing the incident diffuse radiation on the collectors, resulting in masking losses. The present study complements previous studies by the authors (see the references) by calculating the incident beam, diffuse and global radiation, and their distribution across the collector rows for four configurations of PV systems installed near obscuring walls. In addition, the article quantifies the shading problem by simulating the shading dimensions and their patterns caused by walls and collector rows. The article is of practical importance for designers of PV systems in urban environments. The simulation results indicate an almost uniform distribution of the incident radiation between the collector rows. On the other hand, the losses may reach 8 percent for a wall height of 4 m for the parameters used in the study. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 5585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revegetation of Thermal Power Plant Ash Dumps or Sustainable Urban Development

by Lyudmila Ivanovna Khudyakova, Natalya Mikhailovna Garkusheva, Pavel Leonidovich Paleev, Irina Yurievna Kotova, Darya Petrovna Khomoksonova, Pavel Anatolyevich Gulyashinov and Inna Germanovna Antropova

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060210 - 5 Jun 2025

Viewed by 519

Abstract

The goal of this study is to safely reduce dust emissions from ash dumps and create green landscapes at waste storage sites. The most effective way to achieve this is through revegetation, which allows ash dumps to be transformed into green landscapes. Unlike [...] Read more.

The goal of this study is to safely reduce dust emissions from ash dumps and create green landscapes at waste storage sites. The most effective way to achieve this is through revegetation, which allows ash dumps to be transformed into green landscapes. Unlike similar studies, this paper examines the revegetation of a sand-covered ash dump under the extreme conditions of a sharply continental climate. The following perennial plant species were selected: Festuca pratensis, Bromus inermis, and Medicago polymorpha. Laboratory studies revealed that Festuca pratensis was the most adapted to the laboratory conditions in an indoor environment, while Medicago polymorpha showed poor development. The maximum height reached by Festuca pratensis was 0.27 m, Bromus inermis reached 0.23 m, and Medicago polymorpha reached 0.10 m. In the field experiments, over three months of vegetation, maximum plant heights were as follows: Festuca pratensis—0.09 m, Bromus inermis—0.11 m, and Medicago polymorpha—0.30 m. Medicago polymorpha exhibited a higher rate of development compared to the grasses. Thus, revegetating ash dumps from thermal power plants presents a promising solution for creating green spaces, aligning with the principles of sustainable urban development. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 5343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contributions to Studying the Quality of Life in Inner Urban Environments Through the Publication of Open Data

by Radu Nicolae Pietraru, Daniela-Nicoleta Martin and Adriana Olteanu

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060209 - 5 Jun 2025

Viewed by 597

Abstract

This paper presents an original solution for the archiving, preliminary analysis, cleaning, and publishing of data recorded by an IoT platform in an open format accessible to any interested researcher. The implementation of the presented mechanism started from an IoT platform already in [...] Read more.

This paper presents an original solution for the archiving, preliminary analysis, cleaning, and publishing of data recorded by an IoT platform in an open format accessible to any interested researcher. The implementation of the presented mechanism started from an IoT platform already in use that manages and records data from IoT sensors monitoring air quality in private spaces in the urban area of the city of Bucharest, Romania. Publishing in an open format the data recorded over a period of years from IoT sensors allows any researcher to access and carry out studies that improve the quality of life in the urban environment. The presentation of the publication method aims to inspire a good practice method for all platforms for monitoring environmental parameters. The results of the scientific research in this paper consist of a perfectly functional automatic archiving and publishing mechanism. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

38 pages, 13026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Infrastructure for Reintegrating Fragmented Urban Fabrics: Multiscale Methodology Using Space Syntax and Hydrologic Modeling

by Raul Alfredo Granados Aragonez, Anna Martinez Duran and Xavier Martin

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060208 - 4 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1350

Abstract

Green infrastructure (GI) plays a critical role in addressing urban fragmentation and flood vulnerability, especially in rapidly expanding cities where its optimal placement is essential to maximize social, ecological, and economic benefits. This study presents a multiscale methodology integrating spatial configuration and hydrological [...] Read more.

Green infrastructure (GI) plays a critical role in addressing urban fragmentation and flood vulnerability, especially in rapidly expanding cities where its optimal placement is essential to maximize social, ecological, and economic benefits. This study presents a multiscale methodology integrating spatial configuration and hydrological modeling to guide GI implementation in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. The approach applies space syntax theory, fuzzy logic, and geospatial analysis across three spatial levels. At the city scale, the method evaluates street network integration and service accessibility to identify urban centers with potential for regeneration through GI. At the local scale, a 214-hectare area is analyzed using fuzzy multi-criteria decision analysis and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) to select the optimal locations for different nature-based solutions. At the microscale, spatiotemporal hydrological simulations of a 25-year return period rainfall event quantify the runoff and infiltration dynamics under different GI configurations, achieving infrastructure layouts that infiltrated over 1000 m³ of stormwater. This framework addresses the research gap on how connectivity and morphology can be combined to prioritize interventions based on flood risk data. The results offer a transferable strategy for integrating Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDSs) into complex data-scarce urban environments, supporting long-term urban resilience and multifunctional land-use planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Urban Spatial Analysis, Modeling and Simulation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Customary Law and the Traditional Leadership Power in Angola—Their Effects on Territorial Planning Issues

by Nagayamma Aragão, Carlos Smaniotto Costa, Ruben Domingos and Job Francisco

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060207 - 4 Jun 2025

Viewed by 887

Abstract

Angola’s cultural mosaic and ethnolinguistic diversity reflect the multilocational traditional customs and power, which are key to the country’s social organisation. A Soba, a traditional leader whose status is recognised by the Angolan Constitution, exerts political influence, shapes the collective life, and helps [...] Read more.

Angola’s cultural mosaic and ethnolinguistic diversity reflect the multilocational traditional customs and power, which are key to the country’s social organisation. A Soba, a traditional leader whose status is recognised by the Angolan Constitution, exerts political influence, shapes the collective life, and helps to preserve cultural identity. Customary law, entrenched after independence, became central to the political and administrative restructuring of the country, which had an impact on decentralisation efforts and legal pluralism. This study analyses the traditional leadership of Sobas in Angola in the context of placemaking and territorial co-management. Backed by the theory of Afrocentricity, a multidisciplinary approach is adopted towards setting Africans as the subjects of their own history. It is based on a literature review and critical analysis of the interaction between administrative law and customary law, which imply a hybrid model for territorial governance. The results indicate that the influence of Sobas on decision-making directly affects the use of the territory and cultural development, highlighting the importance of institutionalising traditional power. This paper suggests that recognising and strengthening such hybrid models is key to promoting territorial cohesion and fostering community engagement, whilst integrating traditional practices can result in more inclusive and effective public policies. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 594 KiB

Open AccessReview

Transport and Wellbeing of Public Housing Tenants—A Scoping Review

by Edward Randal, Amber Logan, Guy Penny, Mary Anne Teariki, Ralph Chapman, Michael Keall and Philippa Howden-Chapman

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060206 - 3 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1373

Abstract

The role of public housing in improving wellbeing for tenants and society is an important public policy issue. Public housing tenants in Aotearoa New Zealand have constrained incomes and their mode of transport has implications for their budgets, their wellbeing, and carbon emissions. [...] Read more.

The role of public housing in improving wellbeing for tenants and society is an important public policy issue. Public housing tenants in Aotearoa New Zealand have constrained incomes and their mode of transport has implications for their budgets, their wellbeing, and carbon emissions. Tenants’ daily life choices and wellbeing are influenced by the set of transport options available to them and the constraints and opportunities these options entail. What is important for wellbeing is also dependent on culture. Little is known, however, about the specific influences of transport on the wellbeing of public housing tenants and how that is mediated by the culture of particular groups, particularly Māori and Pacific people, who make up the majority of people in public housing in Aotearoa. In this article we review the literature on public housing, transport, and wellbeing, to establish what is known about how transport, and the access it affords, influence the wellbeing of public housing tenants. We searched Scopus and Web of Science for academic journal articles, published in English and available online, about public housing tenant wellbeing with regard to the transportation and location characteristics of public housing. We found that creating highly accessible public housing developments with options of various modes of travel is important for the wellbeing of tenants. We also found that understanding the specific needs and preferences of tenants, ensuring tenants have agency over how they travel, and engaging with tenants during transport decision-making are particularly important and often under-recognised for people in public housing. Finally, we identified substantial gaps in the literature around understanding transport needs and experiences from Māori and Pacific perspectives, emphasising the importance of including indigenous and ethnic minority views in future research. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Intensity and Sustainable Development Analysis of the Transportation Infrastructure Industry in China: An MLP Network Approach

by Guandong Liu and Haicheng Xu

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060205 - 3 Jun 2025

Viewed by 945

Abstract

Transportation infrastructure systems sit at the nexus of urban economic development and emission mitigation. The primary objective is to identify and quantify the key factors influencing CI, with a focus on both the conventional and emerging indicators through an innovative MLP neural network [...] Read more.

Transportation infrastructure systems sit at the nexus of urban economic development and emission mitigation. The primary objective is to identify and quantify the key factors influencing CI, with a focus on both the conventional and emerging indicators through an innovative MLP neural network developed using the data of 20 Chinese transportation enterprises that have a business focus on the construction and operation sector from 2018 to 2022. The hypothesis is that integrating unconventional indicators—such as business model entropy and green revenue share—alongside traditional metrics can significantly enhance the predictive accuracy for CI. The results show that business model entropy explains 42.6% of carbon intensity (Cl) variability through green revenue diversification pathways, while emissions trading system (ETS) exposure accounts for 51.83% of decarbonization outcomes via price-signaling effects. The analysis reveals that a critical operational threshold–renewable energy capacity below 75% fails to significantly reduce Cl, and capex/revenue ratios exceeding 73.58% indicate carbon lock-in risks. These findings enable policymakers to prioritize industries with sub-75% renewable adoption while targeting capex-intensive sectors for circular economy interventions. The novelty of this work lies in the application of advanced machine-learning techniques to a comprehensive, multi-source dataset, enabling a nuanced analysis of CI drivers and offering actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to decarbonize transport infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Urban Agenda)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 1839 KiB

Open AccessReview

Urban Branding Through Cultural–Creative Tourism: A Review of Youth Engagement for Sustainable Development

by Kittichai Kasemsarn, Antika Sawadsri, Amorn Kritsanaphan and Farnaz Nickpour

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(6), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9060204 - 2 Jun 2025

Viewed by 2460

Abstract

Several studies on cultural–creative tourism, urban branding (UB), youth engagement, and sustainability have been conducted in isolation, obstructing comprehensive approaches to UB development challenges. This review article aims to develop an integrated framework representing the complex interrelationships between these factors through a theory-based [...] Read more.

Several studies on cultural–creative tourism, urban branding (UB), youth engagement, and sustainability have been conducted in isolation, obstructing comprehensive approaches to UB development challenges. This review article aims to develop an integrated framework representing the complex interrelationships between these factors through a theory-based review and case study analysis. Methodologically, the investigation adopts bibliometric analysis using the VOSviewer software version 1.6.20 to identify thematic clusters across keyword pairings within research from 2000 to 2025, followed by content analysis for classification. The primary result is the Hierarchical–Relational Urban Sustainability (HRUS) framework, which employs a dual-pathway approach: (1) a sequential integration pathway, positioning cultural–creative tourism as the foundational mechanism supporting UB as the central concept, facilitating youth engagement as the key demographic group, and ultimately contributing to sustainability, and (2) a direct relationship pathway, examining specific connections between each factor and sustainability alone. This article contributes the first comprehensive framework that systematically integrates four main themes for sustainable urban development. The HRUS framework facilitates cross-sectoral collaboration by establishing actionable mechanisms for urban planners, universities, and tourism authorities to achieve sustainable urban brand development. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Urban Sci., Volume 9, Issue 6 (June 2025) – 53 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI