Search Results (332)

The NW–SE-trending Firenze-Pistoia Basin (FPB) is an intermontane tectonic depression in the Northern Apennines (Italy) bounded to the northeast by a SW-dipping normal fault system. Although it has moderate historical seismicity (maximum estimated Mw 5.5 in 1895), the FPB lacks detailed characterization of its recent tectonic structures, unlike those of nearby basins that have produced Mw > 6 events. This study focuses on the southeastern sector of the basin, including the urban area of Florence, using tectonic geomorphology derived from remote sensing, in particular LiDAR data, field verification, and high-resolution geophysical surveys such as electrical resistivity tomography and seismic reflection profiles. The integration of these techniques enabled interpretation of the subdued and anthropogenically masked tectonic structures, allowing the identification of Holocene activity and significant, although limited, surface vertical offset for three NE–SW-striking normal faults, the Peretola, Scandicci, and Maiano faults. The Scandicci and Maiano faults appear to segment the southeasternmost strand of the master fault of the FPB, the Fiesole Fault, which now shows activity only along isolated segments and cannot be considered a continuous active fault. From empirical relationships, the Scandicci Fault, the most relevant among the three active faults, ~9 km long within the basin and with an approximate Late Quaternary slip rate of ~0.2 mm/year, might source Mw > 5.5 earthquakes. These findings highlight the need to reassess the local seismic hazard for more informed urban planning and for better preservation of the cultural and architectural heritage of Florence and the other artistic towns located in the FPB. Full article

On 20 April 2024, an extreme rainfall event occurred in Jiangwan Town Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province, China, where a historic 24 h precipitation of 206 mm was recorded. This triggered extensive landslides that destroyed residential buildings, severed roads, and drew significant societal attention. Rapid acquisition of landslide inventories, distribution patterns, and key controlling factors is critical for post-disaster emergency response and reconstruction. Based on high-resolution Planet satellite imagery, landslide areas in Jiangwan Town were automatically extracted using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) differential method, and a detailed landslide inventory was compiled. Combined with terrain, rainfall, and geological environmental factors, the spatial distribution and causes of landslides were analyzed. Results indicate that the extreme rainfall induced 1426 landslides with a total area of 4.56 km², predominantly small-to-medium scale. Landslides exhibited pronounced clustering and linear distribution along river valleys in a NE–SW orientation. Spatial analysis revealed concentrations on slopes between 200–300 m elevation with gradients of 20–30°. Four machine learning models—Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—were employed to assess landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) accuracy. RF and XGBoost demonstrated superior performance, identifying high-susceptibility zones primarily on valley-side slopes in Jiangwan Town. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) value analysis quantified key drivers, highlighting elevation, rainfall intensity, profile curvature, and topographic wetness index as dominant controlling factors. This study provides an effective methodology and data support for rapid rainfall-induced landslide identification and deep learning-based susceptibility assessment. Full article

As the cradle of Jiangnan culture, Suzhou is home to a dense concentration of historical architectural heritage that is currently facing existential threats from rapid urbanization. This study aims to develop a spatial heritage corridor network for conservation and sustainable utilization. Using kernel density estimation, this study identifies 15 kernel density groups, along with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to pinpoint clusters of historical architectural heritage and assess the involved resistance factors. Current Effective Conductance (CEC) theory is further applied to model spatial flow relationships among heritage nodes, leading to the delineation of 27 heritage corridors and revealing a spatial structure characterized by one primary core, one secondary core, and multiple peripheral zones. Based on 15 source points, six cultural relics-themed routes are proposed—three land-based and three waterfront routes—connecting historical sites, towns, and ecological areas. The study further recommends a resource management strategy centered on departmental collaboration, digital integration, and community co-governance. By integrating historical architectural types, settlement forms, and ecological patterns, the research builds a multi-scale narrative and experience system that addresses fragmentation while improving coordination and sustainability. This framework delivers practical advice on heritage conservation and cultural tourism development in Suzhou and the broader Jiangnan region. Full article

Data scarcity hampers the implementation of circular economy (CE) in rural historical small towns (HSTs) where traditional agricultural practices persist outside formal monitoring systems. In this regard, this study proposes and tests an estimation framework to quantify agricultural waste flows and energy recovery potential. The methodology combines waste generation coefficients from peer-reviewed literature with administrative data to generate actionable CE assessments. Application to four Sicilian HSTs within the Local Action Group (LAG) “Terre dell’Etna e dell’Alcantara” exhibits substantial waste generation potential despite their small size. The agricultural enterprises generate an estimated 6930–7130 tons of annual agricultural waste under moderate production scenarios, comprising grape pomace (3250 tons), pruning residues (3030 tons), and mixed processing wastes (650–850 tons). The energy recovery potential ranges from 20–30 TJ through direct combustion to 4.9–8.1 TJ via anaerobic digestion. Sensitivity analysis indicates balanced contributions from all three key parameters (enterprise density, yields, and waste coefficients), each accounting for 31–35% of output variance. The framework provides resource-constrained municipalities with a cost-effective tool for preliminary CE assessment, enabling identification of priority interventions without expensive primary data collection. From a managerial perspective, local administrators can leverage this tool to transform routine administrative data into actionable CE strategies. Full article

Typo-morphology, as interpreted by the Italian School of Planning, provides an approach to investigate the relationship between built form and socio-cultural patterns in vernacular settlements. This study examines Harran, a heritage site in southeastern Türkiye known for its distinctive conic domed dwellings, to explore how typo-morphological analysis can inform culturally sensitive design and adaptive reuse approaches. Despite its historical significance and inclusion in the UNESCO tentative list, Harran faces insufficient documentation, fragmented governance, limited conservation, and increasing pressure from urbanization and natural disasters. Using multiple sources and fieldwork, the research reconstructs the morphological evolution of Harran through diachronic maps across compound, district, and town scales. Reflections from Alberobello, Italy, i.e., the sister city of Harran and a UNESCO-listed town with a similarly unique vernacular fabric, provide a comparative view to explore different heritage management approaches. Harran evolved through informal, culture-driven growth, whereas Alberobello followed a regulated path. While Alberobello benefits from planned development and institutional preservation, Harran faces partial abandonment and neglect. By positioning typo-morphology as a conceptual planning tool, this paper emphasizes the need for context-responsive, ethically grounded, and inclusive approaches to heritage planning and conservation. It argues for planning practices that are not only technically competent but also attuned to place-based knowledge, local identities, and the long-term sustainability of living heritage. Full article

The integration of shared autonomous vehicles into historic urban areas presents both opportunities and challenges. In heritage-rich environments like very old Asian (such as Suzhou old town, which serves as a use case example) or European (especially Mediterranean coastal cities) areas—characterized by narrow alleys, dense development, and sensitive cultural landscapes—shared autonomous vehicle adoption raises critical spatial and social questions. This study employs a qualitative, user-centered approach based on the ripple model to examine residents’ perceptions across four dimensions: residential patterns, parking land use, regional accessibility, and street-level infrastructure. Semi-structured interviews with 27 participants reveal five key findings: (1) public trust depends on transparent decision-making and safety guarantees; (2) shared autonomous vehicles may reshape generational residential clustering; (3) the short-term parking demand remains stable, but the long-term reuse of space is feasible; (4) shared autonomous vehicles could enhance accessibility in historic cores; (5) transport systems may evolve toward intelligent, human-centered designs. Based on these insights, the study proposes three strategies: (1) transparent risk assessment using explainable artificial intelligence and digital twins; (2) polycentric development to diversify land use; (3) hierarchical street retrofitting to balance mobility and preservation. While this study is limited by its qualitative scope and absence of simulation, it offers a framework for culturally sensitive, small-scale interventions supporting sustainable mobility transitions in historic urban contexts. Full article

Historic districts of ancient towns serve as significant carriers of historical and cultural heritage while also being popular tourist destinations. Within the context of urbanization and organic renewal, the protection and development of historic districts have become crucial research topics. This study collects literature from the Web of Science database and applies manual screening to ensure relevance to the research theme. Using CiteSpace as an analytical tool, the study conducts a visual analysis from multiple perspectives, including keywords, writing time, authors, centrality, keyword clustering analysis, and timeline visualization. By constructing a knowledge graph, this research explores the key pathways and knowledge nodes in the organic renewal of spatial environments in historic districts of ancient towns. Based on literature clustering, the study categorizes research into four major aspects: heritage conservation, cultural and tourism development, spatial planning and design, and environmental enhancement. Based on this, universal strategies for the cultural and tourism development of historic districts in ancient towns are proposed. The research focus shifts from emphasizing cultural heritage preservation to the integrated development of culture and tourism. In the spatial development of historic districts, everyday life scenes should be incorporated while new technologies should be utilized to enhance environmental comfort. This paper summarizes the current research frontiers in this field and proposes future research trends, providing valuable references for scholars in related areas. Full article

This study investigates the complex dynamics of new-type urbanization in resource-based county-level cities, using Wuan City in Hebei Province, China, as a representative case. As China pursues a high-quality development agenda, cities historically dependent on resource extraction face profound challenges in achieving sustainable and inclusive urban growth. This research employs a multi-method approach—including Theil index analysis, industrial shift-share analysis, a Cobb–Douglas production function model, and a composite urbanization index—to quantitatively diagnose the constraints on Wuan’s development and assess its transformation efforts. Our empirical results reveal a multifaceted situation: while the urban–rural income gap has narrowed, rural income streams remain fragile. The shift-share analysis indicates that although Wuan’s traditional industries have regained competitiveness, the city’s economic structure is still burdened by a persistent negative structural component, hindering diversification. Furthermore, the economy exhibits characteristics of a labor-intensive growth model with inefficient capital deployment. These underlying issues are reflected in a comprehensive urbanization index that, after a period of rapid growth, has recently stagnated, signaling the exhaustion of the city’s traditional development mode. In response, Wuan attempts an “industrial transformation-driven new-type urbanization” path. This study details the three core strategies being implemented: (1) incremental population urbanization through development at the urban fringe and in industrial zones; (2) in situ urbanization of the existing rural population; and (3) the cultivation of specialized “characteristic small towns” to create new, diversified economic nodes. The findings from Wuan offer critical, actionable lessons for other resource-dependent regions. The case demonstrates that successful urban transformation requires not only industrial upgrading but also integrated, spatially aware planning and robust institutional support. We conclude that while Wuan’s model provides a valuable reference, its strategies must be adapted to local contexts, emphasizing the universal importance of institutional innovation, human capital investment, and a people-centered approach to achieving resilient and high-quality urbanization. Full article

The preservation of historical monuments is vital, especially in societies that do not have a rich written history. One method to ensure the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage is to reuse abandoned historical buildings. “On-site documentation” is fundamental for effective adaptive reuse. During this process, the plans and construction phases of many historical buildings are obtained for the first time. This study goes beyond theoretical boundaries and focuses on approaching the documentation, evaluation, reuse and preservation of cultural heritage from an operational perspective. The historical building in question was built as a primary school by Armenian craftsmen at the end of the 19th century in the town of Zara, Sivas. After changing hands, it became a mansion and is currently abandoned. This study discusses and proposes the buildings’ reuse as an urban memory museum by means of CAD-supported on-site analytical surveys based on classical, laser, and total station measurements. Full article

Sea level rise (SLR) and increased urbanisation of coastal areas have exacerbated coastal flood threats, making them even more severe in important cultural sites. In this context, the role of hard coastal defences such as promenades and embankments needs to be carefully assessed. Here, a thorough investigation is conducted in Grado, one of the most significant coastal and historical towns in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Grado is located on a barrier island of the homonymous lagoon, the northernmost of the Adriatic Sea, and is prone to flooding from both the sea and the back lagoon. The mean and maximum sea levels from the historical dataset of Venice (1950–2023) were analysed using the Gumbel-type distribution, allowing for the identification of annual extremes based on their respective return periods (RPs). Grado and Trieste sea level datasets (1991–2023) were used to calibrate the statistics of the extremes and to calculate the local component (subsidence) of relative SLR. The research examined the occurrence of annual exceedance of the minimum threshold water level of 110 cm, indicating Grado’s initial notable marine ingression. The study includes a detailed analysis of flood impacts on the urban fabric, categorised into sectors based on the promenade elevation on the lagoon side, the most vulnerable to flooding. Inundated areas were obtained using a high-resolution digital terrain model through a GIS-based technique, assessing both the magnitude and exposure of the urban environment to flood risk due to storm surges, also considering relative SLR projections for 2050 and 2100. Currently, approximately 42% of Grado’s inhabited area is inundated with a sea level threshold value of 151 cm, which occurs during surge episodes with a 30-year RP. By 2100, with an optimistic forecast (SSP1-2.6) of local SLR of around +53 cm, the same threshold will be met with a surge of ca. 100 cm, which occurs once a year. Thus, extreme levels linked with more catastrophic events with current secular RPs will be achieved with a multi-year frequency, inundating more than 60% of the urbanized area. Grado, like Venice, exemplifies trends that may impact other coastal regions and historically significant towns of national importance. As a result, the generated simulations, as well as detailed analyses of urban sectors where coastal flooding may occur, are critical for medium- to long-term urban planning aimed at adopting proper adaptation measures. Full article

This research is focused on housing stock rehabilitation and construction in Urban Rehabilitation Areas located in diverse contexts in the Portuguese territory. The main objective of this research is to show how the local actors have managed the ARUs’ opportunities to restore and develop the housing in these areas in the Portuguese territory. An analytical national legal framework is made to show that the diffuse criteria at national and regional levels are reflected in the limited effectiveness of the ARUs’ flexible criteria in local implementation. A national legislative and regulatory framework in Portugal, focusing on urban rehabilitation and housing promotion themes, is discussed to emphasize the potential role of Urban Rehabilitation Area (ARU) particularities and housing provision and preservation in diverse contexts in Portugal. A comparative analysis is conducted of five ARUs—Belmonte, Soure, Penacova, Vila Real, and Devesas—located in Portugal, in the North and Center regions, to highlight the particularities/diversity of urban contexts, including towns, small to medium-sized cities, and historic centres. The analysis assesses the effectiveness of ARU urban rehabilitation strategy implementation over time. The analysis of five ARUs will discuss the following: (i) ARU physical characteristics; (ii) ARU population profile; (iii) ARU urban rehabilitation strategies progress (initial, intermediate, and final); and (iv) ARU alignment with PDM priorities in urban rehabilitation. The findings underscore the pivotal role that ARUs and their actors can have in housing rehabilitation provision and preservation on different scales and contexts within the territory. The outcomes show different strategies that each ARU has used to prioritize building rehabilitation. Full article

Historical towns embody the origins and continuity of urban civilization, preserving distinctive spatial fabrics, cultural lineages, and latent economic value within contemporary metropolitan systems. Their integrated conservation directly aligns with SDG 11.4, and advances the holistic preservation objectives of historic urban landscapes (HULs). However, achieving these objectives cannot be solely dependent on modern remote sensing technologies; it necessitates the integration of historical geographic information system (HGIS) theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches. Leveraging HGIS and multisource data—including SDGSAT-1 nighttime light imagery, textual documents, and historical maps—this study reconstructed the spatial extent of historical towns in suburban Shanghai and assessed their present-day economic vitality through light-based spatial proxies. Key results comprised the following. (1) Most suburban historical towns are small, yet nighttime light intensity varies markedly. Jiading County, Songjiang Prefecture, and Jinshan Wei rank highest in both spatial extent and brightness. (2) Town area exhibits a strong positive relationship (R² > 0.80) with the total nighttime light index, indicating that larger settlements generally sustain higher economic activity. (3) Clusters of “low area–low light” towns showed pronounced intra-regional disparities in economic vitality, underscoring the need for targeted revitalization. (4) Natural setting, historical legacy, policy interventions, and transport accessibility jointly shape development trajectories, with policy emerging as the dominant driver. This work demonstrates a transferable framework for multidimensional assessment of historical towns, supports differentiated conservation strategies, and aids the synergistic integration of heritage preservation with regional sustainable development. Full article

This study presents a novel methodological framework for analyzing circular economy potential in historic small towns, using Taurasi as an illustrative case to demonstrate framework applicability rather than providing a comprehensive quantitative assessment. The primary contribution is methodological: developing an integrated analytical framework that combines urban metabolism analysis, stakeholder engagement theory, and heritage preservation strategies. The framework addresses the specific challenges of implementing circular economy principles in heritage-rich contexts where traditional data collection methods may be insufficient. This research provides a replicable methodology for future comprehensive empirical studies in similar contexts. Full article

Historical districts face pressing disaster preparedness challenges due to their special spatial properties—risks compounded by static approaches that overlook dynamic fire–pedestrian interactions. This study employs an agent-based model (ABM) for fire simulations and AnyLogic pedestrian dynamics to address these gaps in Dukezong Ancient Town, Yunnan Province, China, considering diverse ignition points, seasonal temperatures, and wind conditions. Dynamic simulations of 16 scenarios reveal critical spatial impacts: within 30 min, ≥28% of streets became impassable, with central ignition points causing faster obstructions. Static models underestimate evacuation durations by up to 135%, neglecting early stage congestions and detours caused by high-temperature zones. Congestions are concentrated along main east–west arterial roads, worsening with longer warning distances. A mismatch between evacuation flows and shelter capacity is found. Thus, a three-stage interaction simplification is derived: localized detours (0–10 min), congestion-driven delays on critical roads (11–30 min), and prolonged structural damage afterward. This study challenges static approaches by highlighting the “fast alert-fast congestion” paradox, where rapid alerts overwhelm narrow pathways. Solutions prioritize multi-route guidance systems, optimized shelter access points, and real-time information dissemination to reduce bottlenecks without costly infrastructure changes. This study advances disaster modeling by bridging disaster development with dynamic evacuation, offering a replicable framework for similar environments. Full article

Drought frequency and severity intensify with climate change, challenging many Mediterranean cities to face securing sustainable water supplies. In this context, groundwater emerges as a key but often overlooked resource, particularly in urban areas historically reliant on external drinking water systems. This study provides a comprehensive hydrogeological characterisation of the groundwater system in Aix-en-Provence (southeastern France), with a specific focus on hypothermal springs and the cold springs of the Vallon des Pinchinats, which historically supplied the town before the creation of the Canal de Provence by the company of the same name (Société du Canal de Provence (SCP)). By combining chemical and isotopic analyses (δ¹⁸O, δ²H, and chloride concentrations) with a statistical clustering (DACMAD method), we characterise the origin and dynamics of distinct water sources and evaluate their influence with surface water and external supply systems. Four key hydrological entities influencing the study area were identified. (1) regional precipitation (RRW) contributing significantly to groundwater recharge in the region. The isotope composition of the RRW was calculated (δ¹⁸O: −6.68‰, δ²H: −41.80‰, Cl: 2.2 mg/L) (2) Groundwater from the Oligocene aquifer (OG) characterised by an enrichment in chloride and sulphate. (3) Groundwater from the Cretaceous–Jurassic aquifer (CJG), a karstified aquifer from the Sainte-Victoire-Concors massif, which supplies the cold and hypothermal springs in Aix-en-Provence and multiple springs in the region. (4) Canal de Provence water (CPW) as an external water source, used for domestic supply, which has left a traceable signal in the local hydrosystem. The study reveals that cold springs of the Vallon des Pinchinats result from the mixing of Oligocene and Cretaceous–Jurassic groundwaters. Hypothermal springs (20–30 °C) circulate at moderate depths (165–500 m), unlike previous models suggesting deeper infiltration and mixing processes. This study contributes a novel hydrogeochemical and isotopic framework applicable to other Mediterranean urban areas facing similar pressures and highlights the strategic role that local groundwater can play in building long-term water resilience. Full article