Search Results (204)

This research examines the shifting geography of small firm innovation in the U.S. by tracking the location of small business innovation research (SBIR) and small business technology transfer (STTR) awardees between 2010 and 2024. The SBIR and STTR are “seed fund” awards coordinated by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and funded through 11 U.S. federal agencies. Of particular interest is whether the number of individual SBA awards, awarded firms, and/or funding amounts are (1) becoming increasingly concentrated within regional innovation hubs and (2) exhibiting a shift toward or away from urban centers and other walkable, transit-accessible urban neighborhoods, particularly since 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. While the rise of remote work and pandemic-related fears may have reduced the desirability of urban spaces for both living and working, there remain significant benefits to spatial agglomeration that may be especially crucial for startups and other small firms in the knowledge- or information-intensive industries. The results suggest that innovative activity of smaller firms has indeed trended toward more centralized, denser, and walkable urban areas in recent years while also remaining fairly concentrated within major metropolitan innovation hubs. The pandemic appears to have resulted in a measurable, though potentially short-lived, cessation of these trends. Full article

Amman’s rapid population growth and sprawling urbanization have resulted in car-centric, fragmented neighborhoods that lack social cohesion and are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This study reframes walkability as a climate adaptation strategy, demonstrating how pedestrian-oriented spatial planning can reduce vehicle emissions, mitigate urban heat island effects, and enhance the resilience of green infrastructure in peri-urban contexts. Using Deir Ghbar, a rapidly developing marginal area on Amman’s western edge, as a case study, we combine objective walkability metrics (street connectivity and residential and retail density) with GIS-based spatial regression analysis to examine relationships with residents’ sense of community. Employing a quantitative, correlational research design, we assess walkability using a composite objective walkability index, calculated from the land-use mix, street connectivity, retail density, and residential density. Our results reveal that higher residential density and improved street connectivity significantly strengthen social cohesion, whereas low-density zones reinforce spatial and socioeconomic disparities. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of targeted green infrastructure interventions, such as continuous street tree canopies and permeable pavements, to enhance pedestrian comfort and urban ecological functions. By visualizing spatial patterns and correlating built-environment attributes with community outcomes, this research provides actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners. These strategies contribute directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by fostering more inclusive, connected, and climate-resilient neighborhoods. Deir Ghbar emerges as a model for scalable, GIS-driven spatial planning in rural and marginal peri-urban areas throughout Jordan and similar regions facing accelerated urban transitions. By correlating walkability metrics with community outcomes, this study operationalizes SDGs 11 and 13, offering a replicable framework for climate-resilient urban planning in arid regions. Full article

The concept of the 15-minutes city [15 MC] focuses on providing important services within proximity and accessibility through active travel like walking or biking. While this model is becoming popular in urban planning and academic discourse, its implementation faces challenges in both densely populated developing and developed countries. This study aims to conduct a systematic review of recent literature to (1) identify the core components of the 15 MC model, (2) examine planning tools and strategies used in its implementation, (3) compare successes and challenges across global contexts, particularly in densely populated and resource-constrained areas, and (4) offer practical recommendations for adapting the model to meet local needs. The study reviewed 33 research papers published in the last five years [2019–2024]. Following PRISMA guidelines, a structured screening and selection process was conducted using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Thematic analysis revealed major challenges for implementing the 15 MC in the Global South, including urban informality, gaps in infrastructure, and complex governance issues. Moreover, the review points out the potential risks of exclusion and gentrification if the specific needs of different contexts are not considered. While high-income countries tend to focus on sustainability and making neighborhoods walkable, developing countries struggle with deeper structural problems that make equitable implementation harder. This study emphasizes the need for locally adaptive frameworks in planning 15 MCs and aims to develop inclusive urban policies that support Sustainable Development Goal 11, which seeks to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Full article

The study explores the features of spatiotemporal circles of residents’ daily walking. Through a survey of residents’ walking activity in 16 residential communities, the walking purpose, distance, time, and speed of different residents were analyzed, and the circles of residents’ walking activities in historic and modern districts were identified. It is found that residents’ walking activities showed obvious spatiotemporal and individual differences. Walking activities on weekdays mainly focus on short distances (0.5–1 km) and short duration (5–15 min) for commuting and basic needs, while walking activities on weekends tend to be longer distances (more than 2 km) and longer duration (15–40 min) for leisure purposes. There are significant differences in distance and speed between walking activities in the historic and modern districts, with residents of the historic districts walking a smaller range but more diverse destinations, and residents of the modern districts walking to a wider range but fewer types of destinations. The study provides a scientific basis for multi-circle planning strategies of community life units, and it contributes to the localized adaptation of the “15-minute city” concept by revealing how historical and modern districts shape distinct spatiotemporal circles for walkability in Chinese cities. Full article

Decades of migration and refugee influxes have driven Amman’s rapid urban growth, yet newer neighborhoods increasingly grapple with fragmented social cohesion. This study examines whether walkable design can strengthen community bonds, focusing on Deir Ghbar, a car-centric district in West Amman. Using GIS and mixed-methods analysis, we assess how walkability metrics (residential density, street connectivity, land-use mix, and retail density) correlate with sense of community. The results reveal that street connectivity and residential density enhance social cohesion, while land-use mix exhibits no significant effect. High-density, compact neighborhoods foster neighborly interactions, but major roads disrupt these connections. A critical mismatch emerges between quantitative land-use metrics and resident experiences, highlighting the need to integrate spatial data with community insights. Amman’s zoning policies, particularly the stark contrast between affluent low-density Zones A/B and underserved high-density Zones C/D, perpetuate socio-spatial segregation—a central critique of this study. We urge the Greater Amman Municipality’s 2025 Master Plan to prioritize mixed-density zoning, pedestrian retrofits (e.g., traffic calming and sidewalk upgrades), and equitable access to amenities. This study provides a replicable GIS and survey-based framework to address urban socio-spatial divides, aligning with SDG 11 for inclusive cities. It advocates for mixed-density zoning and pedestrian-first interventions in Amman’s Master Plan. By integrating a GIS with social surveys, this study offers a replicable model for addressing socio-spatial divides in cities facing displacement and inequality. Full article

Evaluating the walkability of embedded community service facilities is crucial for fostering age-friendly neighborhoods. Existing studies predominantly focus on qualitative analyses of single age groups, lacking a quantitative framework that integrates multigenerational demands and dynamically combines accessibility with facility usability. This study proposes a novel age-differentiated walkability evaluation framework through a case study of the Maple Community in Chengdu, China. The framework innovatively integrates facility classification weighting systems, population-specific distance decay functions, and multisource spatial data analysis to reveal intergenerational disparities in facility demand and spatial suitability. Key contributions include the following: (1) developing mobility-attenuated accessibility models tailored to distinct age groups, overcoming the limitations of traditional single-function approaches; (2) establishing a multidimensional evaluation system that bridges accessibility theory and usability metrics; (3) empirically demonstrating the spatial equity improvements through embedded facility optimization. The results highlight that elderly residents prioritize healthcare facilities (weight = 0.22), while adolescents rely heavily on cultural–recreational amenities (weight = 0.32). Post-renewal walkability scores in core areas increased by 52.3%, yet persistent peripheral disparities underscore intergenerational accessibility gaps. The framework provides theoretical and methodological advancements for age-friendly community planning, offering actionable insights for data-driven urban renewal policies. Full article

In recent years, the 15-minute city (15MC) model has gained significant attention among scholars and practitioners, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. However, limited research has explored how this model can be adapted to high-density, high-rise urban environments characterized by compact land use and mobility challenges. This study addresses this gap by extending the core principles of the 15MC—density, proximity, diversity, and digitalization—with additional context-specific dimensions: mobility choice, walkability and cyclability, public transport proximity, inclusivity, placemaking, and policy integration. Using qualitative research and site observations, we analyze three diverse neighborhoods in Singapore: Clementi, Toa Payoh, and Holland Village. The comparative evaluation reveals the strengths and limitations of applying a vertical, hierarchical, and multilayered planning model in dense urban contexts. The study also highlights the potential of a three-dimensional planning framework that integrates vertical and horizontal spatial structures to optimize accessibility and functionality. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable urbanism by offering actionable strategies to support the transition toward more accessible, low-carbon, and livable high-density cities. Full article

Inequitable access to parks persists in cities where race, income, and geography shape residents’ proximity to public green space. This study analyzes 20 parks in Salt Lake City—10 in the Eastside and 10 in the Westside—using demographic, housing, and transportation data drawn from GIS tools and spatial platforms. By assessing indicators such as household income, racial composition, rent burden, walkability, and transit access, the findings confirm that Westside parks—located in lower-income and more racially diverse neighborhoods—are significantly less accessible. Eastside parks, by contrast, tend to serve higher-income, majority-white areas with better infrastructure. This paper illustrates how spatial inequality in surrounding conditions limits park accessibility, and it proposes GIS as a tool for diagnosing and addressing environmental injustice in urban planning. Full article

Data on pedestrian infrastructure is essential for improving the mobility environment and for planning efficiency. Although governmental agencies are responsible for capturing data on pedestrian infrastructure mostly by field audits, most have not completed such audits. In recent years, virtual auditing based on street view imagery (SVI), specifically through geo-crowdsourcing platforms, offers a more inclusive approach to pedestrian movement planning, but concerns about the quality and reliability of opensource geospatial data pose barriers to use by governments. Limited research has compared opensource data in relation to traditional government approaches. In this study, we compare pedestrian infrastructure data from an opensource virtual sidewalk audit platform (Project Sidewalk) with government data. We focus on neighborhoods with diverse walkability and income levels in the city of Seattle, Washington and in DuPage County, Illinois. Our analysis shows that Project Sidewalk data can be a reliable alternative to government data for most pedestrian infrastructure features. The agreement for different features ranges from 75% for pedestrian signals to complete agreement (100%) for missing sidewalks. However, variations in measuring the severity of barriers challenges dataset comparisons. Full article

One potential strategy to promote physical activity (PA) involves changing the neighborhood environment. The PA-friendliness of neighborhood environments is often calculated using geospatial data. However, the association with perceived PA-friendliness seems to be low. Therefore, we examined the relationship between two Dutch geospatial measures and residents’ perceptions regarding the PA-friendliness of their neighborhoods. Data from 3438 respondents aged 40–80 years from the Doetinchem Cohort Study were linked to individual geospatial data. In addition to respondents’ self-reports, we used the following two geospatial measures: the Dutch walkability index and the Dutch indicator for PA-friendly environments (KBO-indicator). We performed logistic regression analyses to assess associations between perceived PA-friendliness and two objective geospatial measures, including interactions for age, sex, education, work status, and physical functioning. The majority of respondents (83%) evaluated their neighborhood as PA-friendly. The logistic analyses revealed no associations between the geospatial measures of walkability and PA-friendliness and the individuals’ perception measures. Similarly, a comparison of residents from high versus low walkable or PA-friendly neighborhoods demonstrated no significant differences in their perception of PA-friendliness. Additionally, no significant interaction effects were observed with sex, age, education, employment status, or physical functioning, indicating that even among subgroups there was no correspondence between objective and subjective measures. The lack of correspondence between both objective and subjective measures for PA-friendliness in the neighborhood suggests that these are distinct constructs. Future research should focus on qualitative methods to bridge the gap between objective and subjective measures and test whether the perceived PA-friendliness is similar to the objective measures. Full article

Over the past two decades, walkability, accessibility, and urban street culture have become major study topics in several areas of contemporary urban research, including urban sustainability, urban economy, healthy cities, and the x-minute city. Due to a plethora of evidence that supports the benefits of an accessible and walkable neighborhood, many countries and cities have put in place urban reform agendas that prioritize accessibility and walkability and promote urban street culture. Saudi Arabia is among those countries, as evidenced by the goals established in Saudi Vision 2030. This study focuses on the City of Hail’s efforts to enhance the walkability of its neighborhoods and the city’s accessibility. This study looks at how the newly constructed pedestrian infrastructure matches people’s expectations and how it influences how people in Hail walk. This study also makes specific suggestions for improvement and identifies ways forward. This study employs a three-fold ‘post-occupancy evaluation’ methodology that includes qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys, and direct observation, focusing on how the community interacts with the new pedestrian streetscapes. This study recommends designing areas in the City of Hail with improved pedestrian rights-of-way, enhancing sidewalk design and continuity, creating pedestrian buffer zones, boosting shade and shelter, and increasing safety and security. The suggested design changes will have the added benefit of strengthening the sense of community of Hail residents while also promoting mixed-use development, which is generally recognized as a more ‘organic’, natural development path that also aligns with Saudi’s heritage architecture, returning Hail’s urban space to its roots. These findings are crucial for shaping city planning in the City of Hail and beyond by emphasizing inclusive strategies that create lively communities where walking is encouraged and enjoyed. Full article

Introduction. The global challenge of physical inactivity necessitates innovative approaches and strategies to optimize built environments in order to promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles, such as active transportation. For this reason, walkability is a crucial area of research in urban health, with several studies focusing on assessment frameworks. However, a gap persists between theoretical development and practical implementation. This study explores the application of the Milan Walkability Measurement Tool (MWM-Tool), a walkability assessment framework previously developed by Politecnico di Milano, to evaluate the urban features in favor of walkability by integrating GIS technology with an extended testing scope. It is based on a scientific approach utilizing 10 sub-indicators divided into three macro-areas (Density, Diversity, Design), identified through a comprehensive literature review. Method. Focusing on the application of the MWM-Tool in Milan, the study employs the 88 Nuclei of Local Identity (NILs), which are the official designations for Milan’s neighborhoods, as the units of urban analysis. Based on previous experience, the digitalization of the assessment framework has been improved: geospatial data corresponding to 10 sub-indicators were filtered to generate vector layers, primarily sourced from two public geographical platforms. The GIS-based method produces thematic maps evaluating all neighborhoods according to the dimensions of Density, Diversity, and Design. Darker and lighter colors represent the range of the scores. Both single indicators and macro-area maps, as well as overall walkability level maps, were generated to illustrate the results. Result. The results of the macro dimension assessment, combining 10 sub-indicators, provide an objective view of the distribution of walkable space quality in Milan. Only 7 out of 88 neighborhoods achieved the highest score, all of which are located in the city center, while suburban areas showed significantly lower scores. By incorporating census GIS data, the study also identified the population distribution across areas with varying walkability levels. Based on the results of the assessment, it may be possible to develop and prioritize the optimization of walkable features, revitalizing underserved areas and fostering a healthier community environment. Conclusion. The georeferenced-data maps represent an effective tool to highlight both neighborhoods with high urban quality, which could be used to promote active mobility and healthy lifestyle adoption, as well as those requiring improvement strategies from policy and decision makers. The research output provides a reference for further urban planning initiatives in Milan and contributes to enhancing pedestrian-oriented built environments. Using GIS open-source data, the method is scalable and can be easily replicated in other cities. It could also be used as a system for monitoring walkability over time. Full article

The intersection of environmental justice and urban accessibility presents a critical challenge in sustainable city planning. While the “15-minute city” concept has emerged as a prominent framework for promoting walkable neighborhoods, its implications for environmental exposure inequalities remain underexplored. This study introduces an innovative methodology for assessing air pollution exposure disparities within the context of 15-minute activity zones in New York City. By integrating street-level PM2.5 predictions with spatial network analysis, this research evaluates exposure patterns that more accurately reflect residents’ daily mobility experiences. The results reveal significant socioeconomic and racial disparities in air pollution exposure, with lower-income areas and Black communities experiencing consistently higher PM2.5 levels within their 15-minute walking ranges. A borough-level analysis further underscores the influence of localized urban development patterns and demographic distributions on environmental justice outcomes. A comparative analysis demonstrates that traditional census tract-based approaches may underestimate these disparities by failing to account for actual pedestrian mobility patterns. These findings highlight the necessity of integrating high-resolution environmental justice assessments into urban planning initiatives to foster more equitable and sustainable urban development. Full article

Improving the equity of urban public green space is crucial for residents’ well-being and is a key objective in green space planning. While most existing studies focus primarily on the spatial distribution characteristics of green space resources, fewer explore the mechanisms influencing residents’ subjective perceptions and preferences. This study, based on a survey of 1419 residents in Hunan Province, constructs a structural equation model (SEM) to investigate the impact of the unequal distribution of urban public green space on residents’ happiness, mediated by social–psychological factors such as environmental perception, sense of security, and neighborhood cohesion. Additionally, a random forest (RF) algorithm is employed to identify the main factors influencing residents’ green space usage preferences. The results demonstrate that equity in green space distribution significantly influences residents’ happiness through environmental perception (path coefficient γ = 0.744, p = 0.001), security (γ = 0.664, p = 0.001), and neighborhood cohesion (γ = 0.830, p = 0.001). Key factors influencing residents’ preferences for green space use include age, housing prices, and walkability, with walkability contributing 17.5%, green space equity contributing 11.0%, and age contributing 10.2% to the frequency of green space use. These findings are critical for developing fairer and more effective urban green space policies, contributing to the creation of a more sustainable, equitable, and satisfying urban environment. Full article

Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome is a complex systemic disorder characterized by interactions between metabolic risk factors such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). These interactions contribute to multi-organ dysfunction and a heightened risk of cardiovascular complications. The American Heart Association (AHA) emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to CKM management, incorporating social and environmental determinants of health (SEDH) to better understand disease progression and outcomes. Among these determinants, neighborhood walkability—the extent to which an area supports walking and physical activity—has emerged as a critical yet understudied factor influencing CKM health. This scoping review aims to synthesize the existing evidence on the relationship between neighborhood walkability and CKM outcomes, examining potential pathways, health disparities, and opportunities for targeted interventions. Full article