Search Results (156)

Urban areas are at the forefront in addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Among the key responses are nature-based solutions, which are increasingly being integrated into policy frameworks but which require strong community engagement for their effective implementation. This paper presents the findings of surveys conducted within the Place Lab in Katowice, Poland, an initiative developed as part of an international project and used as a participatory tool for co-creating and implementing green infrastructure. The project applies both place-based and people-centred approaches to support European cities in their transition towards regenerative urbanism. Place Lab activities encourage collaboration between local authorities and residents, enhancing awareness and fostering participation in environmental initiatives. The survey data collected during the project allowed for the evaluation of changes in public attitudes and levels of engagement and for the identification of broader societal phenomena that may influence the implementation of nature-based solutions. The findings revealed, for instance, that more women were interested in supporting the project, that residents tended to be sceptical of governmental actions on climate change, and that views were divided on the trade-off between urban infrastructure such as parking and roads and the presence of green areas. Furthermore, questions of responsibility, awareness, and long-term commitment were frequently raised. Building on the survey results and the existing literature, the study proposes a set of indicators to assess the contribution of citizen participation to the adoption of nature-based solutions. While the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in mitigating climate change impacts can be assessed relatively directly, evaluating civic engagement is more complex. Nevertheless, when conducted transparently and interpreted by experts, indicator-based assessment can offer valuable insights. This study introduces a novel perspective by considering not only drivers of engagement but also the obstacles. The proposed indicators provide a foundation for evaluating community readiness and commitment to nature-based approaches and may be adapted for application in other urban settings and in future research on climate resilience strategies. Full article

Analyses of student mobility are typically conducted in an urban environment and are informed by socio-demographic or trip attributes. The prevailing focus is on individual modes of transport, different groups of commuters travelling to campus, students’ behavioural perceptions, and the totality of student trips. This paper starts with the identification of the determinants of student mobility that have received insufficient research attention. Utilising surveys, the study captures the mobility patterns of a sample of 1014 students and calculates their carbon footprint (CF; in kg/academic year) to assess whether the factors neglected in previous studies influence differences in the actual environmental load of student commuting. A regression analysis is employed to ascertain the significance of these factors as predictors of sustainable student mobility. This study exclusively focuses on the group of student commuters to campus and analyses the trips associated with compulsory activities at a suburban campus that is distant from the university centre and student facilities, which changes the mobility context in terms of commuting options. The under-researched factors identified in this research have not yet been quantified as CF. The findings confirm that only some of the factors neglected in previous research are statistically significant predictors of the local environmental load of student mobility. Specifically, variables such as student employment, frequency of class attendance, and propensity for ride-sharing could be utilised to forecast and regulate students’ mobility towards more sustainable patterns. However, all of the under-researched factors (including household size, region of origin (i.e., past experiences), residing at term-time accommodation while studying, and the availability of a family car) have an influence on the differences in CF magnitude in the studied campus. Full article

Background: Trauma-related injuries are among the most common reasons for paediatric hospital presentations and represent a substantial component of orthopaedic care. Their management poses unique challenges due to ongoing skeletal development in children. While most reported fractures occur at home or during sports, prior studies have primarily used data from urban European populations, limiting the relevance of their findings for rural and regional settings. Urban-centred research often informs public healthcare guidelines, treatment algorithms, and infrastructure planning, introducing a bias when findings are generalised outside of metropolitan populations. This study addresses that gap by analysing fracture data from two rural trauma centres in New South Wales, Australia. This study assesses paediatric fractures resulting from severe injury mechanisms in rural areas, identifying common fracture types, underlying mechanisms, and treatment approaches to highlight differences in demographics. These findings aim to cast a light on healthcare challenges that regional areas face and to improve the overall cultural safety of children who live and grow up outside of the metropolitan trauma networks. Methods: We analysed data from two major rural referral hospitals in New South Wales (NSW) for paediatric injuries presenting between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. This study included 150 patients presenting with fractures following severe mechanisms of injury, triaged into Australasian Triage Scale (ATS) categories 1 and 2 upon initial presentation. Results: A total of 150 severe fractures were identified, primarily affecting the upper and lower limbs. Males presented more frequently than females, and children aged 10–14 years old were most commonly affected. High-energy trauma from motorcycle (dirt bike) accidents was the leading mechanism of injury among all patients, and accounted for >50% of injuries among 10–14-year-old patients. The most common fractures sustained in these events were upper limb fractures, notably of the clavicle (n = 26, 17.3%) and combined radius/ulna fractures (n = 26, 17.3%). Conclusions: Paediatric trauma in regional Australia presents a unique and under-reported challenge, with high-energy injuries frequently linked to unregulated underage dirt bike use. Unlike urban centres where low-energy mechanisms dominate, rural areas require targeted prevention strategies. While most cases were appropriately managed locally, some were transferred to tertiary centres. These findings lay the groundwork for multi-centre research, and support the need for region-specific policy reform in the form of improved formal injury surveillance, injury prevention initiatives, and the regulation of under-aged off-road vehicular usage. Full article

Urban food markets are increasingly being recognized not only as centres of cultural identity and tourism but also as pivotal spaces for promoting urban sustainability. This study explores the role of urban markets in advancing sustainable cultural tourism, using Obor Market in Bucharest as a case study. As a historic marketplace and cultural landmark, Obor Market embodies Bucharest’s traditional commercial practices and community-oriented values. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and systematic surveys, we evaluate the location of markets, cultural authenticity, and visitor satisfaction. The quantitative findings reveal meaningful correlations between demographic factors (particularly nationality and age) and visitor perceptions, highlighting the market’s appeal through its authentic culinary offerings and immersive sensory experience. However, this study also identifies shortcomings in current promotional strategies employed by local stakeholders. The results suggest that urban food markets can serve as sustainable urban assets, fostering cross-cultural integration, supporting local economies, and encouraging environmentally conscious tourism behaviours. We argue for data-informed urban cultural policies that enhance the visibility, accessibility, and sustainability of such spaces, reinforcing their dual role as economic drivers and cultural touchstones. Full article

Urbanization is rapidly transforming cities, especially in the Global South, with Sub-Saharan Africa expected to see the fastest growth in the next 30 years. In South Africa’s Mopani District, this urban expansion has led to the growth of informal settlements, increasing disaster risks related to water, health, and fire. This study focuses on Giyani Local Municipality, examining disaster risks in its informal settlements and the factors influencing the implementation of spatial planning tools. Using a SWOT analysis combined with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study found that while the municipality has strong land use and disaster management policies, poor enforcement, lack of integration, and weak governance limit their effectiveness. Opportunities for improvement include securing grants from the National Government and Disaster Management Centre to support disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives. However, challenges such as land shortages and ecological degradation threaten sustainable planning. The findings provide important insights for policymakers, urban planners, and disaster management professionals. The SWOT-AHP approach helps in prioritizing resource allocation, identifying risk trends, and focusing on key areas for mitigation. Overall, the study supports efforts to enhance resilience and promote sustainable urban development in informal settlements through better spatial planning. Full article

This research is focused on housing stock rehabilitation and construction in Urban Rehabilitation Areas located in diverse contexts in the Portuguese territory. The main objective of this research is to show how the local actors have managed the ARUs’ opportunities to restore and develop the housing in these areas in the Portuguese territory. An analytical national legal framework is made to show that the diffuse criteria at national and regional levels are reflected in the limited effectiveness of the ARUs’ flexible criteria in local implementation. A national legislative and regulatory framework in Portugal, focusing on urban rehabilitation and housing promotion themes, is discussed to emphasize the potential role of Urban Rehabilitation Area (ARU) particularities and housing provision and preservation in diverse contexts in Portugal. A comparative analysis is conducted of five ARUs—Belmonte, Soure, Penacova, Vila Real, and Devesas—located in Portugal, in the North and Center regions, to highlight the particularities/diversity of urban contexts, including towns, small to medium-sized cities, and historic centres. The analysis assesses the effectiveness of ARU urban rehabilitation strategy implementation over time. The analysis of five ARUs will discuss the following: (i) ARU physical characteristics; (ii) ARU population profile; (iii) ARU urban rehabilitation strategies progress (initial, intermediate, and final); and (iv) ARU alignment with PDM priorities in urban rehabilitation. The findings underscore the pivotal role that ARUs and their actors can have in housing rehabilitation provision and preservation on different scales and contexts within the territory. The outcomes show different strategies that each ARU has used to prioritize building rehabilitation. Full article

This article stems from the PRIN GOV_REL (Urban Governance of Interreligious Dialogue) research project carried out in four Italian cities in 2023–2025 and reports on some preliminary results of the empirical enquiry held in the city of Brescia. The Brescia area is characterised by high rates of residents with an immigrant background and a consolidated presence of religious minorities (Muslim, Orthodox, Sikh, Hindu and Protestant groups), many recognised centres (mosques, temples and Christian non-Catholic churches) and a significant commitment of ethnic–religious communities to local public life. This paper examines the creation of grassroots-level interreligious dialogue, seen as a communicative process. The empirical evidence is based on material collected by participant observations and semi-structured interviews regarding four initiatives that occurred in 2024. A sociocultural analysis outlines the communicative frame: text; context; aims; acts; interlocutors and their power/freedom of expression; interactions; results. The article examines the communicative pattern of each initiative, considering an intercultural orientation and a pluralistic model of interfaith dialogue. It seeks to answer the following questions: what was the fundamental message that the promoters wanted to convey? How do the single actors communicate their perspective of religious “others”, and what results did they achieve or not achieve? The analysis leads to identifying the patterns that facilitate and/or hamper dialogue, taking into account misunderstandings and “cul-de-sac” aspects. Final recommendations highlight the recurrent breaking points that should be prevented and some premises to guarantee successful communication between members of different religions in multicultural urban spaces. Full article

Surface-guided tram systems are increasingly being recognised not only as mobility instruments but also as agents of urban regeneration that reshape spatial and social dynamics. This study evaluates the configurational impact of the Trambesòs tram in Barcelona on accessibility, integration, and urban cohesion within the Levante del Besòs area. A Space Syntax analysis was conducted in UCL DepthmapX for axial map analysis and visual graph analysis within a 500 m radius around each station. Three typologies of intervention (site-specific, articulation axes, and saturation pieces) guided the assessment. This analysis shows that Avinguda Diagonal and Avinguda Meridiana are primary structural corridors, while stations Glòries, Ca l’Aranyó, and Pere IV recorded the highest accessibility and visual openness. The results indicate that targeted interventions have positive impacts on the Space Syntax metrics regardless of their spatial centrality, highlighting the critical role of this diverse intervention typology in shaping the study area’s spatial configuration and influencing a hierarchy of social appropriation and use. It is concluded that the Trambesòs tram and associated urban interventions have jointly enhanced centrality and permeability in key sectors, and specific peripheral enclaves have local functioning. These findings, focused on spatial and morphological patterns, may support future interventions in urban design and mobility planning. Although the analysis centres on spatial configuration, future research may integrate socioeconomic variables to broaden the understanding of regeneration processes. Full article

This study examines the establishment of a Hub for Circular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis (HUB-CEIS) centred on a forest biomass waste plant in Fundão, Portugal, presenting an innovative model for rural industrial symbiosis, circular economy governance, and sustainable waste management. Designed as a strategic node within a reverse supply chain, the hub facilitates the conversion of solid waste into renewable energy and high-value co-products, including green hydrogen, tailored for industrial and agricultural applications, with an estimated 120 ktCO₂/year reduction and 60 direct jobs. Aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, this initiative addresses global challenges such as decarbonization, resource efficiency, and the energy transition. Employing a mixed research methodology, this study integrates a comprehensive literature review, in-depth stakeholder interviews, and comparative case study analysis to formulate a governance framework fostering regional partnerships between industry, government, and local communities. The findings highlight Fundão’s potential to become a benchmark for rural industrial symbiosis, offering a replicable model for circularity in non-urban contexts, with a projected investment of USD 60 M. Special emphasis is placed on the green hydrogen value chain, positioning it as a key enabler for regional sustainability. This research underscores the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in achieving scalable and efficient waste recovery processes. By delivering practical insights and a robust governance structure, the study contributes to the circular economy literature, providing actionable strategies for implementing rural reverse supply chains. Beyond validating waste valorization and renewable energy production, the proposed hub establishes a blueprint for sustainable rural industrial development, promoting long-term industrial symbiosis integration. Full article

Smart city research often emphasises technology while neglecting how governance structures and resources influence outcomes. This study compares Tier 1 (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide) and Tier 2 (Geelong, Newcastle, Hobart, Sunshine Coast) Australian cities to evaluate how urban scale, economic capacity, governance complexity, and local priorities influence smart-enabled resilience. We analysed 22 official strategy documents using a two-phase qualitative approach: profiling each city and then synthesising patterns across technological integration, community engagement, resilience objectives and funding models. Tier 1 cities leverage extensive revenues and sophisticated infrastructure to implement ambitious initiatives such as digital twins and AI-driven services, but they encounter multi-agency delays and may overlook neighbourhood needs. Tier 2 cities deploy agile, low-cost solutions—sensor-based lighting and free public Wi-Fi—that deliver swift benefits but struggle to scale without sustained support. Across the eight cases, we identified four governance archetypes and six recurring implementation barriers—data silos, funding discontinuity, skills shortages, privacy concerns, evaluation gaps, and policy changes—which collectively influence smart-enabled resilience. The results indicate that aligning smart technologies with governance tiers, fiscal capacity, and demographic contexts is essential for achieving equitable and sustainable outcomes. We recommend tier-specific funding, mandatory co-design, and intergovernmental knowledge exchange to enable smaller cities to function as innovation labs while directing metropolitan centres towards inclusive, system-wide transformation. Full article

Electrifying urban last-mile logistics is an important step towards reducing carbon emissions which requires replacing conventional vehicles with low-carbon alternatives that offer comparable operational and cost characteristics. This study presents a methodology for evaluating the feasibility of electrifying an urban delivery fleet, using data from a major beverage company in Seville as a case study. Applying a fleet and route optimization algorithm for various vehicle combinations, we demonstrate that emerging electric vehicle options, combined with a redesigned fleet mix and an optimized routing, can already enable cost-efficient electrification of distribution activities in the city centre. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that full electrification of the company’s local distribution network may be possible by 2030, depending on the availability of larger electric trucks. Our results show that currently available electric vehicles can fully substitute conventional options in the case study context, with higher capital costs offset by lower energy costs in most cases. The electrification of urban logistics can yield significant environmental benefits, particularly if powered by a clean energy mix. Full article

This paper presents an analysis of energy use and sector coupling in a local energy community using a model based on energy cost centres (ECCs), functional units for decentralised responsibility and optimisation of energy use within defined system boundaries. The ECC model enables structured identification and optimisation of energy and material flows in complex industrial and urban settings. It was applied to a case study involving an energy-intensive steel plant and its integration with the surrounding community. The study assessed the potential for renewable electricity production (7914 MWh annually), green hydrogen generation, battery storage, and the reuse of 11,440 MWh of excess heat. These measures could offset 9598 MWh of grid electricity through local production and savings, reduce natural gas use by 4,116,850 Nm³, and lower CO₂ emissions by 10,984 tonnes per year. The model supports strategic planning by linking sectoral actions to measurable sustainability indicators. It is adaptable to data availability and stakeholder engagement, allowing both high-level overviews and detailed analysis of selected ECCs. Limitations include heterogeneous data sources, uneven stakeholder participation, and the need for refinement of sub-models. Nonetheless, the approach offers a replicable framework for integrated energy planning and supports the transition to sustainable, decentralised energy systems. Full article

In many European cities, old urban centres, particularly historical centres, reveal significant limitations to the intervention of civil protection agents—namely, firefighters—in terms of their mobility and action in emergencies, thus conditioning their action. This article analyses the case of a Portuguese city (the city of Ílhavo), proposing possible solutions applicable to territories with these specificities. This study was developed with the support of a literature review and field work that accompanied the actions of the local fire department. The proposals include new technical solutions (such as underground dry pipeworks), measures regarding traffic restrictions, the adequacy of signage, and recommendations for training the population living in these areas to intervene in fire situations. This study was developed through monitoring several interventions by the local fire department in real emergencies, allowing for the identification of some existing limitations in its activity resulting from the specific characteristics of the old urban centre. Measures already adopted in other Portuguese cities to improve mobility and reduce the negative impact on firefighters’ work in historical centres are also mentioned. It is also recommended that all civil protection agents be closely involved in planning and designing these urban rehabilitation interventions when carrying them out in these areas. Full article

This article explores the methodological framework and examines the learning and scientific outcomes of a workshop activity centred on the innovative integration of digital heritage approaches with design thinking methodologies. The workshop was developed in the Italian central Apennines and it investigated the design implications of working on heritage contexts in marginal areas using innovative digital tools, as well as the impact of this approach on the community. The activities engaged international students and professors, employed a multidisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and trans-scalar approach encompassing field research, data processing, dialogue, and collaborative visioning. The findings are both methodological and thematic. Methodologically, the workshop introduced a novel approach to architectural education by integrating digitalization in the design process and by fostering an urban vision that bridges research with local needs. Thematically, the outputs explore new uses for “potential spaces”, sustainable mobility, heritage-led strategies, and tourism, emphasizing community involvement. The workshop’s originality lies in its cognitive, narrative, and design processes, where digital data are part of the creative process. Despite the workshop’s compressed timeline, it successfully fostered creative thinking and practical solutions, demonstrating the value of intense, interdisciplinary collaborative visioning for heritage regeneration. The workshop’s broader implications include potential spin-offs into future community engagement and knowledge-transfer activities, highlighting its social and practical relevance. Full article

This study investigates the impact of two consecutive economic shocks—the 2009–2018 economic crisis and the 2019–2022 COVID-19 pandemic—on the resilience and recovery of Greece’s 13 NUTS II-level Administrative Regions. Using secondary data on employment per sector from the Greek Statistical Authority and Eurostat, resilience is assessed through resistance and recovery indices, complemented by shift-share analysis to identify sectoral and local influences on regional performance. Regions with robust agricultural bases displayed consistent resistance and recovery, while tourism-dependent regions transitioned from high to low resistance during the pandemic. Urban centres like Attiki showed enhanced resilience due to concentrated economic activity and local advantages, forming a high-resistance, fast-recovery cluster. Consequently, regions with local advantages are more resilient in times of crisis. Sectors developing locally due to these advantages strengthen economic resilience, whereas dynamic sectors at the national level relying on external environments are more vulnerable, recovering more slowly and impacting host regions. Strong concentration economies alongside local advantages further bolster resilience. Strengthening local economic structures and diversifying activities are crucial for mitigating disparities. This study underscores the importance of tailored sustainable policies to enhance resilience and ensure long-term regional sustainability. Full article