Search Results (3,982)

Climate change is a critical constraint on the development of new-quality productive forces (NQPFs), making it essential to clarify its relationship with urban development strategies to enhance productivity. Using panel data from 284 Chinese cities during 2010–2022, this study leverages the climate-resilient city pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment and applies a double machine learning approach to estimate both the causal impact and underlying mechanisms of this policy on NQPFs. We further examine heterogeneous effects across geographic regions and city types. Our findings show that first, climate-resilient urban development significantly boosts NQPFs, with results remaining robust across multiple sensitivity tests. Second, this effect operates through three key channels—talent agglomeration, data flow enhancement, and infrastructure-related industrial upgrading. Third, the policy’s impact is stronger in western and coastal cities; resource-based cities and non-environmentally protected cities exhibit greater responsiveness, amplifying the positive outcomes. This study provides systematic empirical evidence on the nexus between climate resilience and high-quality development, offering actionable insights for designing localized strategies to advance climate-resilient urbanization and foster high-quality productive forces. Full article

As trade in services continues to play an increasingly important role in international trade, effectively integrating its advancement with green development has become a key issue for China in shaping a new development paradigm. This study treats the service trade pilot city policy as a quasi-natural experiment, employing the Difference-in-Differences (DID) method to investigate the policy’s impact on urban green energy use. The findings indicate that the policy significantly boosted green energy consumption in pilot cities. Heterogeneity analysis reveals more pronounced policy effects in eastern regions and provinces with smaller populations. Furthermore, synergistic effects emerge when this policy interacts with artificial intelligence (AI) technology policies and urban environmental policies, further amplifying green energy consumption outcomes. Consequently, this study proposes recommendations including strengthening institutional innovation in green services trade within pilot zones, establishing cross-regional green collaboration networks, and promoting multi-policy coordination. These findings offer valuable insights for developing countries seeking to achieve sustainable development through services trade liberalization. Full article

The rapid development of the digital economy (DE) provides a new driving force for high-quality tourism development (HQTD). How to coordinate HQTD and DE is an urgent issue to be resolved. In this study, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) between HQTD and DE in Chinese prefecture-level cities is analysed using the CCD model, and the factors driving CCD are identified by Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). The results show that (1) Chinese city-level HQTD and DE show a rising trend from 2010 to 2019. The national average rises from 0.1807 and 0.2434 in 2010 to 0.2318 and 0.4113 in 2019, respectively, with HQTD’s development lagging noticeably behind DE. (2) CCD exhibits marked inter-regional disparities and intra-regional clustering. The northwest region has the lowest values, with many cities’ CCD below 0.5, indicating an imbalanced status. In 2019, all cities in the eastern region are in a balanced status, with Shanghai exceeding 0.8. (3) Total social retail sales per capita and percentage of tertiary sector are the key drivers of CCD; economic development and urbanisation rate exhibit a non-linear relationship with CCD. The CCD in developed cities in the east and north is driven by consumption, whereas the northwest region is primarily influenced by factors related to labour capital. Based on these conclusions, some policy implications are provided for the synergistic development of HQTD and DE. Full article

Greater Casablanca, one of Africa’s largest metropolitan regions, is undergoing significant spatial and demographic transformation. Yet, the underlying patterns of these dynamics remain poorly understood. This study investigates population dynamics and spatial inequalities in Greater Casablanca between 2014 and 2024. The analysis combines geospatial data, regression modeling, and clustering techniques to explore the interplay between demographic change, housing affordability, public-transport accessibility, and economic activity, providing a data-driven perspective on how these factors shape spatial inequalities and the region’s urban development trajectory. The results reveal a clear core–periphery divide. The central prefecture has lost population despite continued land consumption, while peripheral communes have experienced rapid demographic and economic expansion. This growth is strongly associated with affordable housing and high rates of new-firm formation, but it occurs where transport access remains weakest. Cluster analysis identifies four socio-spatial types, ranging from a shrinking but well-served core to fast-growing, poorly connected peripheries. The study underscores the need for integrated policy interventions to improve transport connectivity, implement inclusive housing strategies, and manage economic decentralization in ways that foster balanced and sustainable metropolitan development. By situating Greater Casablanca’s trajectory within global urbanization debates, this research extends core–periphery and shrinking-city frameworks to a North African context and provides evidence-based insights to support progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 11. Full article

Against the background of global warming, the carbon emission of cities accounts for more than 70%, and its carbon sink increase and emission reduction have become the research focus. The water bodies and green spaces in the urban blue–green space have a synergistic carbon sequestration effect, but current research pays less attention to the small and medium scales. Therefore, taking the waterfront green space on both sides of Qinhuai New River in Nanjing as the research object, this paper explores the impact of the synergy between water and greenery on the carbon sequestration efficiency of green space. The study first estimates the carbon sequestration efficiency of green spaces by integrating measured Leaf Area Index (LAI) data with the mean carbon sequestration rate per unit leaf area for typical tree and shrub species. It then constructs a set of water–green spatial relationship indicators and applies a random forest regression model to identify the key factors influencing carbon sequestration efficiency. Finally, multiple scenario models are developed to simulate the effects of green spaces on CO₂ reduction, thereby validating the roles of the identified influencing factors. The study found that waterfront green spaces tended to exhibit slightly higher carbon sequestration efficiency compared with non-waterfront green spaces. The proportion of 10 m forest land area and the proportion of 10–20 m forest land area had a higher impact on the carbon sequestration capacity of waterfront green space; that is, the closer the distance between the green space and the water, the better the carbon sequestration capacity. In order to improve the carbon sequestration efficiency of the waterfront area, the green space should be arranged along the water bank as much as possible, the depth of the green space should be increased, the proportion of the forest land area should be increased, the arbor and shrub should be planted evenly, and ribbon planting should be avoided. The study confirmed the synergistic effect of water and greenery in carbon sequestration benefits, providing data support and theoretical reference for the optimization and renewal of urban waterfront green space, and contributing to the realization of urban waterfront green space planning, design, and renewal with the goal of a high carbon sink. Full article

With a history spanning over two thousand years, the Beijing Road historic and cultural zone marks the origin of Guangzhou’s traditional central axis and serves as one of the earliest commercial centers in the Lingnan region, characterized by a rich historical and cultural heritage and unique Lingnan features. Through a combination of literature collection and review, field observation, and photographic documentation, the research examines the historical natural, artificial, and folk lightscapes of the Beijing Road zone, highlighting the diversity of its lightscape features from past to present. As the city developed and modern technology advanced, the representative lightscapes in the Beijing Road zone have evolved from traditional forms to modern expressions, including 3D projection, multimedia interaction, and LED lighting. These advancements breathe new life into the pedestrian street and enhance its cultural significance within the contemporary commercial environment. By comparing the characteristics and categories of historical and contemporary lightscapes, the paper reveals the transformation of historical lightscapes, the innovation in modern lightscape techniques, and the remnants of vanished lightscapes. It also proposes strategies for the restoration and preservation of historical lightscapes, the innovation and integration of contemporary lightscapes, and the development of sustainable lighting design, while it discusses the direction of work for future research. It underscores the need for further protection and optimization of lightscape resources in the Beijing Road historic and cultural zone, to enhance cultural heritage and commercial appeal, providing valuable insights for the preservation of historic zones and the development of cultural tourism in Guangzhou and the Lingnan region. Full article

Balancing the development of urban road infrastructure (URI) with the pace of urbanization is crucial to supporting high-quality urban growth. This study constructed a comprehensive evaluation framework of URI and urbanization using data from 101 Chinese cities between 2002 and 2021. The spatio-temporal characteristics of URI and urbanization were assessed using the entropy weighting method and the relative development index (RDI). Key variables were identified through the obstacle degree model and further refined via relative importance analysis. To investigate the nonlinear interactions among the most influential factors, a random forest model was employed in combination with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). The results revealed three key findings: (1) both URI and urbanization levels exhibited overall upward trends during the study period, although notable disparities were observed across cities; (2) URI development generally outpaced urbanization, indicating a lack of synergy between the two systems; and (3) key determinants of this mismatch included road density, total road area, the number of streetlights per unit road length, resident population size, and educational human capital. By integrating multidimensional URI and urbanization metrics in a comprehensive evaluation framework, this study provides new insights into the spatial synergy mechanisms and supports the formulation of tier-specific urban planning strategies. Full article

Language mixing is a common feature of bilingual communication, yet its predictors and effects on children’s vocabulary development remain debated. Most research has been conducted in contexts with clear societal and heritage languages, leaving open questions about language mixing in environments with two societal languages. Montreal provides a unique opportunity to examine this question, as both French and English hold societal status, while many families also maintain heritage languages. Using archival data from 398 bilingual children (7–34 months), we looked at French-English bilinguals (representing societal bilingualism) and heritage-language bilinguals within the same sociolinguistic environment. We assessed the prevalence, predictors, and motivations of parental language mixing and its relationship with vocabulary development. Results revealed that mixing was less frequent among French-English bilinguals compared to heritage-language bilinguals in the same city. The direction of mixing differed between groups: French-English bilinguals mixed based on language dominance, while heritage-language bilinguals mixed based on societal language status. Primary motivations included uncertainty about word meanings, lack of suitable translations, and teaching new words. Mixing showed minimal associations with vocabulary size across participants. These findings suggest that parental mixing practices reflect adaptive strategies that vary by sociolinguistic context rather than detrimental influences on early language acquisition. Full article

Urban public spaces function as complex social and spatial systems, serving as fundamental elements in preserving cultural heritage and fostering democratic participation and urban stability. The dominant valuation methods depend on economic principles that prioritize financial returns and property values over social, ecological, and cultural aspects. This study examines the distinction between social value, which is based on personal experiences and social connections, and fair value, which relies on market operations and financial regulations. The research investigates how valuation practices affect spatial justice and urban governance through a conceptual framework and four empirical case studies: Syntagma Square in Athens, the metro station areas, the city of Barcelona, and waterfront redevelopment projects in Thessaloniki, London, and Mumbai. The official valuation systems we studied conceal the political elements of space while preserving social inequalities and forcing out the requirements of local communities. The proposed solution establishes an integrative, pluralist valuation system that incorporates qualitative, temporal, and ethical elements, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda. The framework transforms public space discussions from commercialized urban resources into communal civic systems, creating sustainable cities for all. Full article

Digital Twin (DT) technology is increasingly recognized as a key enabler for optimizing design, operation, and management across the built environment. While several reviews have addressed DTs in either building- or city-scale contexts, a comprehensive integration of these two perspectives remains limited. This paper provides an updated overview of DT developments from Building Digital Twins (BDTs) to Urban Digital Twins (UDTs), aiming to identify convergences, divergences, and future directions. The analysis is conducted through a review of recent literature and selected case studies, considering technical, environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Findings reveal that although BDTs and UDTs share common conceptual and technological foundations, scaling from single assets to complex urban systems introduces new challenges in terms of interoperability, governance, and data management. Furthermore, while environmental and economic benefits are relatively well-documented, social implications, such as citizen engagement, inclusivity, and behavioral modeling, remain underexplored. This review highlights the novelty of adopting a cross-scale perspective, emphasizing the importance of integrating technical and social aspects to fully exploit the potential of DTs for sustainable and resilient transitions. The study concludes by outlining research gaps and recommending strategies for developing more integrated, socially aware DT frameworks in both building and urban contexts. Full article

Bangkok is the largest city in Thailand and the second largest city in Southeast Asia. Due to the rapid urbanization and upgrading of economic structures, the real estate market in Bangkok is not only constrained by domestic factors but also fluctuates with international economic cycles. Bangkok’s long history, diverse culture, developed economy, and incomplete land infrastructure make the formation of housing prices particularly complex. In this study, we collected 13,175 residence transaction data from 2076 different neighborhoods in Bangkok and explored multiscale effects of various land infrastructure factors on housing prices in Bangkok at the neighborhood level. Our analysis not only supports land planning departments of Bangkok to make more reasonable facility planning but also provides new insights into driving mechanisms of housing prices in other cities of Thailand and ASEAN countries. Full article

Due to rapid economic development, high energy consumption, and the depletion of natural resources, resulting in climate change, urban planners and architects face the difficult task of creating a new type of sustainable city that takes into account rapid population growth. The aim of this article is to examine the development of contemporary forms of high-rise architecture and the role of the vertical city in responding to shrinking space and developing a realistic strategy for sustainable urban development. Literature analysis, case studies, and multidisciplinary analysis are used. Pro-ecological solutions are identified and analyzed using the most representative buildings in Asia and a theoretical example in Nanjing. The examples are characterized by above-average height, unusual shapes, and the use of advanced pro-ecological strategies. Greenery plays a key role, including regulating the temperature inside the building. Vertical multifunctionality is becoming an increasingly common response to increasing spatial needs. The apparent lack of understanding of the development of high-rise buildings in cities around the world, extending beyond individual skyscrapers, constitutes a research gap. This article discusses Chongqing, an example of a vertical city, which is understood not only in terms of individual high-rise buildings but also as a whole structure. The study addresses the issue of a new type of compact city: the vertical city. The article provides key guidelines and constraints for creating densely populated, yet sustainable and environmentally friendly cities of the future. The practical application of the study can be utilized by urban planners and decision-makers. Full article

Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) is a widely used ornamental grass worldwide. Drought is an important limiting factor for the growth and development of blue fescue; therefore, cultivating new strains of blue fescue with a strong drought tolerance is of great significance for its production practice. To investigate the drought tolerance mechanism of ds-1, this study subjected both ds-1 and “Festina” to a natural drought treatment and measured their physiological and biochemical indicators. A transcriptomic analysis was also conducted to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that, after the drought treatment, the relative water content (RWC), water use efficiency (WUE), and photosynthetic rate (Pn) of ds-1 leaves were significantly higher than those of “Festina”; in addition, the contents of H₂O₂ and O₂⁻, the relative electrical conductivity (REC), the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, the gas conductance (Gs), and the transpiration rate (Tr) were significantly lower than those of “Festina”. The peroxidase (POD) activity of ds-1 was significantly higher than that of “Festina”, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of ds-1 was significantly lower than that of “Festina”. The transcriptome data analysis showed that there were a total of 9475 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ds-1 and “Festina”. A Venn plot analysis showed 692 DEGs between ds-1—8d vs. “Festina”—8d and ds-1—16d vs. “Festina”—16d. A KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these 692 genes were mainly enriched in 86 pathways, including those related to the photosynthesis antenna protein, plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling, starch and sucrose metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism. Further screening identified genes that may be associated with drought stress, including PYL, PP2C, SnRK2, ABF, BRI1, JAZ, MYC2, Lhc, and MPK6. The qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression trends of the DEGs were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results. Our research results can provide a basis for exploring candidate genes for drought tolerance in blue fescue. In addition, our research results provide valuable genetic resources for the development of drought-resistant ornamental grass varieties, which can help reduce water consumption in cities and decrease labor and capital investment. Full article

One of the key challenges for city authorities is to ensure an adequate quality of life for residents while promoting sustainable urban development. Achieving this balance is closely related to transport management which strongly affects urban quality of life, energy consumption, and resource savings. The aim of this article is to propose a new approach of assessing urban transport management quality, with a view to implement urban energy and resource-saving policies. The assessment procedure is based on the Six Sigma methodology and is illustrated using the example of the city of Szczecin for three selected routes. Travel data were obtained based on actual vehicle traffic using crowdsourcing methods. The capacity processes were assessed based on the potential capacity index and the actual capacity index, which characterise deviations in urban traffic from the best way to save energy and resources. Customer specification limits were set based on surveys assessing residents’ expectations regarding car travel times on the analysed routes. The results show that the methodology proposed in the article can be successfully used to assess urban transport management and to identify areas in need of improvement for sustainable transport panning. Full article

Water supply networks in both developed and developing major cities worldwide were constructed many years ago. Currently, these systems face numerous challenges, including population growth, climate change, emerging technologies, and the policies implemented by local governments. Such factors can impact the design life of water infrastructure, leading to service pressure deficiencies. Consequently, water infrastructure must be reinforced to ensure an adequate and reliable service. This research presents the development of an analytical formulation for hydraulic installations with a pumping station, enabling the calculation of requirements for a new parallel pipeline within an existing water system without altering the current pipe resistance class. To implement the proposed solution, it is essential to maintain the initial pump head by adjusting the impeller size. A construction cost assessment is also undertaken to identify the most cost-effective reinforcement strategy, acknowledging that pipe costs vary significantly with diameter and material, and are proportional to the square of the diameter. The proposed methodology is applied to a 30 km pipeline with a 10% increase in demand, showing that a new parallel pipe of the same diameter as the existing hydraulic installation must be installed to minimise construction costs. A multi-parametric analysis was conducted employing machine learning presets with 309 dataset points. Full article