Search Results (14)

As urban parks become vital settings for public health, understanding how spatial features influence physical activity is essential. This study addresses a research gap by examining how park attributes affect walking and running across different space types (paths vs. plazas) and time periods. Analyzing 30 spatial units in three Shanghai parks (2021–2023) via OLS regression, the research identifies several key findings. Results indicate that paths facilitate significantly higher activity levels than plazas. While safety facilities, single-layer vegetation, and stone paving consistently promote activity, seat density and complex vegetation show divergent effects across space types. Temporally, connectivity, lighting, and simple vegetation structures encourage activity throughout the day, whereas high choice values and long entrance distances consistently act as suppressors. Other features, such as sky openness and water proximity, exhibit time-specific influences. These findings provide empirical evidence of the dynamic, context-dependent relationship between park design and exercise, offering actionable insights for urban planners to optimize green spaces for public health. Full article

The construction sector is experiencing increasing demand for deep underground structures in urban environments, where excavations frequently intersect fractured aquifers. Such conditions pose significant risks to structural stability and long-term durability due to groundwater inflow and elevated hydrostatic pressures. This study investigates the influence of deep underground construction on fractured aquifer systems using the Abu Dhabi Plaza development in Kazakhstan as a case study. An integrated methodological approach combining hydrogeological monitoring, hydrochemical analysis, and engineering–geological testing was applied. Groundwater levels were monitored using observation wells, while triaxial and uniaxial compression tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of rock and soil materials. Hydraulic gradients, flow velocities, and hydrostatic pressures were estimated using Darcy’s law and the Boussinesq equation, supported by GIS-based spatial analysis. Groundwater mineralisation is consistently represented in this study by total dissolved solids (TDS), expressed in g/L. The results indicate that groundwater in the Quaternary aquifer is fresh to slightly mineralised, with TDS ranging from 0.47 to 1.50 g/L, whereas groundwater in the fractured Ordovician aquifer exhibits a more stable hydrochemical regime with TDS values of 0.72–0.73 g/L. Statistical analysis identifies two primary controls on groundwater chemistry: (i) natural geochemical processes associated with water–rock interaction and (ii) technogenic influences related to urban activities. Hydrodynamic calculations indicate a hydraulic gradient of approximately 0.136, a filtration velocity of about 0.35 m/day, well discharge reaching 0.11 L/s, and hydrostatic pressure ranging from 1.45 to 2.81 atm. Groundwater drawdown caused by excavation dewatering reached 29–30 m. The findings demonstrate that groundwater inflow is primarily controlled by fracture-controlled permeability and structural heterogeneity within the aquifer system. These results highlight the importance of integrated hydrogeological and hydrochemical assessment, in which TDS serves as the principal quantitative indicator of groundwater mineralisation, for the effective management of groundwater-related risks during deep underground construction. Full article

Urban waterfront walkways are everyday public built environments where people commonly engage in slow walking, yet evidence remains limited that links what pedestrians see to immediate psychophysiological responses under controlled first-person dynamic exposure. To address this gap, we developed a fixed-speed, fixed-duration VR walk-through model using real-world 360° panoramic video and quantified scene visual composition via computer vision-based image analysis. Based on the visible shares of key components (greenery, water, sky, hardscape, and built structures), clips were grouped into four interpretable waterfront typologies: Vegetation-Enclosed, Built-Dominant, Hardscape-Plaza, and Blue-Open. Fifty healthy adults completed within-subject VR exposures to the four typologies (50 s per clip), while multimodal physiological signals and brief affect and landscape ratings were collected before and after exposure. The results showed that scenes with more water and vegetation coverage, along with expansive views, were associated with promoted autonomic nervous system calming responses, whereas scenes with fewer natural elements and higher built structure density were more likely to induce tension responses. Negative emotions decreased significantly across all four scene experiences, though artificial scenes concurrently exhibited emotional improvement alongside physiological tension. Overall, brief first-person dynamic VR exposure can yield immediate emotional benefits, and waterfront designs combining water proximity, abundant greenery, and expansive vistas may maximize short-term restorative potential, offering quantitative targets for health-supportive planning and retrofitting. Full article

Parks serve as vital components of green infrastructure within urban ecosystems, providing recreational opportunities that not only enhance human well-being but also support bird diversity. However, the shared use of park spaces by both humans and birds inevitably leads to spatial overlap and natural competition between the two groups. Consequently, addressing the diverse needs of both groups and balancing the ecosystem services provided to each has become an urgent and critical issue. In this study, we conducted bird and social surveys in an urban park and employed the SolVES and MaxEnt models to investigate the spatial patterns of cultural ecosystem services (CES), supporting ecosystem services (SES), and bird plumage color CES in the park. We then analyzed the trade-offs and synergies between different ecosystem service relationship pairs, as well as the factors influencing them, using bivariate spatial autocorrelation and geographical detectors analyses. Our results indicated a synergistic relationship between the recreational value of park CES and both park SES and bird plumage color CES. High-coverage vegetation areas along main roads promoted synergy, benefiting visitors’ appreciation of cultural services, bird roosting, and the supply of plumage color CES. Meanwhile, trade-offs were observed between the aesthetic value of park CES, park SES, and bird plumage color CES, primarily in fitness plazas where noise levels exceeded 70 dB. In contrast, visitors reacted more strongly to disturbances than birds. Furthermore, the colonization of colorful insectivorous birds enhanced the visual aesthetic value while simultaneously increasing the number of bird-feeding guilds and strengthening ecosystem stability. Our study suggests that planting tall trees, especially along park boundaries, expanding the perimeter green separation zone, and incorporating micro-water landscapes will help improve both avian CES and provide a more pleasant environment for visitors in parks. Full article

Below the central nave of the Gothic Cathedral of Palencia (14th to 16th centuries) lies the Crypt of San Antolín, which represents the remains of a Visigothic building from the mid-7th century. The crypt itself has suffered recurrent episodes of flooding over the centuries. However, the latest flooding, which began in mid-2021 and ended in mid-2023, is one of the most long-lasting episodes on the historical record. To establish the origin of these flooding episodes, the geological and hydrological properties of the subsoil have been determined by direct prospecting techniques (drilling) and indirect geophysical techniques (Electrical Resistivity Tomography). The prospecting has determined that the aquifer in the area has a basin-like geometry, which favors the accumulation of water below the crypt. This work has shown that the recurrent floods suffered by the crypt prior to 2021 are related to episodes of intense rainfall. However, after 2021, there is a direct relationship between the persistent flooding and the onset of landscaping at the Plaza de San Antolín, one of the squares near the cathedral. In addition, previous archaeological excavations carried out in 1965 in that same square had disrupted the stratigraphic column, easing the percolation of water. We conclude that the increase in landscaped areas in archaeological environments may modify the hydrogeological dynamics of the subsoil and affect the surrounding buildings. Full article

Ribbon waterfront parks in hot summer and cold winter regions play a crucial role in microclimate regulation and thermal comfort enhancement due to the combined effects of water bodies and vegetation. This study focuses on ribbon waterfront parks in Hefei. This study investigates the influence of park environmental factors (e.g., plant community characteristics, spatial configuration of water bodies, and plaza layouts) on the summer thermal environment through field measurements and ENVI-met numerical simulations. Based on field studies and a literature review, five environmental factors were selected as test variables: water body direction (S), tree planting density and arrangement (A), square distribution form (B), square location (C), and pavement material (D). Using orthogonal testing, 64 different environmental scenarios under four distinct water body orientations were designed and simulated using ENVI-met (Version 5.6.1), followed by a quantitative analysis of the simulation results. The findings reveal that the interaction between water body orientation and prevailing wind direction significantly influences the cooling efficiency in both the upwind and downwind regions. In addition, through orthogonal testing, Range Analysis (RA), and analysis of variance (ANOVA), the order of magnitude of the effect of each experimental factor on the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) can be derived: density and form of tree planting (A) > pavement material (D) > location of the square in the park (C) > forms of distribution of squares in the park (B). Finally, this study suggests various environmental factor-setting schemes for ribbon waterfront parks that are tailored to distinct microclimatic requirements. It also provides design recommendations to improve thermal comfort in parks based on the orientation of different water bodies. Furthermore, it offers specific references and foundations for planning, designing, optimising, and renovating waterfront parks of similar scales. Full article

This paper deals with the landscape design strategy that was followed in the proposal that was submitted to the International Architecture Competition of the New Archaeological Museum of Cyprus. The aim of this document is to analyze how landscape and architecture interact. In the author’s design proposal for the New Archaeological Museum of Cyprus, the various “gardens” integrated into the Landscape are analyzed. The concept of landscape design is related to the sacredness of trees to certain gods in Ancient Greece and Greek Mythology. The proposal addresses the symbolic meaning of trees and water. The design triggered the creation of several “gardens”: the “Sacred Garden”, the “Stone Garden”, the “Olive Garden”, the “Sacred Grove”, and the “Public Garden”, combining their soft landscapes with the hard landscape of the “Plaza” and the “Courtyard”. Each figure in the garden has a symbolic meaning that allows for a dialogue between landscape and architectural design. In addition, the findings provide valuable insights into the historical and spiritual value of landscape elements (plants, water) that are also thermal regulators for sustainable urban planning. The research results may be of value to landscape architects, architects, and landscape designers in the Mediterranean region. Full article

Small urban open spaces are critical components of high-density urban environments, and could bring multiple health benefits. However, the factors related to the restorative effect of these small urban open spaces are not well studied. This study explored how site type (lawn, water, and plaza) and spatial scales (10 × 10 m, 20 × 20 m, 30 × 30 m, and 40 × 40 m) might be associated with small urban open space’s restorative effects. We created the virtual scene images of the 12 sites and used PRS-11 to measure 1130 participants’ perceived restoration when viewing those images. The results indicated that lawn has the highest restorative effects, and are the most preferred. No significant differences in the restorative effects of sites with different spatial scales were detected, even a 10 × 10 m site has considerable restorative effects. We found high preference contributes to larger differences in the restorative effects of lawns and plazas. Those who prefer the sites may gain more restoration increases when viewing lawn scenes compared to plaza scenes. Moreover, adults over 50 years old have higher perceived restorations, and young adults aged 18–25 have a greater increase in restoration between plaza scenes and natural scenes, indicating young adults could benefit more from the building of small green spaces. These findings have direct implications for design practice. More small urban open spaces of lawn and water should be built to provide more restoration benefits, especially for young people. Full article

Japanese encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne member of the Flaviviridae family. JEV is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia and is characterized by encephalitis, high lethality, and neurological sequelae in survivors. The virus also causes severe disease in swine, which are an amplifying host in the transmission cycle, and in horses. US agricultural authorities have recently recognized the threat to the swine industry and initiated preparedness activities. Other mosquito-borne viruses exotic to the Western Hemisphere have been introduced and established in recent years, including West Nile, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, and JEV has recently invaded continental Australia for the first time. These events amply illustrate the potential threat of JEV to US health security. Susceptible indigenous mosquito vectors, birds, feral and domestic pigs, and possibly bats, constitute the receptive ecological ingredients for the spread of JEV in the US. Fortunately, unlike the other virus invaders mentioned above, an inactivated whole virus JE vaccine (IXIARO^®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for human use in advance of a public health emergency, but there is no veterinary vaccine. This paper describes the risks and potential consequences of the introduction of JEV into the US, the need to integrate planning for such an event in public health policy, and the requirement for additional countermeasures, including antiviral drugs and an improved single dose vaccine that elicits durable immunity in both humans and livestock. Full article

Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) is a subset of nature-based solutions (NbSs) that are implemented worldwide. However, the WSUD guidelines in some local contexts, such as Southeast Asia, remain unclear both for ecological and cultural reasons. This study aims to gather collaborations between researchers, designers, and laypeople in WSUD, which have the potential to be implemented to address water quality issues. The study consisted of three stages: site selection, a design workshop, and public interviews. Utilizing geo-design principles and geographical data, the potential pilot site was identified: a vacant space next to the Tha Phae Gate Plaza. A two-day workshop with landscape design experts yielded six conceptual designs, focusing on diverse themes such as water treatment, plant-based solutions, educational opportunities, and cultural enrichment. Public interviews provided insights into the community’s perspectives on stormwater management, desired amenities, environmental considerations, and governance concerns. The results highlighted a collective interest in using NbSs for stormwater treatment and enhancing the area’s recreational and educational potential. This study offers a comprehensive approach to addressing water quality issues in urban settings while considering local cultural, recreational, and environmental needs. Full article

Climate change enhances pluvial flood risk in many cities all over the world, especially in densely populated urban areas with high impervious surfaces that need to adapt to heavy precipitation. For this purpose, multifunctional stormwater infrastructures such as water plazas appear promising as there is a high competition for open space in most urban areas. Yet, to date only very few water plazas have been realized with at least one implementation hampered by a lack of public acceptance. In this study, semi-structured interviews are used to investigate how plans to build a water plaza in the city of Cologne are perceived by local residents. Factors crucial to public acceptance are identified. Experience with flooding, knowledge of the planned construction and awareness of benefits turned out to be important for acceptance, whereas social and personal norms were less relevant. The identified factors led to finding recommendations to promote public acceptance of innovative climate adaptation measures like water plazas. Full article

In natural spaces, people experience traditional environmental Qi (TEQ), which supports healthy environmental energy flow, and helps them gain an overall improved Qi experience from practicing Qigong. However, what kind of urban green spaces support Qigong? This study provides an analysis that measures TEQ, Qi experience, flow experience, restorative experience, and preference when practicing Qigong in different urban green spaces. A total of 654 valid data points were collected. The results indicate that subjects practicing “breathing” among trees, meadows, and waterscapes perceived higher TEQ, Qi experience, flow experience, and restorative experience, and preferred it to the environment of plazas. In addition, practicing Qigong in environments featuring biophilic elements, such as plants (meadows and trees), elicits flow experience and Qi experience in the built environment. Water, an important biophilic element, also produces better TEQ and restorative experiences, and is preferred by human beings. These results make a connection between Qigong, experiences, and biophilic urban green spaces, and offer suggestions for users to gain health benefits while exercising in urban areas. Full article

Evidence shows that neighborhood parks provide opportunities for urban residents to participate in physical activity, but little is known about the space–behavior relationship of physical settings. This study explored the patterns of use in neighborhood parks, and focused particularly on visitors’ levels of activity supported by the specific landscape features and attributes. Behavior mapping data, including the users’ characteristics, their behaviors and activity levels, and the landscape characteristics, were obtained in three neighborhood parks of Shanghai, China. A total of 6126 park users were documented during the observations, and most of them were involved in sedentary activity. This study found that different environmental settings such as water, plaza, lawn, and architecture supported different types and levels of activity. Although more men than women visited the neighborhood parks, women were more active than men in park-based physical activity. In this Chinese sample, the findings demonstrate behavior mapping is a promising tool to measure park-based physical activity. As this study associated the levels of use with the landscape features, the results are expected to be useful in design practice for promoting regular physical activity. Full article

Preventive conservation requires monitoring and control of the parameters involved in the deterioration process, mainly temperature and relative humidity. It is important to characterise an archaeological site prior to carrying out comparative studies in the future for preventive conservation, either by regular studies to verify whether the conditions are constant, or occasional ones when the boundary conditions are altered. There are numerous covered archaeological sites, but few preventive conservation works that give special attention to the type of cover installed. In particular, there is no background of microclimatic studies in sites that are in the ground and, as in the Plaza de l’Almoina (Valencia, Spain), are buried and partially covered by a transparent roof. A large effect of the transparent cover was found by the sensors located below this area, with substantial increases in temperature and a decrease in the relative humidity during the day. Surrounding zones also have values above the recommended temperature values. On the other hand, the influence of a buried water drainage line near the site is notable, causing an increase in relative humidity levels in the surrounding areas. Multivariate statistical analyses enabled us to characterise the microclimate of the archaeological site, allowing future testing to determine whether the conservation conditions have been altered. Full article