Search Results (87)

Urban expansion causes increasing risks to archaeological heritage and yet few studies have systematically analyzed multi-site urban change using consistent temporal datasets and standardized methods. In this sense, this study addresses this gap by applying a multi-temporal urban change detection framework to the Memphis region, focusing on the Abu Gurab, Abusir and Saqqara sites. To conduct this research, high-resolution satellite imagery from 2004, 2008 and 2025 was processed using harmonized geospatial classification and overlay techniques to quantify built-up area growth and identify zones where modern development threatens key monuments to include the Sun Temples of Userkaf and Nyuserre, and the pyramids of Sahure, Neferirkare and Neferefre. A GIS- and remote sensing-based workflow, combining supervised classification, post-classification comparison and buffer zone analysis, enabled precise monitoring of urban encroachment. Additionally, high-resolution imagery and in situ inspections supported detailed decay mapping of select monuments, using grayscale normalization and false-color analysis to quantify surface deterioration objectively. This approach highlights the progressive impact of urbanization on archaeological structures and provides actionable data for archaeological sites management. Finally, the results contribute to heritage risk assessment, support evidence-based conservation planning, and inform urban planning strategies in line with Sustainable Development Goal 11.4 and the UNESCO Historic Urban Landscape Recommendation (HULR). Full article

Color in urban public spaces is often approached as an aesthetic issue, yet it also governs psychological responses, legibility and safety, place identity, and environmental performance. Despite three decades of research, planners and designers still lack measurable, audit-ready guidance that links color decisions to verifiable outcomes. This paper presents a systematic review that consolidates evidence from environmental psychology, architecture and urban design, cultural studies, and building and urban physics. Studies were screened for outdoor or outward-facing settings and for explicitly reported color variables and performance indicators. The findings are organized into four domains in which color operates as a system variable: psychological and physiological effects; cultural expression and place identity; functional zoning and wayfinding; and sustainability and environmental adaptation. Across these domains, the review identifies robust patterns—such as the central role of luminance and saturation in shaping affect, attention, and visibility—while highlighting where outcomes are strongly conditioned by cultural, climatic, and material context. On this basis, the paper proposes an Objective–Strategy–Metric–Validation (OSMV) framework that connects design objectives to color strategies, quantitative metrics (e.g., color difference, contrast, and reflectance measures), and procedures for simulation or field validation. Framed in this way, color emerges not as a decorative accessory but as a measurable design variable that can be integrated into performance-based planning, regulation, and multi-objective optimization of urban public spaces. Full article

The urban heat island (UHI) effect poses significant challenges to cities worldwide, particularly in regions like Thessaloniki, Greece, where rising temperatures exacerbate urban living conditions. This study investigates the effectiveness of sustainable urban planning strategies in mitigating the UHI effect by analyzing the spatial distribution of Land Surface Temperature (LST) during the summer heatwave of 2023. Utilizing LANDSAT 8–9 satellite imagery processed with QGIS, we calculated LST, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI). Additionally, urban structure data from OpenStreetMap (OSM) was integrated to assess the urban fabric. Our findings reveal significant spatial temperature variations, with densely built-up areas, such as the old town and industrial district, exhibiting higher LSTs compared to greener spaces. Based on these results, we propose targeted interventions, including the large-scale implementation of green roofs and the use of light-colored asphalts, which have shown potential for substantial LST reduction. This work underscores the importance of integrating these strategies into a standardized urban planning framework to enhance urban resilience, providing a model that can be applied to other European cities facing similar climate challenges. Full article

Subways play an irreplaceable role in alleviating urban traffic congestion and showcasing a city’s historical and cultural heritage. Their speed and environmental benefits make them a vital component of sustainable urban development. Historical and cultural expression has become a focal point of subway spatial design and a core component of station planning. Building on this, the present study develops an evaluation system for metro station space that integrates history and culture and is grounded in the theory of genius loci (spirit of place). The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) are used to derive indicator weights and conduct quantitative assessment. AHP results indicate that visual design, auditory elements, and cultural identity are the core priorities within the Xi’an metro station evaluation system. Design strategies integrate visual elements with historical and cultural contexts to create multisensory experiences encompassing form, color, sound, and touch. FCE further analyzes the indicators and shows that the overall design quality of the sampled Xi’an metro stations is generally high: auditory and visual elements are dominant, spiritual (psychological) experience and cultural identity approach excellence, and tactile elements show somewhat weaker performance. These findings suggest that metro space design requires deeper consideration across multiple dimensions. The proposed methodology can be applied to the design and evaluation of metro stations, providing practical guidance for culturally integrated metro spaces. Full article

In the context of global climate change and rapid urbanization, the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect has become a pressing environmental and public health concern, particularly in semiarid regions. This study evaluates the microclimatic performance of various urban design strategies aimed at enhancing thermal comfort along a densely built-up street in Van, a medium-sized city located in Turkey’s semiarid climate zone. Using ENVI-met 5.7.2, nine alternative scenarios were simulated, incorporating different configurations of vegetation cover (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%), ground surface materials, and green roof applications (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%). Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and other thermal comfort indicators were assessed at multiple time intervals on the hottest summer day. Results indicate that increasing vegetation cover substantially reduces PET values, with a maximum reduction of 3.0 °C observed in the 75% vegetation scenario. While the scenario with no vegetation but light-colored pavements achieved a 1.8 °C reduction in air temperature at 2:00 p.m., the maximum PET value remained unchanged. Conversely, using dark-colored asphalt decreased the average air temperature by 1 °C and improved the thermal comfort level by reducing the PET by 0.4 °C compared to a non-vegetated scenario. The scenario with the highest overall greenery led to a 2.9 °C drop in air temperature and a 12.8 °C reduction in average PET at 2:00 p.m. compared to other scenarios. The study provides evidence-based recommendations for human-centered urban planning and advocates for the integration of microclimate simulation tools in the early stages of urban development. Full article

The built environment influences urban quality of life, particularly through material properties and design decisions that affect thermal comfort, energy consumption, and environmental performance. Among the physical parameters shaping urban microclimates, surface reflectivity—albedo plays a central role in regulating both surface and ambient temperatures. While high-albedo materials are widely recognized for mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect and lowering energy demand, limited attention has been given to how material aging alters albedo and, by extension, thermal performance over time. This study investigates that relationship through field measurements conducted at 18 outdoor locations in Xanthi, Greece, across four dates with varying environmental conditions. Variables such as material color, age, and temperature were analyzed through statistical methods and linear regression. Results confirmed a strong correlation between color and albedo and identified a statistically significant relationship between aging and albedo. Additionally, the expected inverse correlation between albedo and surface temperature was reaffirmed. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of material performance and highlight the need for incorporating aging behavior into sustainable urban design. The study contributes data to the field and supports the development of long-term strategies in urban planning and maintenance aimed at preserving the reflective efficiency of surface materials. Full article

One of the sometimes-neglected fields is the landscape design of hospital premises. This study focuses on the perception and preferences of responders regarding hospital site design. The objective was to determine if people are aware of the benefits of restorative contact with nature and if there were preferences for any specific landscape type. The online questionnaire with color figures was distributed using emails and social media from 4 May to 2 August 2024. Some 110 respondents returned the questionnaire. Most of the respondents were women under 25. Most respondents declared that the surroundings of the healthcare building influence the health and well-being of patients (96%) and health personnel (86%). The results confirmed the awareness of the importance of contact with nature (89%). Moreover, this study demonstrated a preference for calm garden compositions, stimulating physical and mental recovery with trees, flowers, and water features, as well as stabilized paths and sheltered sitting places. The results confirm previous studies and demonstrate the importance of landscape architecture design of hospital premises for the well-being of patients. The findings may influence urban landscape planning and the design of hospital sites. Full article

Natural disasters often result in significant damage to infrastructure, generating vast amounts of debris in towns and water bodies. Timely post-disaster damage assessment is critical for enabling swift cleanup and recovery efforts. This study presents a combination of methods to efficiently estimate and analyze debris on land and on water. Specifically, analyses were conducted at Claytor Lake and Damascus, Virginia where flooding occurred as a result of Hurricane Helene on 27 September 2024. We use the Phoenix U15 motor glider equipped with the GoPro Hero 9 camera to collect aerial imagery. Orthomosaic images and 3D maps are generated using OpenDroneMap (ODM) software, version 3.5.6, providing a detailed view of the affected areas. For lake debris estimation, we employ a hybrid approach integrating machine learning-based tools and traditional techniques. Lake regions are isolated using segmentation methods, and the debris area is estimated through a combination of color thresholding and edge detection. The debris is classified based on the thickness and a volume range of debris is presented based on the data provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ). In Damascus, debris estimation is achieved by comparing pre-disaster LiDAR data (2016) with post-disaster 3D ODM data. Furthermore, we conduct flood modeling using the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) to simulate disaster impacts, estimate the flood water depth, and support urban planning efforts. The proposed methodology demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate debris estimates in a time-sensitive manner, providing valuable insights for disaster management and environmental recovery initiatives. Full article

This article presents an analysis of the architectural integration of two new buildings implemented on the Gdańsk University of Technology campus (Poland) as a case study of combining contemporary technologies with cultural continuity. The buildings, designed by the author of the article, who is the main designer, are a conscious response to the historical urban and architectural context of the campus, the development of which started at the beginning of the 20th century in the style of Dutch Neo-Renaissance. The new buildings refer to the architectural heritage of the university through their scale and colors, but their form, details and applied technological solutions clearly reflect modernity. A particularly important element of their modern character is the implementation of advanced pro-ecological systems for obtaining energy from renewable sources (RES), which fits into the current climate challenges and the role of the technical university as a promoter of sustainable development. The article discusses how architecture, materials and modern building systems were used to create a dialogue between tradition and innovation. The analysis is based on design documentation and planning conditions, and its background is a broader discourse on culturally sustainable architecture. Conscious of other, more conservative views, the author puts forward the thesis that cultural continuity does not require stylistic imitation, but conscious, contextual reinterpretation. The results of the article enrich the debate on the development of academic campuses, heritage-responsible design and the role of the architect in shaping a space that connects the future with the past. The main research contribution of the article is the presentation of an original method of designing architectural objects that integrates advanced pro-ecological technologies with a contextual reinterpretation of architectural heritage, which constitutes a new perspective in the discussion on culturally sustainable architecture. Full article

This paper introduces a novel approach to tree modeling architecture integrated with blockchain technology, aimed at enhancing landscape spatial planning and forest monitoring systems. The primary objective is to develop a low-cost, automated tree CAD modeling methodology combined with blockchain functionalities to support smart forest projects and collaborative design processes. The proposed method utilizes a parametric tree CAD model consisting of four 2D tree-frames with a 45° division angle, enriched with recorded tree-leaves’ texture and color. An “AI Text-by-Voice CAD Programming” technique is employed to create tangible tree-model NFT tokens, forming the basis of a thematic “Internet-of-Trees” blockchain. The main results demonstrate the effectiveness of the blockchain/Merkle hash tree in tracking tree geometry growth and texture changes through parametric transactions, enabling decentralized design, data validation, and planning intelligence. Comparative analysis highlights the advantages in cost, time efficiency, and flexibility over traditional 3D modeling techniques, while providing acceptable accuracy for metaverse projects in smart forests and landscape architecture. Core contributions include the integration of AI-based user voice interaction with blockchain and behavioral data for distributed and collaborative tree modeling, the introduction of a scalable and secure “Merkle hash tree” for smart forest monitoring, and the facilitation of fintech adoption in environmental projects. This framework offers significant potential for advancing metaverse-based landscape architecture, smart forest surveillance, sustainable urban planning, and the improvement of citizen involvement in sustainable forestry paving the way for a greener future. Full article

Effective management of urban development requires robust decision-support tools, including land suitability analysis and its visual communication. This study introduces and evaluates seven 3D geovisualization methods—Horizontal Planes, Point Cloud, 3D Surface, Vertical Planes, 3D Graduated Symbols, Prism Map, and Voxels—for visualizing land suitability for residential development in Jihlava, Czechia. Using five raster-based data layers derived from a multi-criteria evaluation (Urban Planner methodology) across three time horizons (2023, 2028, 2033), the visualizations were implemented in ArcGIS Online and assessed by 19 domain experts via a structured questionnaire. The evaluation focused on clarity, usability, and accuracy in interpreting land suitability values, with the methods being rated on a five-point scale. Results show that the Horizontal Planes method was rated highest in terms of interpretability and user satisfaction, while 3D Surface and Vertical Planes were considered the least effective. The study demonstrates that visualization methods employing visual variables (e.g., color and transparency) are better suited for land suitability communication. The methodological contribution lies in systematically comparing 3D visualization techniques for thematic spatial data, providing guidance for their application in planning practice. The results are primarily intended for urban planners, designers, and local government representatives as supportive tools for efficient planning of future built-up area development. Full article

Urban color represents the visual skin of a city, embodying regional culture, historical memory, and the contemporary spirit. However, while the existing studies focus on pedestrian-level facade colors, the “fifth facade” from a bird’s-eye view has been largely overlooked. Moreover, color distortions in traditional remote sensing imagery hinder precise analysis. This study targeted 56 Chinese coastal cities, decoding the spatiotemporal patterns of their fifth facade color (FFC). Through developing an innovative natural color optimization algorithm, the oversaturation and color bias of Sentinel-2 imageries were addressed. Several color indicators, including dominant colors, hue–saturation–value, color richness, and color harmony, were developed to analyze the spatial variations of FFC. Results revealed that FFC in Chinese coastal cities is dominated by gray, black, and brown, reflecting the commonality of cement jungles. Among them, northern warm grays exude solidity, as in Weifang, while southern cool grays convey modern elegance, as in Shenzhen. Blue PVC rooftops (e.g., Tianjin) and red-brick villages (e.g., Quanzhou) serve as symbols of industrial function and cultural heritage. Economically advanced cities (e.g., Shanghai) lead in color richness, linking vitality to visual diversity, while high-harmony cities (e.g., Lianyungang) foster livability through coordinated colors. The study also warns of color pollution risks. Cities like Qingdao exposed planning imbalances through color clashes. This research pioneers a systematic and large-scale decoding of urban fifth facade color from a remote sensing perspective, quantitatively revealing the dilemma of “identical cities” in modernization development. The findings inject color rationality into urban planning and create readable and warm city images. Full article

This study focuses on the issue of visual sustainability of colors in commercial historical districts, taking the historical area of Xueshi Street–Wuzoufang Street in Suzhou, China as a case study. It explores how to balance modern commercial development with the protection of historical culture. Due to the impact of commercialization and the introduction of various immature protection policies, historical districts often face the dilemma of coexisting “color conflict” and “color poverty”. Traditional color protection methods are either overly subjective or excessively quantitative, making it difficult to balance scientific rigor and adaptability. Therefore, this study provides a detailed literature review, compares and selects current quantitative color research methods, and proposes a comprehensive color analysis framework based on ViT (Vision Transformer), the CIEDE2000 color difference model, and K-means clustering (V-C-K framework). Using this framework, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the color-harmony situation in the studied area, aiming to accurately identify color issues in the district and provide optimization strategies. The experimental results show that the commercial colors of the Xueshi Street–Wuzoufang Street historical district exhibit a clear phenomenon of polarization: some areas have colors that are overly bright, leading to visual conflict, while others have colors that are too dull, lacking vitality and energy; furthermore, some areas display a mix of both conditions. Based on this situation, we then compared the extracted negative colors to the prohibited colors in the mainstream Munsell color system’s urban-color management guidelines. We found that colors with “high lightness and high saturation”, which are strictly limited by traditional color criteria, are not necessarily disharmonious, while “low lightness and low saturation” colors that are not restricted may not guarantee harmony either and could exacerbate the area’s “dilapidated feeling”. In other words, traditional color-protection standards often emphasize the safety of “low saturation and low lightness” colors unilaterally, ignoring that they can also cause dullness and discordance in certain environments. Under the $\Delta E$ (color difference value) threshold framework, color recognition is relatively more sensitive, balancing the inclusivity of “vibrant” colors and the caution against “dull” colors. Based on the above experimental results, this study proposes the following recommendations: (1) use the $\Delta E00$ threshold to control the commercial colors in the district, ensuring that the colors align with the historical atmosphere while possessing commercial vitality; (2) in protection practices, comprehensively utilize the ViT, CIEDE2000, and K-means quantitative methods (i.e., the V-C-K framework) to reduce subjective errors; (3) based on the above quantitative framework, while referencing the reasonable parts of existing protection guidelines, combine cooperative collaboration, cultural group color preference surveys, policy incentives, and continuous monitoring and feedback to construct an operable plan for the entire “recognition–analysis–control” process. Full article

Urban waterfront streets are important mediators that reflect a city’s image and characteristics. They play a positive role in enhancing residents’ cohesion, mental and physical health, and social interactions. Human perceptions represent individuals’ psychological experiences and feelings toward the surrounding environment. Previous studies have explored the impact of urban street-built environmental factors on perceptions; however, research focusing on waterfront street environments and their impacts on human perceptions remains limited. Therefore, exploring the specific impact of waterfront street environmental characteristics on different dimensions of human perception is essential for guiding the development of livable cities. Based on Street View images (SVIs), this study applied artificial neural networks and machine learning semantic segmentation techniques to obtain physical feature data and human perception data of the Murasaki River waterfront line spaces in Kitakyushu, Japan. In addition, correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore the specific impact of physical features on different dimensions of human perception in waterfront line spaces, and corresponding optimization strategies were proposed. The results show that street greenness significantly enhances perceptions of safety, wealth, and beauty, while effectively reducing boredom and depression. Furthermore, the building visual ratio contributes to increased street vitality. On the other hand, physical features such as openness, spatial indicators, and environmental color diversity have negative effects on positive perceptions, including safety and vitality. In particular, openness significantly increases boredom and depression. This study advances the exploration of urban waterfront street environments from the perspective of human perception, providing a theoretical foundation for improving the spatial quality of waterfront streets and offering references for human-centered urban planning and construction. Full article

Urban high-density planning and the rise of super-high-rise buildings have significantly limited the development of distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems, creating an urgent need for optimized three-dimensional (3D) layout strategies within urban building spaces. Given that PV power generation is influenced by environmental factors and building spatial configurations, a 3D panoramic visualization tool is essential to intuitively display relevant data and support decision-making for government planners and PV operators. To address this, we developed a visualization platform to assess the integrated PV power generation potential of buildings at both city and single-building levels. The platform enables a 3D spatial panoramic display, where building surfaces are color-coded to clearly represent key performance metrics, such as power generation capacity, installation costs, and potential electricity savings. This intuitive visualization allows stakeholders to identify optimal PV installation areas and evaluate economic benefits effectively. This article details the implementation of the visualization platform across four key aspects: data generation and input, power generation and economic calculation, building model creation and data mapping, and visual interface design, aiming to facilitate the efficient planning and deployment of distributed photovoltaic systems in complex urban environments. Full article