Search Results (91)

Urban agriculture’s potential for food production and other social benefits is widely documented. However, the diversity of organisational structures and contextual factors that shape and drive the practice leads to a range of productivity levels. Yet, most studies estimate productivity using average production data, which compromises the reliability of the estimates. The objective of the study presented here is to develop a GIS-based spatial analytical framework that takes into account varying levels of productivity for four urban food garden types: Home, Community, Educational, and Commercial. We apply this analytical framework in Bogotá, Colombia, a city at the forefront of policies promoting urban agriculture, where we collected data from a sample of urban food gardens (i.e., produce yield, resource use, and social benefits). To increase the precision and reliability of the estimates, we perform a spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis through several ArcGIS pro 3.1 functions. This allows the identification of suitable areas for each urban agriculture type, based on key spatial and social characteristics (location, proximity to roads and to rivers, private or public land, urban density, and socio-economic demographic conditions). Results suggest that 25% of Bogotá’s surface area (including vacant urban land and roofs) presents potential physical and social conditions for food growing, within which Home Gardens occupy the largest share of suitable land. This shows that land availability is not a key limiting factor to a possible expansion of urban agriculture, particularly at a household level. Resource consumption and educational benefits are also estimated, hence providing a comprehensive picture of the impact of urban food production at a city scale. Full article

The present research aims to analyze, assess, and interpret the territorial reality of the south of the Community of Madrid, with the case study of Aranjuez, revealing the interrelationship between urban growth, its link with the mechanisms that operate in the real estate sector, the processes of transformation of rural areas into spaces where rurbanization and marginal urbanization related to the reclassification of land (generally rural) prevail, based on the application of a novel interpretive methodology of the so-called “Third Landscape”, based on the “Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)”, applied to formal, socioeconomic, functional, environmental paradigms, among others. Thus, throughout the study, we address the Third Landscape and elements such as Lost Spaces, Garbage Spaces, Shadow Places, etc., in short, vacant lots or residual spaces (formless and unused anti-spaces), which are framed around the conceptualization of the Third Landscape, of that of no man’s land, which no one uses, whose maintenance is unknown, and which currently predominates in the rural and rururban world of Aranjuez. With all this, the motivation for the research and, therefore, its results, is based on the knowledge of the regeneration and adaptation of the nature of the study area in marginal and unplanned spaces—such as roadside ditches, vacant lots, and urban interstices—promoting the foundations for future territorial development models, as well as territorial planning processes that allow for urban regeneration, ecological design, and the socioeconomic enhancement of a city in expansion and transformation. Full article

Sustainable and resilient hydrologic urban ecosystem services rely on connectivity among gray, green, and blue infrastructures. We conducted a field study of post-urban landscape hydrology in inland (River Rouge) and coastal (Detroit River) catchments on the West and East sides, respectively, of Detroit, MI. Measurements of parcel (n = 36) soil hydraulics as infiltration and drainage rates, soil taxonomic data, and depth of the groundwater table were used to determine connectivity. Hydrologic data was parsed into “stoplight” categories (green, yellow, orange, red) that at once communicate connectivity and best uses for sustained rendering of ecosystem services from vacant parcels. Parcels with yellow, orange, and red infiltration rates would respond to tillage and cover cropping with an increase in gray-green connectivity, whereas drainage rates in the orange and red categories suggest redevelopment. Blue-green connectivity was constrained by high variation in drainage rate, perched versus deeper saturated zones, urban drainage affecting local groundwater gradients, and relatively little groundwater data to compare against. This assessment process can serve to optimally allocate city resources to effectively and efficiently identify best management practices (including redevelopment) for vacant sites and to sustain ecosystem services, where they are most strongly rendered as connectivity amongst gray, green, and blue water regimes. Full article

Urban development is the planned growth of cities that takes into account ecological issues, the needs of urban life, social and technical equipment standards, and quality of life. However, as a result of policies implemented by decision-makers and users, both planned and unplanned, urban space is expanding spatially outwards from the city, while also experiencing densification in vacant areas within the city and functional transformations in land use. This process, known as urban sprawl, has been intensely debated over the past century. Making the negative effects of urban sprawl measurable and understandable from a scientific perspective is critically important for sustainable urban planning and management. Transportation surfaces hold a significant share in the land use patterns of expanding cities in physical space, and accessibility is one of the main driving forces behind land use change. Therefore, the most significant consequence of urban sprawl is the increase in urban mobility, which is shaped by the needs of urban residents to access urban functions. This increase poses risk factors for the planning period in terms of time, cost, and especially environmental impact. Urban space has a dynamic and complex structure. Planning is based on being able to guess how this structure will change over time. At first, geometric models were used to study cities, but as time went on and the network of relationships became more complicated, more modern and technological methods were needed. Artificial Neural Networks, Support Vector Machines, Agent-Based Models, Markov Chain Models, and Cellular Automata, developed using computer-aided design technologies, can be cited as examples of these approaches. In this study, the temporal change in urban sprawl and its relationship with influencing factors will be revealed using the SLEUTH model, which is one of the cellular automata-based urban simulation models. Erzurum, one of the medium-sized metropolitan cities that gained importance after the conversion of provincial borders into municipal borders with the Metropolitan Law No. 6360, has been selected as the case study area for this research. The urban sprawl process and determining factors of Erzurum will be analyzed using the SLEUTH model. By creating a simulation model of the current situation within the specified time periods and generating future scenarios, the aim is to develop planning decisions with sustainable, ecological, and optimal size and density values. Full article

In high-density cities like Hong Kong, green spaces are often characterized by fragmentation and uneven spatial distribution, which negatively impacts their accessibility and equity. To address this issue, studies have proposed the use of informal green spaces (IGSs) as a supplementary component to formal urban green spaces (UGSs). However, the spatial delineation and quantitative analysis of IGSs remain challenging due to the lack of standardized identification and evaluation methods. Building upon the work of urban theorists Henry Lefebvre and Edward Soja, this study explores informal green spaces as third spaces. This study employed remote sensing and GIS technologies to systematically assess the spatial distribution and benefits of IGSs, categorizing them into four types: Urban Interstitial IGSs, Transitional IGSs, Fringe IGSs, and Riparian IGSs. Subsequently, an evaluation framework was constructed across ecological, social, and economic dimensions to quantify the overall value of IGSs. The results reveal that IGS significantly contributes to ecological regulation, social interaction, and economic potential, particularly in urban areas with limited green resources. This demonstrates that IGSs can serve as a vital complement to formal urban green spaces, playing a key role in alleviating green space inequity, enhancing urban livability, and promoting sustainability. Furthermore, this study provides a scientific foundation for precise identification, benefit assessment, and optimized management of IGSs, supporting effective integration and rational utilization in future urban planning. Full article

The making of a land patrimony for the benefit of religious missions is profoundly linked to territorial construction in the colonies but is rarely examined from the angle of ecclesiastical governmentality over the ceded lands. This analysis highlights three complementary processes for understanding the role of religious mission land heritage in territorial reconfigurations. First, this article examines the process of “land sanctuarization”, which materializes territorial anchoring through the crystallization of land rights granted to religious missions over customary lands previously presumed to be “vacant”. Next, it explores the formation of an “ecclesiastical dominium”, manifested in the dismantling of state missions and their free transfer, explicit or tacit, to religious missions under concession or agreement regimes. This reveals the exercise of state power over the land heritage of religious missions, positioning them as structuring axes and administrative intermediaries for public services, thus giving rise to an ecclesiastical governmentality that drives territorial production and reconfiguration. Finally, postcolonial dynamics reveal the resurgence of new spatial polarities shaped by the complexity of evolving religious actors along the center–periphery axis of a recomposing territorialization. This study underscores the importance of a transversal approach to better govern the land legacies of religious missions, fostering a pluralistic reterritorialization of postcolonial societies in central Africa. Full article

In high-density and land-scarce urban environments such as Taipei—a typical example of compact development in East Asia—informal green spaces (IGSs)—defined as unmanaged or unplanned vegetated urban areas such as vacant lots, street verges, and railway margins—play a growing role in urban environmental and social dynamics. This study explores residents’ perceptions of IGSs and examines how these spaces contribute to urban sustainability and land governance. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines the literature review, field observations, and a structured public opinion survey in Taipei’s Wenshan District, the study identifies key perceived benefits and drawbacks of IGSs. Findings show that residents highly value IGSs for enhancing urban greenery, offering recreational opportunities, and promoting physical and mental health. However, concerns persist regarding safety, sanitation, and maintenance—particularly fears of waste accumulation, mosquito breeding, and risks to children. The results highlight the dual nature of IGSs as both vital ecological assets and potential sources of urban disorder. These insights underscore the need for inclusive, community-based governance models that can transform IGSs into legitimate components of green infrastructure. The study contributes to emerging discussions on adaptive urban land governance by proposing that informal spaces be strategically integrated into urban planning frameworks to enhance environmental equity, resilience, and citizen well-being. Full article

Urbanization is one of the most important challenges contributing to the trend of replacing agricultural land with high-value land uses, such as housing, as well as industrial and commercial activities, as a result of significant population growth. To face these challenges and improve urban sustainability, integrating an embedded concept of spatial planning, taking into account urban and peri-urban agriculture, will contribute to mitigating food security issues and the negative impact of climate change, while improving social and economic development. This project aims to analyze land use/cover changes in the Casablanca metropolitan area and its surrounding cities, which are undergoing rapid urban growth. To achieve this, time series of remote sensing data were analyzed in order to investigate the spatio-temporal changes in LU/LC and to evaluate the dynamics and spatial pattern of the city’s expansion over the past three decades, which has come at the expense of agricultural land. The study will also examine the relationship between urbanization and agricultural land use change over time. The results of this study show that Casablanca and its outskirts experience significant urban expansion and a decline in arable lands, with rates of 45% and 42%, respectively. The analysis of SDG indicator 11.3.1 has also shown that land consumption in the provinces of Mediouna, Mohammadia, and Nouaceur has exceeded population growth, due to rapid, uncontrolled urbanization at the expense of agricultural land, which highlights the need to develop a new conceptual framework for regenerating land systems based on the implementation of urban and peri-urban agriculture in vacant sites within urban and peri-urban areas. This will offer valuable insights for policymakers to investigate measures that can ensure sustainable land use planning strategies that effectively integrate agriculture into urban development. Full article

Urban vacant land can provide important habitat for birds, especially in cities with high concentrations of residential vacancy. Understanding which vegetation features best support urban biodiversity can inform greening strategies that benefit both wildlife and residents. This study addressed two questions: (1) How does bird species composition reflect the potential conservation value of these neighborhoods? (2) Which vegetation structures predict bird abundance across a fine-grained urban landscape? To answer these questions, we conducted avian and vegetation surveys across 100 one-hectare plots in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. These surveys showed that species richness was positively associated with canopy cover (β = 0.32, p = 0.003). Canopy cover was also the strongest predictor of American Robin (Turdus migratorius) and Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) abundance (β = 1.9 for both species). In contrast, impervious surfaces and abandoned buildings were associated with generalist species. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) abundance was strongly and positively correlated with NMS Axis 1 (r = 0.878), while Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) abundance was negatively correlated (r = −0.728). These findings underscore the significance of strategic habitat management in promoting urban biodiversity and addressing ecological challenges within urban landscapes. They also emphasize the importance of integrating biodiversity goals into urban planning policies to ensure sustainable and equitable development. Full article

Urban vacant land possesses significant yet untapped ecological potential (capacity to support biodiversity, ecological processes, and ecosystem functions) for enhancing urban sustainability and resilience. However, the absence of structured and adaptable frameworks for ecological assessment limits its effective integration into urban planning. This study introduces a novel multi-tier ecological assessment framework, combining expert-driven criteria established through the Fuzzy Delphi Method with GIS-based spatial analysis. The framework ensures flexibility and scalability, enabling planners to perform rapid preliminary assessments and progressively detailed evaluations depending on available resources and specific planning objectives. A case study in Sentul-Manjalara, Kuala Lumpur, demonstrates the framework’s practical application, resulting in an ecological potential map categorising vacant parcels into high, medium, and low revitalisation priorities. This approach effectively connects theoretical ecological insights and actionable urban planning, providing policymakers and planners with an evidence-based decision-making tool for strategically prioritising vacant land revitalisation efforts. The outcome enhances urban biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and long-term urban resilience. Full article

Urban densification threatens vacant lots in cities, potentially affecting biodiversity and the ecosystem services (ES) they provide. Policymakers require evidence-based tools to balance densification policies and initiatives with the preservation of green spaces. This research proposes a method to assess ecosystem conditions (EC) of vacant lots and combine it with ES demand in order to identify lots that need to be prioritised for preservation and restoration. This method is applied to the Northern Milan intermunicipal area (Italy). By using open-access satellite imagery, indicators for abiotic, biotic, and landscape characteristics were determined for each lot regarding four regulating ES (air purification, runoff mitigation, microclimate regulation, and pollination). The EC assessment provides planners with information on the ecosystems’ qualities and their ability to deliver ecosystem services. Our findings indicate that vacant lots differ in their contribution to ES provision due to variation in abiotic, biotic, and landscape connectivity conditions, underlining the need for a more detailed assessment of the differences between each individual area that composes the green infrastructure. However, challenges related to defining reference levels and the availability of detailed local data need to be addressed to guide planning decisions effectively. Full article

Urban voids, such as vacant lots, brownfields, fallow land, wasteland, and the spaces between buildings, have the potential to serve as habitats for a diverse range of plants. However, their value for plant conservation remains understudied because of their informal and neglected nature. The aim of this systematic review is to consider the potential for urban voids to contribute to urban plant biodiversity. A total of 55 studies from 14 countries were analysed for geographical trends, factors influencing plant biodiversity, research methods, and relevant environmental parameters. The results of this study show that the factors influencing the plant diversity of urban voids can be divided into three main categories: biophysical, temporal, and landscape factors. Biophysical factors, such as size, age, soil, and vegetation structure, as well as temporal factors, including site management and human interventions, are the most important at the site-level scale. In contrast, landscape factors, such as the location and distance from other green spaces, are more dominant at the larger urban scale. The review has identified a significant limitation in the available literature, with relatively few studies examining the influence of urban voids’ shape, ownership, and microclimate on biodiversity. With respect to research methods, the results suggest a recent increase in the use of GIS-based and remote sensing techniques to investigate the plant diversity of urban voids. The findings discussed in this paper indicate the need for further research to comprehensively understand the factors that promote urban vegetation diversity in urban voids. Full article

In Japan, vacant houses are widely recognized as a significant societal challenge. At the same time, the problems associated with vacant lots and land with unknown ownership are escalating and are expected to worsen in the future. In response, community organizations such as NPOs (nonprofit organizations), neighborhood associations, and government agencies have been central in increasing efforts toward effectively utilizing and managing these vacant properties. This study analyzed six cases supported by the MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) under the Land Bank initiative, with two cases involving land readjustment and four involving temporary use. A detailed examination of these pilot efforts and their application methods clearly highlights the necessity of integrating land management with urban planning. Furthermore, it has been found that there are several challenges in the Land Bank initiative, including difficulties in assessing market value, ownership issues, and the need for broad coordination. These findings provide important implications for improving Japan’s management of vacant land and houses. Full article

Urban greenspaces, such as parks and other public vegetated spaces, provide respite from the built environment for residents and visitors. Lesser-known urban greenspaces are community-managed open spaces (CMOSs), such as play lots, community gardens, and memorial gardens. This study investigated the effect of the distance to and size of parks and CMOSs on residential house prices in Baltimore, MD, in 2016–2017 using a hedonic price model. This is the first study of an urban city comparing parks and CMOSs. The study included 21,116 houses sold and revealed that park proximate price premiums ranged from 7.73% to 11.01% for distances of up to a 1/2 mile, and the CMOS proximate price premiums were 8.69% and 8.96% for distances of up to 1/8 and 1/4 miles, respectively. Moreover, both parks and CMOSs revealed a buyer preference of a 1/8 to 1/2 mile distance from these urban greenspaces. Small- to medium-sized parks, less than 9.65 acres, increased house prices by approximately 2.36%, and small CMOSs, less than 0.24 acres, increased house prices by 5.93%. These results confirm that parks and CMOSs provide economic benefits in addition to their social, health, and well-being benefits and suggest that CMOSs are a viable economic development strategy for communities. Full article

The trend of gated communities is becoming the new alternative housing for the high-end residents of Jordan, reflecting global patterns of urbanisation. However, their emergence on the outskirts of Amman on vacant lands requires an early proactive planning approach to ensure their development in response to the growth of the surrounding areas, fostering an integrated urban fabric. This article examines whether gated communities contribute to urban discontinuity and lead to social segregation. The study employs a space syntax analysis on two cases in Amman to assess their integration, accessibility, and navigability to address the study’s key questions related to its integration, design implications, and spatial layout. Findings reveal significant spatial segregation, with low levels of integration and high step depth values, indicating potential challenges in navigation, connectivity, residents’ mobility, accessibility, and safety. The article suggests the importance of re-evaluating the design and planning approaches for these developments to promote organic townscape growth to ensure smooth integration with the surroundings. Full article