Search Results (231)

Rapid urbanisation in coastal megacities intensifies coupled climate and water-related challenges, including heat stress, ventilation deficits, and increasing sensitivity to hydro-climatic extremes. Urban morphology plays a critical role in regulating these climate–water interactions by shaping airflow, surface heat exchange, and the spatial organisation of green–blue infrastructures. This study develops a Local Climate Zone (LCZ)-conditioned generative modelling framework based on a Conditional Pix2Pix Generative Adversarial Network, using paired LCZ classification maps and urban morphology data derived from six representative cities in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macao, Zhuhai, and Dongguan. By integrating remote sensing–derived LCZ classifications with urban morphology data, the proposed framework learns spatial patterns associated with key morphology-related predictors, including building density and compactness, height-related structural intensity, open-space distribution, and the continuity of green–blue and ventilation corridors. The model demonstrates robust performance (SSIM = 0.74, R² = 0.81, PSNR = 15.3 dB) and strong cross-city transferability, accurately reproducing density transitions, ventilation corridors, and green–blue spatial structures relevant to coastal climate and water adaptation. The results highlight the potential of LCZ-informed generative modelling as a scalable decision-support tool for climate–water adaptive urban planning, enabling rapid exploration of morphology configurations that support heat mitigation, ventilation enhancement, and resilient coastal transformation. Full article

Urban forests and green spaces are increasingly promoted as Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to mitigate climate risks, enhance human well-being, and support resilient and sustainable cities. Focusing on the theme of optimizing urban green space ecosystem services to foster resilient and sustainable cities, this study systematically analyzes 861 relevant publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2005 to 2025. Using bibliometric analysis and scientific knowledge mapping methods, the research examines publication characteristics, spatial distribution patterns, collaboration networks, knowledge bases, research hotspots, and thematic evolution trajectories. The results reveal a rapid upward trend in this field over the past two decades, with the gradual formation of a multidisciplinary knowledge system centered on environmental science and urban research. China, the United States, and several European countries have emerged as key nodes in global knowledge production and collaboration networks. Keyword co-occurrence and cluster analyses indicate that research themes are mainly concentrated in four clusters: (1) ecological foundations and green process orientation, (2) nature-based solutions and blue–green infrastructure configuration, (3) social needs and environmental justice, and (4) macro-level policies and the sustainable development agenda. Overall, the field has evolved from a focus on ecological processes and individual service functions toward a comprehensive transition emphasizing climate resilience, human well-being, and multi-actor governance. Based on these findings, this study constructs a knowledge ecosystem framework encompassing knowledge base, knowledge structure, research hotspots, frontier trends, and future pathways. It further identifies prospective research directions, including climate change adaptation, integrated planning of blue–green infrastructure, refined monitoring driven by remote sensing and spatial big data, and the embedding of urban green space ecosystem services into the Sustainable Development Goals and multi-level governance systems. These insights provide data support and decision-making references for deepening theoretical understanding of Urban Green Space Ecosystem Services (UGSES), improving urban green infrastructure planning, and enhancing urban resilience governance capacity. Full article

Urbanization has significantly affected the availability and quality of urban green and blue spaces (UGBSs), which may affect mental health. In the United States, rates of anxiety and depression continue to rise, particularly in urban regions. This study examined the relationship between UGBS exposure and mental health, measured by Frequent Mental Distress (FMD), across major cities in the contiguous United States (CONUS) from 2015 to 2017. UGBS exposure was estimated using remote sensing and GIS, and its association with FMD was assessed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). The analyses also included smoking, binge drinking, median income, and educational attainment as covariates. OLS results indicated statistically significant but spatially uniform associations, whereas GWR revealed considerable spatial variation in UGBS and covariate effects across cities. Median income and educational attainment consistently showed inverse relationships with FMD, while smoking showed direct relationships across all years. Binge drinking exhibited both direct and inverse relationships. Additionally, both green space and blue space showed different relationships with FMD depending on location and year. The beneficial effect of UGBS on FMD was not observed in every instance. These findings help clarify the relationship between environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors and mental health in urban settings, providing information that may support informed urban planning and public health decisions. Full article

Urban park landscape design has significant potential to alleviate heat stress and promote public health, particularly during extreme summer heat. This study explores how the spatial configuration of landscapes within the Yanghu Wetland Park in Changsha, China, influences pedestrian thermal comfort and destination loyalty under hot summer conditions, and how these factors affect public perceived health. It enriches current research by examining the impact of landscape spatial configuration, thermal comfort, and destination loyalty on public perceived health from a psychological perspective. We identified connections between park users’ spatial perceptions and their psychological and health perceptions. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships among visitors’ spatial perception, psychological perceptions, and health perceptions within this large urban wetland park. At the same time, we explored how landscape characteristics, thermal comfort, destination loyalty, and public perceived health interact. This research constructs a Spatial–Thermal–Perception–Behavior (SPB) theoretical framework for such complex blue-green spaces, providing a multidimensional perspective on the relationship between the environment and health. Based on a survey of 321 visitors, This study pioneers the SPB theoretical framework, clarifying how this wetland park’s landscape configurations impact public perceived health through the mediating pathways of thermal comfort and destination loyalty. It provides a scientific basis for heat-adaptive landscape design in similar wetland park settings, aiming to enhance resident well-being and improve public perceived health. Full article

Blue–green spaces are essential for mitigating urban heat islands. The matching between their supply and demand affects the fairness and effectiveness of urban cooling facilities. This study focuses on the third ring area of Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. Cooling supply indicators and cooling demand indicators for blue–green spaces are established. Using coupling coordination and bivariate spatial autocorrelation models, it evaluates the cooling supply-demand relationship during 2010–2020. Results show that: (1) There is a “suburban cold sources dominated, urban supply turned positive” pattern in the cooling supply of Urumqi’s blue–green spaces. (2) Cooling demand has a significant “dual-core spatial separation”. The physical demands are concentrated in the high-temperature patches around the city, while the social demands are mainly distributed in the core area of the urban district. (3) There is a severe supply–demand spatial mismatch, with extremely low coupling coordination. The core issue is that high-supply cropland cold sources are far from the high-social-demand urban area. This study provides an important scientific basis for formulating effective cooling strategies for oasis cities through the analysis of the supply and demand matching of blue and green space. It uniquely helps safeguard ecological security and residents’ health in arid-zone cities. Full article

As urban architecture continues to emphasize integration with natural environments, the concept of waterfront buildings and blue–green spaces has been widely applied in the site selection of large urban structures. While existing research has extensively explored architectural types such as waterfront landscapes and sports venues, systematic studies on waterfront concert halls, as an important category of cultural architecture, remain limited. Specifically, the interaction mechanisms between such halls and their aquatic environments, as well as their impact on users’ psychological satisfaction, have not been thoroughly investigated. This study takes waterfront concert halls as representative cultural buildings and examines 1267 users from 12 typical waterfront concert halls across eight cities in China. A theoretical model was constructed with water visibility, water accessibility, water interactivity, and water integration as independent variables, biophilia and a sense of nature’s presence as parallel mediators, and user satisfaction as the dependent variable. Data were analyzed using covariance based structural equation modeling CB-SEM. The findings reveal that (1) water visibility, water accessibility, and water integration positively influence user satisfaction; (2) biophilia mediates the relationship between water visibility, water accessibility, water interactivity, water integration, and user satisfaction; (3) a sense of nature’s presence also mediates the relationship between these water-related variables and user satisfaction. This study empirically demonstrates the dual pathway psychological mechanism through which water elements influence user satisfaction, providing a new perspective for the design of waterfront cultural architecture. The research suggests that architects can enhance users’ biophilic instincts and sense of nature’s presence through specific design strategies, such as strengthening water visibility, optimizing waterfront circulation, and enriching water interaction experiences. These findings offer theoretical support for shifting contemporary architectural practice from physical space creation to environmental well-being promotion, while also establishing a practical foundation for developing human-centered evaluation systems for built environments. Full article

Urban river restoration provides significant ecological and social benefits, yet its market valuation remains underexamined in rapidly urbanizing inland cities. This study estimates the economic value of integrated blue–green spaces generated by the Bai River Ecological Restoration Project in Nanyang, China, using a spatially explicit hedonic pricing framework that links geocoded resale transactions with NDVI-based vegetation measures. Properties located within blue–green zones—areas jointly characterized by restored waterways and enhanced riparian greening—command an average price premium of 17.9% (CNY 1509/m²). Visual accessibility further increases housing values, although interaction effects indicate diminishing marginal premiums where multiple amenities co-occur. Quantile regressions show stronger capitalization effects in lower- and middle-priced segments, suggesting that ecological improvements may yield broad-based rather than elite-focused benefits. Spatial dependence diagnostics confirm significant autocorrelation, and Spatial Error Model estimates remain consistent with the baseline results. Overall, the findings provide robust evidence of supra-additive blue–green synergies and demonstrate the utility of combining NDVI with spatial econometric hedonic modeling. The study offers a transferable framework for supporting nature-based urban planning and informing cost–benefit evaluations of integrated ecological restoration initiatives. Full article

Urban densification in post-socialist cities has drastically reduced open and green spaces in high-rise housing areas (HRHAs), intensifying heat stress and degrading outdoor thermal comfort (OTC). These neighborhoods—shaped by socialist-era planning and, later, market-led infill—combine high built density, low greenery, and limited ventilation, making them critical testbeds for climate-adaptive regeneration. This study presents the first empirically validated ENVI-met assessment of blue–green infrastructure (BGI) performance in a post-socialist HRHA, using a representative courtyard in Niš, Serbia, during the 14 August 2024 heatwave. A 24 h field campaign (air temperature, humidity, wind speed, and mean radiant temperature) validated the model with high accuracy (R² = 0.92, RMSE = 1.1 °C for air temperature; R² = 0.88, RMSE = 3.5 K for Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET). Four retrofit scenarios were simulated: S0 (existing), S1 (grass), S2 (grass + trees), and S3 (S2 + shallow pool). Across all scenarios, daytime PET indicated strong–extreme heat stress, peaking at 61.9 °C (16:00 h). The best configuration (S3) reduced PET by 2.68 °C (10:00 h) but <1 °C at peak hours, with acceptable comfort limited to 04:00–07:00 h. The results confirm that small-scale surface-level greening provides negligible thermal relief under a dense HRHA morphology. Urban morphological reform—optimizing height, spacing, ventilation, and integrated greening—is more effective for heat mitigation. Future work should include multi-seasonal field monitoring and human thermal-perception surveys to link microclimate improvement with exposure and health risk. Full article

Blue-green space patterns and meteorological conditions jointly influence PM_2.5 concentrations. However, the nonlinear mechanisms and interactions among these key drivers remain insufficiently studied. To address this gap, this study applied an interpretable machine learning approach (XGBoost-SHAP) to detect seasonal nonlinearities, thresholds, and interaction effects of meteorological and landscape metrics on PM_2.5 distribution in Jiangsu Province, China. Structural Equation Model was further employed to quantify the direct and indirect effect pathways among these factors. Model explanatory power showed distinct seasonal variations, with the highest performance in summer (R² = 0.615) and the lowest in winter (R² = 0.316). Meteorological factors exerted stronger influences than blue-green space pattern metrics, with wind speed being the most critical meteorological factor across all seasons. Among landscape metrics, the proportion of green space and water body (G_PLAND and W_PLAND) was the key driver of PM_2.5 concentrations in spring, autumn, and winter, while its influence became insignificant in summer, replaced by the number and shape complexity of green space patches. This study further revealed that in spring, autumn, and winter, G_PLAND and W_PLAND not only exerted direct effects on PM_2.5 but also significantly influenced it indirectly by modulating land surface temperature. Additionally, green space shape complexity and land surface temperature were found to interact with other meteorological and landscape factors during these seasons; once exceeding specific thresholds, they reversed the direction of other factors’ effects on PM_2.5. No significant interactions were detected in summer, indicating that dominant factors primarily exerted independent effects during this season. Collectively, our findings provide important insights for formulating seasonally adaptive planning strategies to advance sustainable urban development and long-term air quality management. Full article

This study investigates the role of modern small-scale cities in addressing public health challenges through the lens of spatial justice, using the city of Tartu, Estonia, as a case study. Tartu has been recognized for its progressive public health initiatives, including the Tartu Health Care College, Mental Health Centre, Smoke-Free Tartu campaign, Health Trail network, Healthy School Program, and an expanding smart bike-sharing system. By employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we map and analyze the spatial distribution and accessibility of health-promoting infrastructure, such as healthcare facilities, green and blue spaces, health trails, and mobility services, across the urban landscape. A population-weighted accessibility assessment indicates that, although Tartu’s central districts (e.g., Kesklinn (HRI: 0.972)) are well-served, peripheral and densely populated districts such as Annelinn (HRI: 0.351) and Ropka (HRI: 0.377) exhibit notable deficits in health-related infrastructure. However, access to green infrastructure and mobility services is more evenly distributed citywide, reflecting a relatively equitable provision of non-clinical health assets. These findings highlight both the strengths and spatial gaps in Tartu’s health-oriented urban design, emphasizing the need for targeted investment in underserved areas. The study contributes to emerging studies on health-justice planning in small-scale urban contexts and demonstrates how spatial analytics can be guided to advance distributional justice in the provision of public health infrastructure. Ultimately, this research indicates the essential role of spatial analysis in guiding inclusive and data-informed health planning in urban environments. Full article

Urban green and blue spaces (UGBS) provide key ecosystem services, and growing research has sought to examine their synergistic effects using landscape metrics. However, inconsistent choices of indicators for characterizing the coupled UGBS patterns hinder comparability across studies. To address this, we developed a systematic framework that integrates key spatial relationships between green and blue spaces—such as blue-green distances and waterfront green areas—into UGBS landscape characterization. Using Nanjing as a case study, we quantified the integrated UGBS patterns at 500 m and 1 km scales and assessed their distributive equity. At the 500 m scale, the average distance from green space to the nearest blue space was 334 ± 292 m, and mixed blue–green areas accounted for 43% of the total UGBS landscape. Composition metrics of UGBS showed weak positive associations with the proportion of elderly residents and negative associations with socioeconomic indicators. Newly developed urban areas contained larger, less fragmented green spaces, shorter blue–green distances, and more extensive waterfront green zones. Our findings highlight the frequent co-occurrence of green and blue spaces in subtropical cities. The proposed framework offers methodological support for advancing the understanding of UGBS synergies. Full article

Cities in developing nations such as India have undergone unregulated growth and uneven urbanization, fostering economic expansion while exacerbating spatial, social, and economic inequalities. This urbanization has significantly degraded water bodies and green spaces, affecting human health and well-being. Blue–green infrastructure (BGI) has emerged as a promising solution for addressing environmental challenges, stormwater management, social well-being, and urban heat mitigation. However, developing countries such as India lack adequate knowledge of their design, planning, and implementation under specific local conditions. This study employs a semi-systematic literature review to identify essential components for BGI implementation in developing nations, with contextual references to India. Among the 797 studies reviewed in total, with 42 studies selected for the final review, only 26% focused on developing countries such as China, with none specifically addressing India. Furthermore, this review discusses global city and country cases across the Global South and Global North to obtain pertinent information from empirical applications worldwide. In total, 32 country cases are analyzed globally, comprising an even larger number of city cases. This review has derived eight thematic areas critical for BGI implementation: spatial configuration, plans and policies, best practices, BGI features and components, stakeholder perceptions, barriers to adoption, local government capacity, and scientific research. Each thematic area is analyzed in relation to stormwater management functions. This study emphasizes that these areas can guide urban planners and researchers in designing effective BGI strategies tailored to specific contexts. By bridging the knowledge gap in India’s development journey, this research underscores the importance of integrating BGI into urban planning to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and address the adverse effects of rapid urbanization. Full article

In recent decades, accelerated urban growth in Arequipa has led to the loss of more than 40% of riparian vegetation and increased ecological fragmentation in the Chili River valley. This transformation has degraded water quality and limited equitable access to green and public spaces. Therefore, this research aims to design a Green Corridor along the Chili River as an ecosystem-based strategy to enhance social connectivity and ecological resilience in Arequipa, Peru. The methodology combined an extensive literature review, a comparative analysis of international case studies, and a territorial diagnosis supported by geospatial and climatic data. The process is supported by digital tools such as Google Earth Pro 2025, AutoCAD 2024, SketchUp Pro 2023, and solar simulations with Ladybug-Grasshopper, complemented by data from SENAMHI, SINIA, and the Solar Atlas of Peru. The results propose a resilient green corridor integrating passive and active sustainability strategies, including 40 photovoltaic panels, 44 solar luminaires, biodigesters producing between 90 and 150 kWh per month, and phytotechnologies capable of absorbing 75,225 kg of CO₂ annually, based on WHO conversion factors adapted to high-altitude conditions. The proposal employs eco-efficient materials such as reforested eucalyptus wood and volcanic sillar, creating recreational and productive spaces that promote social cohesion and circular economy. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of ecosystem-based design to regenerate arid urban riverbanks, harmonizing environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and cultural identity. Thus, the Chili River corridor is consolidated as a replicable model of green-blue infrastructure for Andean cities, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 15. Full article

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