Search Results (28)

Despite an ageing society emerging as a global challenge, urban spaces still do not adequately address the spatial needs of older citizens. Numerous studies analyse built environment characteristics in relation to the mobility of older citizens, yet studies on the quality of older pedestrians’ perception of spatial attributes with their levels are scarce. This scoping review of 2855 records from 2013 to 2023, exported from Scopus and Web of Science, aimed to identify common patterns with respect to the aspects used in the assessment of the quality of urban spaces for older adults, with the emphasis placed on spatial attributes measured through different levels. Following PRISMA-ScR, the analysis was conducted in AsReview, a scientific tool using ML. Inclusion criteria were: peer-reviewed English-language journal articles and conference papers; the inclusion of spatial attributes in urban planning, measuring the perception of pedestrians, using a conjoint experiment, or urban digital twins; and taking into account an ageing society. The author performed the coding of 115 eligible records in four iterative rounds with the use of Atlas.ti. The findings show that Land Use & Buildings/Destinations, Sidewalk and Amenities, and Aesthetics/Urban Form were the most frequently occurring aspects. Attribute levels were proposed only in 10 records. No study incorporated stated preference and 3D walk-through environments to quantify older adults’ perception of walkability-related attributes. This represents a methodological gap for future research on older adults’ walkability perception. Urban planners and other decision-makers may use the findings of this study to support the design and management of age-friendly, sustainable, and inclusive street environments. Full article

In response to environmental degradation and social inequities exacerbated by automobile-dependent urban sprawl, this study proposes a framework for dynamic delineation and vitality assessment of 15-min walkable neighborhoods, using Baohe District, Hefei, China as a case study. Static service catchments were constructed using POI and road network data, then refined using one week’s mobile phone signaling trajectories calibrated to actual walking behavior, yielding 143 validated living circles (out of 156 initially delineated). These circles are classified into five typologies: commercial-residential, industrial-residential, educational-residential, predominantly residential, and public-service-oriented. A dual-index system—Facility Vitality Index (FVI) and Population Vitality Index (PVI)—is developed and synthesized into a Composite Vitality Index (VI) through normalization and weighting. Results show that only 27.3% of living circles achieve high vitality in both dimensions, indicating widespread service–demand misalignment. Conversely, 61.5% exhibit low or very low vitality, forming a “vitality depression” around the urban periphery—a pattern of service poverty with significant socioeconomic implications. High-vitality circles cluster along the Binhu New District corridor, while low-vitality circles concentrate in industrial parks (e.g., Feinan Industrial Park) and transport hubs (e.g., Hefei South Railway Station). The historic core lacks micro-infrastructures, whereas new districts—despite high-standard amenities—suffer from weak pedestrian activity. To address these deficiencies, we propose a differentiated zoning strategy: retrofitting micro-infrastructures in legacy neighborhoods, applying Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) principles in new urban extensions, and integrating community-serving functions within industrial peripheries. This framework provides actionable protocols for data-informed governance of 15-min living circles. Full article

Proximity to transportation infrastructure is an amenity that adds market value to residential property. However, not all infrastructure adds market value equally. For example, the empirical evidence suggests proximity to rail infrastructure adds more market value than proximity to pedestrian infrastructure, even though surveys show a willingness on the part of buyers to pay for the latter. Further, proximity to transportation infrastructure such as airports may subtract market value from residential property due to the disamenity of noise. In order to isolate the amenity or disamenity effect of proximity to airports, this study adopts a multilevel approach to residential property transactions, which encompasses the complement of air, bus, pedestrian, and rail infrastructure in an entire region. Analysis of thirteen years of residential property transactions near two international airports advances knowledge on the amenity effect of proximity to airports in light of the amenity effect of pedestrian infrastructure. Unsurprisingly, subregional differences in the amenity effect of proximity are evident due to differences in land use near the respective airports. The latter result suggests airports are not necessarily detrimental to the accrual of value in proximate residential property markets. The latter result also calls into question public policy interventions to mitigate regional disamenity effects of airport proximity evident elsewhere in the empirical literature. Full article

Accessible and inclusive community environments support physical activity and health equity for people with disabilities, yet gaps in design, maintenance, and communication limit safe, independent use. This statewide cross-sectional audit assessed park accessibility and usability and playground safety in publicly accessible, non-fee-based Delaware community parks with playgrounds. Fifty stratified sites were evaluated using the Community Health Inclusion Index and the America’s Playgrounds Safety Report Card by trained raters with strong interrater reliability. Descriptive analyses summarized accessibility, usability, communication, and safety features by county, with exploratory urban-suburban/micropolitan contrasts. Most sites provided wide, smooth paths, shade, and strong playground visibility, but foundational accessibility varied. Only 30% had a nearby transit stop, fewer than 10% of crossings included auditory or visual signals. Curb-ramp completeness was inconsistent, with detectable warnings frequently absent. Restrooms commonly lacked low-force doors or operable hardware, and multi-use trails often had obstacles or lacked wayfinding supports. Playground accessibility features were present at approximately two-thirds of sites, and 62% were classified as safe, although 10% were potentially hazardous or at-risk. Higher playground accessibility scores were strongly associated with lower life-threatening injury risk. Overall, gaps in transit access, pedestrian infrastructure, amenities, and communication support limit equitable, health-supportive park environments and highlight priority improvement areas. Full article

In the context of sustainable development, the concept of active mobility plays a key role in modern urban areas. To evaluate active mobility in these areas, we formulate a framework for characterising active mobility by calculating street network indices using global, free, and open data. This framework comprises the download and processing of pedestrian, cycling, driving, and public transport street networks from OpenStreetMap, the selection of street network indices from the academic literature, and their implementation and calculation. A total of 50 indicators are reported for each urban area distributed in eight index types, including thematic variables, proximity to Points of Interest (POIs), proximity to public transport, intersection density, street density, street length, link–node ratio, circuity, slope, and orientation entropy. To test the framework, we calculate street network indices for pedestrian and cycling networks for the urban areas of 176 cities from around the world. The resulting dataset is published as open data. An analysis of the calculated indices indicates that cities in higher-income economies generally exhibit better conditions for active mobility, especially in Europe, attributed to better map completeness, and to more compact and connected urban areas where it is easier to access amenities and public transport. Full article

Citywalk, a recently emerging form of leisure-oriented mobility, reflects increasing public interest in healthier lifestyles and more immersive urban experiences in Chinese metropolises. This study develops an integrative assessment framework combining Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) and the Kano model to examine both functional and affective dimensions of pedestrian satisfaction. Based on a multidimensional assessment model that integrates 25 factors of pedestrian perception, large-scale surveys were conducted in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, focusing on perceptions of spatial form, sensory atmosphere, accessibility, safety, and supporting facilities. A Satisfaction Scale (SS) and an Importance Scale (IS) were used to quantify responses, and the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) statistic indicated adequate sampling reliability. Results show that in Beijing and Shanghai, Biodiversity Visibility and Ecological Connection (LE5 = 3.706) and Street Furniture and Urban Amenity Integration (IN2 = 3.255) respectively rank first in terms of satisfaction, while Guangzhou showed highest satisfaction ratings with Pedestrian Infrastructure and Circulation Systems (IN3 = 3.206). It concludes that accessibility, safety, and route signage represent basic expectations whose absence substantially lowers satisfaction, and integration of cultural narratives were identified as effective design features associated with improved comfort and engagement. The framework and findings provide an empirical basis for analyzing pedestrian experience and identifying priorities for improving citywalk environments under different urban conditions. Full article

The construction of post-industrial landscapes is increasingly regarded as an important pathway for promoting urban sustainability. However, limited attention has been given to the interconnections between post-industrial landscapes and local villagers in rural contexts. From the perspective of environmental justice, the ecological and cultural-tourism goals of post-industrial landscapes may be mismatched with villagers’ place-based needs. This study examines a typical rural post-industrial waterfront area in China to analyze villagers’ environmental justice. Representative project photographs were collected, and villagers’ perceptions were obtained through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, yielding 98 valid responses (95% response rate). Quantitative measurements of landscape characteristics were combined with pairwise preference evaluations, and the analysis applied the framework of recognition, participatory, and distributive justice. A discrete choice model (DCM) and spatial analysis were then employed to explore the relationships. Quantitative analysis showed that natural vegetation, plazas, industrial heritage, and pedestrian paths had negative effects on villagers’ recognition (β = −0.36 to −0.18), whereas hardscape had a strong positive effect (β = 0.94). Moreover, spatial analysis indicated localized patterns of environmental injustice, highlighting uneven distribution of landscape benefits across the site. Semi-structured interviews revealed villagers’ priorities across landscape design, amenities, local livelihoods, and project implementation, highlighting the importance of safer, more functional, and well-managed spaces. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of inclusive planning and design strategies that integrate ecological, cultural, and recreational considerations, thereby supporting the sustainable renewal of rural post-industrial waterfronts. Full article

Proximity-oriented planning aims to deliver everyday services within a short walk, yet closeness does not guarantee usable access for all residents. This study quantifies the gap between spatial proximity and functional accessibility in Timișoara, România, focusing on people with mobility and visual impairments. A three-stage analysis was conducted to evaluate accessibility to public amenities. First, (1) a survey was conducted with 605 respondents to identify distinct accessibility priorities based on 15-Minute City core dimensions defined by Carlos Moreno and adapted afterwards to the city context and needs. In the second stage (2), GIS mapping (radial buffers and isochrones) revealed major disparities among non-disabled residents and residents with mobility and visual impairments. Coverage decreased substantially across amenities under reduced-speed scenarios and after excluding wheelchair-inaccessible destinations. In the third stage (3), field-observed pedestrian routes in three areas of Timișoara were examined against the top-ranked criteria for each group, using the items sourced from the previous survey and grounded in the 15-Minute City concept. The route scoring is exploratory and specific to this context. The findings confirmed recurrent functional barriers, especially for vulnerable groups. These results expose a proximity-accessibility gap, where apparent nearness masks physical or sensory barriers. A shift toward experience-based accessibility planning is needed to ensure that proximity is not only spatial, but also usable by all and inclusive. Full article

With industrial transformation and the rise in the 15 min community life circle, optimizing walkability and preserving industrial heritage are key to revitalizing former industrial areas. This study, focusing on Shijingshan District in Beijing, proposes a walkability evaluation framework integrating multi-source big data and street-level perception. Using Points of Interest (POI) classification, which refers to the categorization of key urban amenities, pedestrian network modeling, and street view image data, a Walkability Friendliness Index is developed across four dimensions: accessibility, convenience, diversity, and safety. POI data provide insights into the spatial distribution of essential services, while pedestrian network data, derived from OpenStreetMap, model the walkable road network. Street view image data, processed through semantic segmentation, are used to assess the quality and safety of pedestrian pathways. Results indicate that core communities exhibit higher Walkability Friendliness Index scores due to better connectivity and land use diversity, while older and newly developed areas face challenges such as street discontinuity and service gaps. Accordingly, targeted optimization strategies are proposed: enhancing accessibility by repairing fragmented alleys and improving network connectivity; promoting functional diversity through infill commercial and service facilities; upgrading lighting, greenery, and barrier-free infrastructure to ensure safety; and delineating priority zones and balanced enhancement zones for differentiated improvement. This study presents a replicable technical framework encompassing data acquisition, model evaluation, and strategy development for enhancing walkability, providing valuable insights for the revitalization of industrial districts worldwide. Future research will incorporate virtual reality and subjective user feedback to further enhance the adaptability of the model to dynamic spatiotemporal changes. 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

Rapid ribbon development in Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad, has resulted in fragmented neighborhoods due to unplanned urban expansion. This study evaluates the critical factors influencing social sustainability in residential communities, focusing on neighborhood connectivity, safety, and green spaces. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected through quota sampling from 5–7% of government-approved housing schemes in Qasimabad. A Satisfaction Index was developed to assess residents’ perceptions of accessibility, safety, amenities, and community engagement and analyzed via SPSS-22. Key findings revealed severe dissatisfaction: only 19% of private vehicle users reported satisfaction, while over 60% rated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure as inadequate. Green spaces intended for communal use deteriorated, causing a 21.58% reduction in satisfaction. Despite moderate daytime safety ratings (+53.95%), the overall social sustainability index remained negative (−148.61%). This study underscores the urgency of integrated urban strategies—enhancing accessibility, revitalizing green spaces, improving safety measures, and fostering community engagement—to address fragmentation and achieve socially sustainable neighborhoods. Full article

Safety, a critical component of sustainable development, necessitates an integrated approach in which urban planning assumes a central role. This study investigates the relationship between urban form and crime incidents in public spaces within the center of the city. This study was conducted in the city of Łódź, located in central Poland. Through geolocated data, this research explores crime incidents that, while not the most severe, disrupt public order and impact the overall quality of life. This study fills a gap in the existing literature by analyzing spatial variables such as urban vibrancy and the presence of alcohol outlets, alongside other urban elements. The analysis incorporates a variety of urban form variables, including land development indices, the functional layout of the urban neighborhood, pedestrian infrastructure, public space amenities, and facilities. Urban vibrancy, represented by the density of human activity, is also assessed in relation to crime incidents. The results indicate significant correlations between certain urban features and the occurrence of crime incidents, particularly the presence of public amenities and small businesses. While these findings suggest that urban design can influence crime rates, further panel and time-series regression analysis is needed to confirm these dynamics. Aligned with the 11th Sustainable Development Goal, this study provides insights that could inform urban planning strategies, offering recommendations to enhance both the functionality and safety of city centers. By understanding how urban design elements contribute to public safety, policymakers can develop more effective and targeted spatial planning strategies that promote not only aesthetics and functionality but also the well-being and security of residents. Full article

The 15-min city (FMC) is a people-oriented urban development strategy that aims to provide a higher quality of life by manifesting the people’s right to the city. This study proposes an FMC index that measures how close a specific area is to achieving the 15-min accessibility to the six social functions (living, working, supplying, caring, learning, and enjoying). In the case of Pasig City, social function service areas were generated in terms of walkability and walking speeds per age group. Grid-based and population-based FMCI were calculated based on the established weights of points of interest and social functions, as well as the barangay population distribution per age group. The results show that 90% of the barangays achieved an FMCI of 0.5 or higher. This study presents an in-depth yet replicable approach using open-source data, considering facilities in each social function based on necessity of each age group, as well as utilizing pedestrian walkability as an impedance. Further, high population-based FMCI barangays cluster in the southern-central part of the city. The developed FMCI offers a compelling rationale for other HUCs to assess urban planning strategies, such as zoning strategies in the context of the weighted importance of amenities, walkability, and population distribution. Full article

Historically, urban development has always been centered on coastal areas, with access to waterbodies—seas, rivers and canals—being a significant advantage for movement and trade. With most of the world’s megapolises located on coasts, land reclamation offers a solution for the expansion of city centers which are otherwise restricted by the coastline. This study aims to define the current understanding of urban regeneration and development on reclaimed lands, addressing the basic questions of what, why and how. This study aims to assess urban regeneration on reclaimed coastal land based on the principles of sustainable development defined by existing studies. The literature review establishes a theoretical framework and defines performance-based benchmarks for identifying spatial indicators of urban development. Composite indicators, namely open space coverage, land use mix, the percentage of coast for people, accessibility to public transportation and amenities, the availability of pedestrian paths and cycling tracks and adequate road networks, are considered for this framework. The conclusions are drawn based on the results of an analysis of spatial layout using a GIS as a tool to map and empirically measure each indicator. The framework is validated using a major land reclamation project, West Bay, in the coastal urban area of Doha in Qatar. The results determine that West Bay has achieved a good level of sustainability, although there are areas that could be enhanced to improve the overall sustainability of urban development further. These findings can serve as a guide for policymakers and various stakeholders for sustainable urban planning on reclaimed coastal lands. Full article

The 15-minute city concept, designed to ensure that all essential services and amenities are accessible within a 15 min walk or bike ride from home, presents a transformative vision for urban living. This paper explores the concept of a 15-minute city and its implications, along with its main features and pillars. Furthermore, it elaborates on how the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and computational tools can be utilized in optimizing the 15-minute city model. We reveal how AI-driven algorithms, machine learning techniques, and advanced data analytics can enhance urban planning, improve accessibility, and foster social integration. Our paper focuses on the practical applications of these technologies in creating pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, optimizing public transport coordination, and enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. By executing some of these computational models, we demonstrate the potential of AI and computational tools to realize the vision of the 15-minute city, making urban spaces more inclusive, resilient, and adaptive to the evolving needs of their inhabitants. Full article