Search Results (544)

Postsocialist peri-urban spaces are characterized by a chaotic development as a result of the transition from communism to capitalism. Recent research has highlighted that liveability in peri-urban spaces encounters challenges of adaptation to the peri-urban areas. The aim of the present study is to identify and analyze patterns and contrasts that occur between age groups and gender in relation to the level of liveability as well as to better understand the daily mobility practices and commuting dependencies and how mobility shapes key contrasts and emerging tensions within Timișoara’s postsocialist peri-urban spaces. As liveability relates to local development, commuting, and accessibility to service facilities in the residential environment, the identification of patterns and differences is imperative when considering the perception of local residents on potential (un)sustainable liveability in peri-urban areas. This study utilizes a quantitative analysis, informed by a survey of considerable size (N = 954) conducted in peri-urban settlements of Timisoara, Romania, with a view to elucidating the distinctions and commonalities in the perceptions held by the local populace. The findings indicate that the elderly population exhibits a greater reluctance to adapt to the emerging peri-urban environment. In contrast, the younger and more educated demographic demonstrates a higher degree of adaptability to the contemporary challenges posed by peri-urban expansion and hazardous development. Daily mobility, including commuting, is directly influenced by the effects of dispersed and chaotic development (e.g., more than 79% of respondents rely on private cars for commuting), as well as the lack of facilities and services (e.g., 2.21 level of satisfaction regarding cultural events). This highlights Timisoara’s dependence on external services, as well as the significant role of personal vehicles in providing access to the city center and its neighborhoods. Therefore, we can observe the peri-urban area undergoing a transitional phase as it navigates the initial stages of sustainable urban development and pursues an enhanced quality of life. Finally, we propose several policy recommendations for local authorities, offering solutions for enhancing liveability in peri-urban areas. Full article

This study analyzes the association between age integration and residential satisfaction in urban regeneration areas. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 569 residents who visited ten Urban Regeneration Community Facilities (URCFs) in Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea. Age integration was set as the main independent variable, and blockwise (sequential-entry) multiple regression analysis was performed while controlling for life satisfaction, community wellbeing, and socio-demographic characteristics. The results indicate that higher levels of age integration are significantly associated with higher residential satisfaction, demonstrating that intergenerational interactions and inclusive relationships play an important role in enhancing satisfaction with the neighborhood. This positive association was also consistent across age cohorts, with no statistically significant differences in correlation strength between age groups. Several control variables, including life satisfaction, selected components of community wellbeing, and income level, also show significant positive associations with residential satisfaction, confirming that personal, social, and environmental factors jointly influence residential satisfaction in urban regeneration areas. These findings highlight the importance of fostering age-integrated environments in urban regeneration policies to enhance the social sustainability of urban neighborhoods. By showing that age integration is associated with higher residential satisfaction even after controlling for life satisfaction, community wellbeing, and socio-demographic characteristics, this study provides empirical evidence on how age-integrated environments can contribute to the social sustainability and community wellbeing of urban regeneration neighborhoods from a social sustainability perspective. Full article

The impacts of land use on stormwater runoff quality and Best Management Practices to mitigate these impacts have been investigated since the 1970s, yet challenges remain in providing a modeling approach that concomitantly considers contributions from different land use types. In densely developed urban areas, a buildup/washoff approach is often applied, while in rural areas, some type of erosion modeling is employed, as the processes of detachment, entrainment, and transport are fundamentally different. This study presents a coupled modeling approach within PCSWMM, integrating exponential buildup/washoff for impervious surfaces with the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) for pervious areas, including construction sites, to characterize water quality in the large mixed urban–rural Sparrovale catchment in Geelong, Australia. The watershed includes an innovative cascading system of 12 online NbS wetlands along one of the main tributaries, Armstrong Creek, to manage runoff quantity and quality, as well as 16 offline NbS wetlands that are tributary to the online system. A total of 78 samples for Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Phosphorus (TP), and Total Nitrogen (TN) were collected from six monitoring sites along Armstrong Creek during wet- and dry-weather events between May and July 2024 for model validation. The data were supplemented with six other catchment stormwater quality datasets collected during earlier studies, which provided an understanding of water quality status for the broader Geelong region. Results showed that average nutrient concentrations across all the sites ranged from 0.44 to 2.66 mg/L for TP and 0.69 to 5.7 mg/L for TN, spanning from within to above the ecological threshold ranges for eutrophication risk (TP: 0.042 to 1 mg/L, TN: 0.3 to 1.5 mg/L). In the study catchment, upstream wetlands reduced pollutant levels; however, downstream wetlands that received runoff from agriculture, residential areas, and, importantly, construction sites, showed a substantial increase in sediment and nutrient concentration. Water quality modeling revealed washoff parameters primarily influenced concentrations from established urban neighborhoods, whereas erosion parameters substantially impacted total pollutant loads for the larger system, demonstrating the importance of integrated modeling for capturing pollutant dynamics in heterogeneous, urbanizing catchments. The study results emphasize the need for spatially targeted management strategies to improve stormwater runoff quality and also show the potential for cascading wetlands to be an important element of the Nature-based Solution (NbS) runoff management system. Full article

With the ongoing advancement of urbanization, the renewal of old urban areas has emerged as a central front in enhancing urban quality, with street space improvement playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainable urban development. This study focuses on Chengdu, a highly urbanized megacity, employing a combination of multi-point continuous street view photography, spatial mapping, and landscape design interventions to systematically examine human activity patterns, commercial dynamics, and pathways for spatial optimization along the street-facing interfaces of old residential neighborhoods and their adjacent urban streets. The findings reveal that: (1) commercializing the street-facing façades enhances local employment opportunities; (2) window-type fences demonstrate superior adaptability by effectively balancing commercial accessibility with resident safety; and (3) a diverse mix of commercial types sustains the vitality of street-level economies in these areas. These results not only offer actionable spatial strategies for the renovation of old residential zones in Chengdu but also contribute transferable insights for urban regeneration efforts globally. Full article

Heavy metals are widespread environmental contaminants from natural and anthropogenic sources, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. In urban areas, levels are elevated due to industrial activity, traffic emissions, and building materials. Camden, New Jersey, a city with a history of industry and illegal dumping, faces increased risk due to aging sewer and stormwater systems. These systems frequently flood neighborhoods and parks, heightening residents’ exposure to heavy metals. Despite this, few studies have examined metal distribution in Camden, particularly during storm events. This study analyzes stormwater metal concentrations across residential and commercial areas to assess contamination levels, potential sources, and land use associations. Stormwater samples were collected from 33 flooded street locations after four storm events in summer 2023, along with samples from a flooded residential basement during three storms. All were analyzed for total lead, cadmium, and arsenic using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, (Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA)). Concentration data were visualized using geographic information system (GIS)-based mapping in relation to land use, socioeconomic, and public health factors. In Camden’s stormwater, lead levels (1–1164 µg L⁻¹) were notably higher than those of cadmium (0.1–3.3 µg L⁻¹) and arsenic (0.2–8.6 µg L⁻¹), which were relatively low. Concentrations varied citywide, with localized hot spots shaped by environmental and socio-economic factors. Principal component analysis indicates lead and cadmium likely originate from shared sources, mainly industries and illegal dumping. Notably, indoor stormwater samples showed higher heavy metal concentrations than outdoor street samples, indicating greater exposure risks in flooded homes. These findings highlight the spatial variability and complex sources of heavy metal contamination in stormwater, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in vulnerable communities. Full article

Rapid deployment of rooftop photovoltaics (PV), electric heating, and electric vehicles (EVs) is stressing low-voltage feeders in cold climates, where winter peaks push aging transformers to their limits. This paper quantifies how much stationary and mobile storage is required to keep feeder power nearly flat over a full year in such conditions. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model co-optimizes stationary battery energy storage systems (BESSs) and EV flexibility, including lithium-ion degradation, under a flatness constraint on transformer loading, i.e., the magnitude of feeder power exchange (import or export) around a seasonal target. The framework is applied to a 48-dwelling neighborhood in Ardahan, northeastern Turkey (mean January ≈ −8 °C) with rooftop PV and an emerging EV fleet. Three configurations are compared: unmanaged EV charging, optimized smart charging, and bidirectional vehicle-to-grid (V2G). Relative to the unmanaged case, smart charging reduces optimal stationary BESS capacity from 4.10 to 2.95 MWh, while V2G further cuts it to 1.23 MWh (≈70% reduction) and increases flat-compliant hours within ±0.5 kW of the target transformer loading level from 92.4% to 96.1%. The levelized cost of demand equalization falls from 0.52 to 0.22 EUR/kWh, indicating that combining modest stationary BESSs with V2G can make feeder-level demand flattening technically and economically viable in cold-climate residential districts. Full article

This study aims to identify how individual-level and neighborhood-level factors are associated with residential satisfaction in urban regeneration areas. We conducted a survey of 281 adult residents recruited on-site at six urban regeneration community facilities (URCFs) that had been in operation for at least one year in Daegu, South Korea, and constructed neighborhood-level built environment factors using GIS. Multilevel regression analysis was applied to simultaneously examine how individual-level (level 1) and neighborhood-level (level 2) factors are associated with residential satisfaction. The results indicated that residents who participated more actively in urban regeneration activities reported higher levels of residential satisfaction, and that age integration was also significantly associated with greater satisfaction. Among neighborhood-level built environment factors, a lower proportion of old housing and higher levels of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and water area were related to higher residential satisfaction. These findings indicate that residential satisfaction in urban regeneration areas can be better understood when individual-level characteristics and neighborhood-level built environmental conditions are considered together, highlighting the importance of a multilevel approach that accounts for both levels simultaneously. Full article

The built environment plays a critical role in promoting residents’ physical activity, yet the interactive mechanisms between objective environmental factors and subjective perceptions remain insufficiently understood. This study examines three functionally distinct neighborhoods in Beijing’s Xicheng District—Xinjiekou (historic), Financial Street (administrative), and Baizhifang (residential)—representing typical urban regeneration contexts. Using an ordered logit model based on 1072 valid questionnaires, we analyze how objective and subjective built environment factors jointly influence residents’ leisure physical activities. Results reveal that socioeconomic attributes (income, age, education) are primary determinants of activity engagement. Among objective factors, facility accessibility and land-use mix exert the strongest direct effects, while subjective perceptions—particularly satisfaction with environmental attractiveness—significantly moderate these relationships. Based on these findings, we propose differentiated spatial renewal strategies tailored to each street type. This research provides empirical evidence for implementing health-oriented urban regeneration policies in high-density metropolitan areas. Full article

Enhancing the social dimension of sustainability is essential for improving the livability of informal settlements, yet its evaluation is often constrained by the absence of reliable socio-economic data. This study addresses this challenge by demonstrating how a rigorous, form-based analysis can be utilized to interpret the social potential embedded within the physical structure of informal settlements. Focusing on the Saadi neighborhood in Shiraz, Iran, the research applies a validated four-part morphological framework—integrated with Space Syntax principles—to examine how specific spatial configurations create conditions supportive of social interaction and territorial security. Rather than attempting to measure social sustainability directly, the study conceptualizes physical morphology as a tangible proxy through which socially supportive spatial conditions can be inferred. The analysis reveals three critical morphological drivers: (1) a fine-grained urban fabric that directly enhances walkability and co-presence; (2) a low vertical profile that ensures visual permeability and informal surveillance; and (3) semi-private residential clusters that function as defensible space. These findings highlight how the physical form of informal settlements contains an underlying social logic that can be systematically decoded. The paper concludes that form-based analysis provides a replicable pathway for identifying the spatial scaffolding that supports community life, offering valuable insights for socially oriented upgrading strategies in data-scarce contexts. Full article

Current urban green volume quantity and equity evaluations primarily rely on two-dimensional (2D) indicators that capture the planar distribution characteristics but overlook vertical structure variations. This study constructed a three-dimensional (3D) evaluation system for green volume quantity and equity by introducing Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients. Using multi-source data, including a 10 m global vegetation canopy height dataset, land cover, and population distribution data, an automated calculation workflow was established in ArcGIS Model Builder. Focusing on regional and neighborhood scales, this study calculates and analyzes two-dimensional green volume (2DGV) and three-dimensional green volume (3DGV) indicators, along with the spatial equity for 413 Chinese cities and residential and commercial areas of Wuhan, Suzhou, and Bazhong. Meanwhile, a green volume quantity and equity type classification method was established. The results indicated that 3DGV exhibits regional variations, while Low 2DGV–Low 3DGV cities have the highest proportion. Green volume in built-up areas showed a balanced distribution, while park green spaces exhibited 2DGV Equitable Only. At the neighborhood scale, residential areas demonstrated higher green volume equity than commercial areas, but most neighborhood areas’ indicators showed low and imbalanced distribution. The proposed 2DGV and 3DGV evaluation method could provide a reference framework for optimizing urban space. Full article

Nature bonding (NB), alongside place identity and place dependence, is among the most frequently discussed and empirically validated contributing factors of place attachment (PA) within urban environments. While PA has been extensively studied through its psychological, personal, and spatial dimensions, the specific contribution of NB across these dimensions and spatial scales remains insufficiently understood. To address this gap, this study aims to demonstrate the importance of NB in fostering PA by highlighting the need for spatially sensitive urban planning that integrates natural elements across scales to enhance community satisfaction and well-being. Elmwood Village in Buffalo, New York, recognized as one of the top ten most livable American neighborhoods and part of the historic Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parkway system was chosen as a case study. A three-stage investigation was conducted using survey data. First, the three dimensions of PA—place, person, and psychology—were identified. Second, NB was categorized into three levels: attachment, enjoyment, and oneness with nature. Third, the variability of these bonds across three spatial scales—building, street, and neighborhood—was tested to assess their spatial relevance. The findings reveal that the strength and form of NB differ significantly across spatial contexts, shaping how individuals emotionally and behaviorally connect to urban places. By integrating NB into the spatial understanding of PA, this research provides a framework for urban designers and environmental psychologists to better interpret and enhance human–nature relations in the built environment. Full article

This paper aims to map the degree of implementation of the 15-min city model in a medium-sized city like Seville and analyze the demographic, economic, and structural characteristics that affect the varying degree of implementation of the model. To this end, facility density was estimated from 15-min walking isochrones for each census tract, and a synthetic index was calculated from the coefficients obtained for each type of facility using a Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model that takes into account the spatial variation in infrastructure availability. A second GWR model was used to study the spatial impact of several demographic, socio-economic and structural variables on the calculated synthetic index. The main results show residential neighborhoods with greater accessibility and infrastructure diversity have a higher degree of compliance with the 15-min city model, while the city’s most marginalized and vulnerable neighborhoods have a negative index. It also highlights the fact that the processes of touristification and gentrification of the city’s historic center contribute to a lack of compliance with the model. These findings provide an empirical basis for designing urban policies aimed at reducing the territorial gap and towards equity in access to basic services. Full article

Background/Objectives: As the world becomes more connected, it is becoming critical for clinicians to understand other cultures, races, and ethnicities to provide the most effective therapy. A comprehensive understanding of all communities necessitates an examination of the social determinants of health (SDH). Eye diseases and many other conditions are influenced by SDH. To elucidate the impact of SDH on eye health, a comparative ecological analysis of Monroe and Erie Counties in New York State was conducted to identify any differences in SDH and glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy prevalence. Methods: The CDC Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS) was utilized to collect glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy data in Monroe and Erie Counties, New York State, and the USA for 2019. The American Community Survey, County Health Rankings, and Neighborhood Atlas data portals were used to collect the county socioeconomic demographics, along with other health statistics. Results: Overall, Erie County had a higher prevalence of AMD (9.56% vs. 6.61%, p < 0.0001) and glaucoma (13.05% vs. 11.71%, p < 0.0001) compared to Monroe County. Erie County also had a higher prevalence of AMD and glaucoma across all races, aside from North American Natives. Erie County also had a greater primary care shortage, with only 1 primary care physician for every 1230 individuals. Although income inequality and poverty were similar between Erie and Monroe Counties, Erie County also has more racial segregation regarding the residential layout (ranked 74 on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the most segregated). Conclusions: The results indicate that Erie County had an increased prevalence of AMD and glaucoma compared to Monroe County in 2019, along with a greater primary care shortage. Although this analysis targeted Western New York, disparities such as lack of primary care access and segregation are prevalent across the US, necessitating widespread action to address these problems. Full article

In recent years, as Chinese cities have entered a stage of high-quality transformation, enhancing livability and achieving refined governance within existing urban spaces has become a central issue in urban planning and management. The establishment of the Urban Physical Examination mechanism has provided a scientific framework for evaluating urban performance. However, most existing studies focus primarily on objective indicators, paying insufficient attention to residents’ subjective perceptions and their spatial variations. As a result, the multi-scale mechanisms underlying human settlement satisfaction remain poorly understood. Using Xiamen City as a case, this study draws on data from the 2025 Urban Physical Examination Resident Survey and constructs a Geographically Random Forest (GRF) model to examine how block, community, housing, and personal attributes jointly shape human settlement satisfaction (HSS) and its spatial heterogeneity. The results show that (1) overall, block’ business vitality is the most influential factor affecting HSS, followed by community management and housing safety, highlighting the dominant roles of the built environment and grassroots management in shaping residential experience; (2) management and safety issues at the community level are more prominent in suburban areas, old neighborhoods, and zones surrounding tourist attractions, reflecting a mismatch between service provision and urban expansion; (3) housing-scale factors display significant spatial variation, with tenure and housing affordability emerging as key determinants of satisfaction among residents in newly developed districts; and (4) at the personal characteristic, age, residential duration, occupational prestige, and household income exhibit marked spatial heterogeneity, revealing satisfaction patterns jointly shaped by social mobility and urban growth. The study concludes that multi-scale spatial identification and resident perception feedback mechanisms should be strengthened within the Urban Physical Examination framework. Such efforts can promote a shift from static indicator monitoring to dynamic spatial governance, providing theoretical and methodological support for refined urban management and the improvement of human settlement environments. Full article