Search Results (2,917)

As global population ageing accelerates and urban governance increasingly prioritizes livability and age-friendly services, the 15-minute living circles concept has emerged as a key strategy to support daily walking exercise, social participation, and healthy ageing. In waterfront cities, blue spaces function as important everyday settings that contribute to environmental quality, recreational opportunities, and ecosystem services for older adults. This study extends the conventional 5D built environment framework by explicitly integrating blue space elements and characterizes older adults’ walking behaviour using four indicators across two dimensions (temporal and preference-based). We applied XGBoost regression and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) to identify threshold effects and spatial heterogeneity of blue space elements on older adults’ walking, and used K-means clustering to delineate blue space advantage zones within living circles. The results show that blue space accessibility, street scale, and water body density exhibit significant nonlinear relationships with older adults’ walking. Blue space elements shape walking behavior differentially and with pronounced spatial variation: in some living circles they encourage longer, recreational walks, while in others they stimulate high-frequency, short-distance walking. These effects produce destination preferences and time period preferences. The study highlights the pivotal role of blue spaces in age-friendly living circles and, based on spatial synergies among blue space advantage zones and their components, proposes renewal strategies including expanding the functional reach of blue spaces, constructing blue slow-walking corridors, and integrating blue–green symbiotic networks. Full article

This study investigates how urban park co-governance fosters a sense of belonging among residents and advances the Right to the City. It examines the role of parks in mitigating spatial fragmentation, inadequate living conditions, and relational disconnection in high-density urban environments. As essential green infrastructure, urban parks play a vital role in promoting spatial justice, community cohesion, and resident well-being. Drawing on Henri Lefebvre’s Right to the City framework, this study introduces the concept of the Right to Urban Park, conceptualised as a bundle of rights: freedom (appropriation), individualisation (socialisation), habitat and to inhabit (differentiation), and key point participation. Focusing on the governance and self-governance of parks in high-density cities, this research mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse a representative case in central Shanghai. The findings show that participation, collective action, and co-governance in urban parks effectively support the Right to the City. Integrating the Right to Urban Park framework into park planning and management enhances diversity, equality, and inclusion, thereby improving urban well-being. This framework plays an important role in fostering enfranchisement, individuation, and association processes that strengthen recognition, sense of belonging, and well-being. Full article

Currently, an active debate is underway among the academic community, urban planners, and policymakers regarding optimal models of urban development, given that the majority of the population now resides in cities. One concept under discussion is the 15 min city, which posits that all urban residents should be able to reach key, frequently used services within a 15 min walk or cycle. Although the literature suggests numerous potential benefits, debate persists about whether such cities would be optimal from the standpoint of sustainable development objectives and residents’ quality of life. The ongoing discussion also concerns the extent to which existing cities are capable of aligning with this concept. This is directly linked to the actual spatial distribution of individual services within the city. The literature indicates a research gap arising from a shortage of robust case studies that would enable a credible assessment of the practical implementation of this idea across diverse cities, countries, and regions. This issue pertains to Poland as well as to other countries. A desirable future scenario would involve comprehensive mapping of all cities, with respect to both the spatial distribution of specific services and related domains such as the quality and coherence of linear infrastructure. This article presents an analysis of the spatial accessibility of basic urban services in the context of implementing the 15 min city concept, using the city of Koszalin (Poland) as a case study. This city was selected due to its representative character as a medium-sized urban centre, both in terms of population and area, as well as its subregional functions within Poland’s settlement structure. Koszalin also exhibits a typical spatial and functional layout characteristic of many Polish cities. In light of growing challenges related to urbanisation, climate change, and the need to promote sustainable mobility, this study focuses on evaluating access to services such as education, healthcare, retail, public transport, and green spaces. The use of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools enabled the identification of spatial variations in service accessibility across the city. The results indicate that only 11% of Koszalin’s area fully meets the assumptions of the 15 min city concept, providing pedestrians with convenient access to all key services. At the same time, 92% of the city’s area offers access to at least one essential service within a 15 min walk. Excluding forested areas not intended for development increases these values to 14% and 100%, respectively. This highlights the extent to which methodological choices in assessing pedestrian accessibility can shape analytical outcomes and the interpretations drawn from them. Moreover, given this article’s objective and the adopted analytical procedure, the assumed pedestrian walking speed is the key parameter. Accordingly, a sensitivity analysis was conducted, comparing the reference scenario (4 km/h) with alternative variants (3 and 5 km/h). This approach demonstrates the extent to which a change in a single parameter affects estimates of urban-area coverage by access to individual services reachable on foot within 15 min. The analysis reveals limited integration of urban functions at the local scale, highlighting areas in need of planning intervention. This article proposes directions for action to improve pedestrian accessibility within the city. 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

This study investigates the adoption and utilisation of hidden roof construction as an innovative alternative to traditional roofing systems in Ghana’s urban housing. Although hidden roofs offer advantages in climate adaptability, aesthetics, and cost efficiency, their adoption remains limited. Using a survey-based partial least squares structural equation modelling approach, this study identifies the factors influencing their acceptance and use. Quantitative data were collected through field surveys from residents and construction professionals within the Kumasi Metropolitan Area. A structured questionnaire was administered using purposive and convenience sampling, yielding 175 valid responses from a total of 220 distributed questionnaires (79.5% response rate). Findings indicate that hidden roof systems are valued for their climatic suitability, particularly their resistance to water leakage and reduced heat absorption, alongside their efficient drainage design. Aesthetic appeal, cultural relevance, and ease of maintenance also emerged as key determinants of positive perception and adoption. Structural analysis confirmed significant positive relationships between design concept, aesthetic and social values, sustainability, functionality, and overall acceptance. The study provides practical guidance for architects, engineers, developers, and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable, user-centred roof design in tropical urban contexts. Findings are, however, limited to Kumasi and may not fully generalise to other Ghanaian cities. Full article

Historic urban cores face escalating pressures from climate change, rapid urbanization, and uncoordinated redevelopment, which often threaten their cultural identity and social cohesion, demanding innovative solutions that balance heritage conservation with contemporary housing needs. This study introduces an integrated evaluation framework encompassing 18 criteria across architectural, urban, and green dimensions to assess adaptive housing interventions in urban heritage contexts. Building on resilience theory, urban living, and sustainable urban futures, the paper traces the historical and contemporary design influences that have shaped urban housing design in Damascus, and investigates strategies to maintain prospective housing identity by applying the methodology of the developed framework to three representative dwellings in Damascus’s UNESCO-listed city. Considering the heritage-specific indicators, social place memory, and the cultural significance—with environmental performance and socio-economic viability—the developed compass-like tool in this research visualizes multi-criteria scores to identify leverage points for resilience. Results highlight priority zones for intervention and suggested policy incentives. Through the provision of a flexible, clear tool grounded in adaptive housing concepts, this study empowers planners, conservationists, and communities to develop sustainable, forward-thinking approaches for historic urban environments globally. Full article

Advanced and Urban Air Mobility (AAM and UAM) represent emerging transportation concepts that involve the use of novel aircraft technologies to transport passengers and cargo within urban, regional, and intra-regional environments. These systems may include Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are being considered for a range of applications including passenger transport, cargo delivery, and other specialized operations. This study introduced a state-specific analytical framework that integrates different methodologies and data to enable a more precise evaluation of AAM viability in the State of Illinois, compared to generic national or global assessments, capturing the state’s unique mobility patterns, infrastructure constraints, and demographic distributions. One of the main goals is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the potential implications—both challenges and opportunities—associated with AAM and UAM operations. The analysis examines potential impacts on mobility, infrastructure, economic development, and public services, with particular emphasis on identifying key considerations for policy development. The research framework categorizes use cases into two broad types: AAM for the transportation of people and cargo, and AAM for functional applications such as emergency response, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring. The study provides a detailed quantitative assessment of passenger air taxi services, including demand estimation, business model feasibility analysis, integration effects on existing transportation systems, and infrastructure requirements. For other AAM applications, the analysis identifies operational considerations, regulatory implications, and potential barriers to implementation, establishing a foundation for future detailed evaluation. Full article

In this paper, we analyze the possibilities of optimizing the driving strategy for energy-efficient electric vehicles competing in the Shell Eco-marathon race. The base method we already developed and successfully applied for several years—winning the Urban Concept Battery Electric competition of the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Shell Eco-marathon races—was further tested, with small modifications to our optimization method. We only used an optimizer tool based on a genetic algorithm. We were interested in determining how a modification to the minimalization problem could help our optimizer find the best driving cycle to reach the minimum energy consumption. We successfully applied the modification to our method at the 2025 competition, where we beat our own record and proved its practical applicability. Full article

Focusing on mediatized urban images, this examination of Jiangnan water towns analyzes 1000 user-generated posts on Xiaohongshu through word frequency statistics, content categorization, and textual interpretation to demonstrate how “Seeding Strategy” transforms the symbolic representation and cultural identity of ancient towns. The results reveal that mediatized conceptions of water towns operate within a four-dimensional symbolic framework—natural, cultural, interactive, and Sentiment symbols—shaped by user co-creation and local cultural assets. Through photo-taking and check-ins, users convert historic towns from static geographical locations into dynamic media environments with visual and emotional resonance. Platform algorithms amplify engaging content, reinforcing spatial imaginaries. The concept of “symbolic effects on media platforms” elucidates how local culture is reconstructed and disseminated within digital frameworks, offering theoretical insights and practical recommendations for cultural tourism branding and cross-platform place research in the digital age. Full article

Cities around the world are facing growing challenges related to climate change, urban sprawl, infrastructure strain, and digital transformation. In response, smart and sustainable urban development has become a global focus, aiming to integrate technology and environmental stewardship to improve the quality of life. The smart and sustainable city concept is typically applied at the city scale; however, its impact is most tangible at the neighborhood level, where residents interact directly with infrastructure, services, and community spaces. A variety of global frameworks have been developed to assess sustainability and technological integration. However, these models often fall short in addressing localized needs, particularly in regions with distinct environmental and cultural contexts. In Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 emphasizes livability, sustainability, and digital transformation, yet there remains a lack of tailored tools to evaluate smart and sustainable progress at the neighborhood scale. This study develops HayyScore, a localized evaluation framework and prototype digital platform developed to assess neighborhood performance across five core categories: (i) Environment and Urban Resilience, (ii) Smart Infrastructure and Governance, (iii) Mobility and Accessibility, (iv) Quality of Life and Social Inclusion, and (v) Economy and Innovation. The HayyScore platform operationalizes this framework through an interactive web-based tool that allows users to input data through structured forms, calculate scores, receive category-based and overall certification levels, and view results through visual dashboards. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of global frameworks, expert input to define localized indicators, and iterative prototyping of the platform using Python 3.13.5 and Streamlit 1.45.1. To demonstrate its practical application, the prototype was tested on two Saudi neighborhoods: King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). Key platform features include automated scoring logic, category weighting, certification generation, dynamic performance charts, and a rankings page for comparing multiple neighborhoods. The platform is designed to be scalable, with the ability to add new indicators, support multilingual access, and integrate with real-time data systems in future iterations. Full article

This study addresses the critical challenge of balancing coastal wetland conservation with urban sustainable development, a pivotal issue for ecological civilization in rapidly developing regions. Through an in-depth analysis of Qingdao and Weihai—exemplary cases in Shandong Province—this research systematically investigates mechanisms for achieving synergistic win–win outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including systems analysis to deconstruct governance frameworks, comparative case study to identify transferable strategies, and policy deduction to formulate actionable pathways, the study reveals how integrated approaches yield tangible results. Qingdao’s “Five Ocean Usages” concept and Weihai’s segmented coastal zoning have significantly improved key ecological metrics. By contrast, Qinhuangdao faces pronounced challenges, including degraded wetlands, spatial conflict between ports and core habitats, and underdeveloped synergistic governance. To address these, the study proposes a targeted strategy for Qinhuangdao, emphasizing a data-informed “wetland+” multi-format integration plan, the establishment of wetland mitigation banking and green finance instruments, digitally enabled public participation, and deeper policy alignment with national strategies such as Maritime Power. This research provides both a replicable analytical framework and practical guidance for coastal cities seeking to realize “development within protection and protection within development”. Full article

Historic urban landscapes, despite their cultural significance, often face neglect, limiting their potential to increase the value of historical centers. Defined as a complex sociotechnical network that involves a variety of agencies incorporating material, immaterial, natural, and artificial elements, these landscapes present significant challenges for architects because of their layered and diverse components. Actor–network theory (ANT) is used as a methodological and ontological framework to address this complexity. However, a notable research gap exists on the basis of the lack of clear representation and practical application of ANT to address the complexity of these historic urban landscapes. To bridge this gap, this study uses Bey’s palace as a case study to develop a comprehensive framework based on a digital mapping approach rooted in ANT. This framework traces, visualizes, and analyzes historic urban landscapes as intricate systems of agencies, leveraging graph theoretical algorithms and computational analysis tasks from network analysis tools to increase their effectiveness. This investigation is based on two key concepts: the actor/actant and the actor network. The research employed Bruno Latour’s concepts of translation, agency, and the mapping controversies technique grounded in graph-theoretic algorithm tasks to decipher the complexities of Bey’s palace system. The results identify seven clusters as actor networks and highlight the roles of key actors/actants, such as Ahmed Bey, decorative elements, courtyard gardens, and Moorish architecture. This methodological approach provides architects and urban planners with practical tools to better understand, analyze and preserve historic urban landscapes, enriching their cultural and historical value. By transforming contested discourses into measurable networks indicators, this interdisciplinary framework directly supports SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), especially Target 11.4, in safeguarding cultural heritage by enabling the prioritization, monitoring and governance of cultural, social and infrastructural assets in historic urban landscapes. Full article

This contribution introduces the novel concept of Eco-Salute Infrastructure in the Built Environment (ESI) as a framework for urban planning that focuses on promoting environmental health and improving human well-being. The ESI framework expands on previous concepts that explore the relationship between human well-being and urban design with the aim to create healthier cities and enhance people’s quality of life. The paper presents existing evidence from research literature that supports the notion that ESI can foster human well-being in urban areas. Overall, implementing an ESI approach, which involves designing infrastructure and architecture that support active mobility and physical activity, creating appealing public spaces that encourage outdoor activities, and providing urban residents with increased access to high-quality, biodiverse green spaces holds significant potential for enhancing human health and well-being, in general, and in the face of additional threats caused by the climate crisis. Further research is needed to provide more evidence for the health effects of ESI and to uncover synergies between human and environmental health in regard to urban design. Full article

A well-performing road network is essential for modern society. But any road is nothing without its users—cyclists, drivers, pedestrians. Road network cannot be managed without knowing who the roads serve. The gaps in this knowledge lead to decisions that hinder efficiency, equality, and sustainability. This is why monitoring traffic is imperative for road management. However, traditional short-term traffic counting methods fail to provide full coverage at a reasonable cost. This study assessed the economic feasibility of drone-enabled traffic monitoring systems across Estonian urban environments through comparative spatial and economic analysis. Hexagonal tessellation was applied to 255 urban locations, identifying 47,530 monitoring points across 4077 grid cells. Economic modeling compared traditional counting costs with drone-based systems utilizing ultralight drones and nomadic 5G infrastructure. Monte Carlo simulation evaluated robustness under varying operational intensities from 30 to 180 days annually. Analysis identified an 8-point density threshold for economic viability, substantially lower than previously reported requirements. Operational intensity emerged as the critical determinant: minimal operations (30 days) proved viable for 9.0% of locations, while semi-continuous deployment (180 days) expanded viability to 81.6%. The findings demonstrate that drone-based monitoring achieves 60–80% cost reductions compared to traditional methods while maintaining equivalent accuracy (95–100% detection rates for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians), presenting an economically superior alternative for 67% of Estonian urban areas, with viability extending to lower-density locations through increased operational utilization. Full article

Under the dual pressures of global climate change and accelerated urbanization, the impacts of flood disasters on urban systems are becoming increasingly pronounced. Enhancing regional resilience has emerged as a critical factor in achieving sustainable urban development. Compared with existing methods such as CRITIC–Entropy, PCA–AHP, or SWMM-based resilience evaluations, grounded in urban resilience theory, this study takes Fangshan District in Beijing as empirical research to construct a post-flood disaster resilience evaluation index system spanning five dimensions (ecological, social, engineering, economic, and institutional) and leverages the integrated DEMATEL-TOPSIS-AISM model to synergistically identify key drivers, evaluate performance, and uncover internal hierarchies, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing research approaches. The findings indicate that the DEMATEL analysis identified the frequency of heavy rainfall (a12 = 0.889) and the proportion of flood disaster information databases (c51 = 1.153) as key driving factors. The TOPSIS assessment reveals that Fangshan District exhibits the strongest resilience in the economic dimension (Relative Closeness C = 0.21200), while the institutional dimension is the weakest (C = 0.00000), the AISM model constructs a hierarchical topology from a cause–effect priority perspective, elucidating the causal relationships and transmission mechanisms among factors across different dimensions. This study pioneers a novel perspective for urban resilience assessment, thereby establishing a theoretical foundation and practical references for enhancing flood resilience and advancing resilient city development. Full article