Search Results (47)

This paper examines two large urban projects within a defined theoretical and methodological framework. Firstly, we analyse how the city administration in Belgrade, in post-socialist Serbia, managed the initial steps of the transformation of a part of the old town into the new large-scale development, the Belgrade Waterfront (BW), on the right bank of the Sava River. The contested outcome of the land transformation process contributes to a recognition of the unethical decision-making and performance of the responsible city authorities. Secondly, the postwar planning and construction of New Belgrade, in particular its Central Zone, is critically examined from the aspect of radical urban landscape transformation and its impact on society. Through a critical examination of the spatial development of the socialist period, we aim to identify emancipatory architectural and urban practises that could be an alternative to contemporary spatial production and that might provide a notion of key strategies for (re)establishing corresponding forms of socio-spatial justice. The two aforementioned research subjects are examined using different research questions, methodological tools, and different theoretical frameworks, which overlap, merge, and combine in the part of the study where the obtained results are discussed. Full article

Green spaces in waterfront residential blocks, where the water landscape and green space intersect, have a special carbon sequestration effect due to the distinct ecological interaction between water bodies and green spaces. Studying the carbon sequestration efficiency of green space patterns is crucial for enhancing urban ecological quality. Herein, 100 residential blocks adjacent to water bodies in Shanghai were selected as case areas, and green space pattern classification, random forest algorithm and spatial configuration quantitative analysis were used to analyse the impact of spatial morphology factors, surrounding building environment and water–green coupling environment on the CS efficiency of the green space in residential blocks. The results showed that the importance of the green space morphology index influencing CS is significantly greater than that of the building environment index. Among the indices, the fraction vegetation coverage, coverage ratio of evergreen broadleaved trees and canopy coverage of the green space have a more significant effect. Moreover, the different types and compositions of tree species in residential green spaces have different impacts on CS. Residential blocks with higher levels of water surface ratio (Wr) have a slightly higher CS of the internal green space. In residential blocks 500 m from water bodies, Wr has a significant impact on the CS capacity of the green space. The blocks with an external greenway pattern and external greenway–green grid pattern provide an advantageous environment for CS. This study provides a reasonable basis for the development of riverfront green spaces to increase carbon sequestrations. Full article

Close contact with nature helps moderate public emotions and enhance happiness. As an important space for the public to connect with nature, the urban park waterfront environment plays a significant role. Studying the characteristics of landscape elements contributes to the optimization of the urban park natural environment. In this study, the waterfront spaces of 23 urban parks in Shenyang were selected in order to categorize urban park waterfront spaces from the perspective of landscape elements and to explore the relationship between the characteristics of landscape elements in different types of waterfront spaces and public visual satisfaction. Using qualitative analysis, typical spatial types were identified based on differences in landscape elements. Content analysis was used to extract and quantify the characteristics of landscape elements for various waterfront spaces. Through orthogonal experimental design, virtual scenarios were created to evaluate public satisfaction. Methods such as the least significant difference multiple comparison analysis (LSD) were applied to explore the effects of landscape element characteristics on satisfaction in different types and differences within groups. Among the four types of waterfront spaces identified in the experiment, the landscape elements that influenced spatial satisfaction were primarily concentrated in plant characteristics and pavement characteristics. In different types of spaces, the impact of landscape element factors at different levels varied. The study introduced virtual experiments to analyze the characteristics of landscape elements in waterfront spaces, which provided a new method for the satisfaction research of waterfront spaces. The results are a valuable guidance for the scientific classification of urban park waterfront spaces. A new perspective for enhancing the urban park waterfront landscape was supplied. Full article

Waterfronts are some of the most well known public spaces that can catalyse urban changes, yet their benefits have not been systematically explored. This study investigates the potential benefits of waterfront regeneration for the subsequent development of the wider surrounding areas and whether these benefits encompass a broader range of influences. Taking an extensive linear catalyst, the Huangpu River waterfronts in Shanghai, as an example, the catalytic effect of each waterfront section was investigated, visualised, compared and discussed within and across different sections and catalytic influential aspects. A multi-method approach driven by multi-sourced big data was used in this study, and the analysis was carried out at two scales: the waterfront area (the catalyst area) and its surroundings of influence (the areas affected by the catalyst area). The research findings suggest that the landscape catalytic effect is more pronounced in the catalyst area itself than in the surrounding areas affected by the catalyst area. Such effects also vary across waterfront sections, and the western bank of the Huangpu River was more obviously influenced than the eastern bank. The possible reasons for these differences may be related to the area’s original function, development limitations and available resources. This study also provides evidence indicating that the relationship between the catalyst and the spatial, social and economic aspects of changes it induces is one of ongoing and mutually supportive interaction. The outcomes of this study include a framework composed of 14 indicators that can disclose the depth and progress of a catalytic effect facilitated by the landscape, as well as implications for the decision-making process in the urban regeneration agenda that centres around waterfronts. Full article

With the rapid development of technological progress and smart city construction, the concept of sustainable cities is gradually being integrated into all aspects of urban construction. In this context, the public’s demand for high-quality and rich leisure experiences is increasing, and the design, management, and service standards of urban parks are also being upgraded. As an innovative product of the integration of ecological civilisation and information technology, smart interactive parks have become an important direction for promoting sustainable urban development, especially in the landscape design of waterside parks, which show unique significance. This study explores the application of the smart interactive concept in the landscape design of waterside parks from the perspective of sustainable cities, aiming to construct a set of evaluation frameworks to assess its effectiveness and value in urban development. Through in-depth analyses of the smart interaction concept and its application in landscape design, this study combines environmental psychology, landscape ecology, and GIS technology to propose innovative goals, strategies, and design methods for waterside smart interactive landscapes that can support the ecological and social needs of sustainable cities. Domestic and international case studies show that the successful application of smart interactive technologies in waterside parks not only improves environmental quality but also promotes economic development by enhancing the attractiveness of the parks, providing multiple values for sustainable cities. In the empirical research section, this paper takes Haeundae Waterside Park in South Korea as the object of investigation and constructs a design framework based on project selection and indicator quantification to further validate the effectiveness of the practical application of the smart interactive concept in waterside park landscape design. Based on the findings, this paper proposes a series of policy recommendations to promote the construction of smart interactive parks and sustainable urban development. These recommendations not only provide theoretical support for the future development of Haeundae Waterside Park but also provide a reference for the design and planning of public spaces in other cities around the world. By promoting the integration of smart interactive concepts with ecological sustainability, this study provides an innovative reference path for urban planners, landscape architects. and environmentalists to help realise the goal of a sustainable city with coordinated ecological, social, and economic development. Full article

This document explores a circular approach to the redevelopment of the city–port system of Reggio Calabria, an area characterized by complex challenges involving economic, social, and environmental needs. By developing a multidimensional decision-making process, three development scenarios were identified to support a sustainable transition. The methodology integrates both quantitative and qualitative assessments, actively involving the local community and stakeholders. The proposed methodology operationalizes the principles of the circular economy by aligning sustainable regeneration scenarios with local needs and environmental constraints. The integrated assessment ensures the applicability of circular models for the resilient redevelopment of the waterfront. The results demonstrate how this model can be applied to other Mediterranean port cities to promote sustainable and resilient regeneration. Full article

Against the backdrop of accelerated globalization and urbanization, traditional settlements in the Jiangnan waterside areas of China face challenges such as morphological distortion and a simplified spatial structure. The ecological adaptability and cultural value of settlements urgently need scientific protection. There has not been enough research on how to better classify settlements, how to conduct systematic morphological analysis, or how to use dynamic protection methods. This makes it hard to fully show the variety of settlement types and how they differ in different areas. To this end, this study uses a combination of GIS spatial analysis, type classification, and case study methods to classify and morphologically analyze 159 traditional settlement patches in the Nanxi River Basin. We construct a settlement type map from quantitative research on topographical, water system, and spatial morphological characteristics, and extract a spatial organization model of mountains and water. The results show the following: (1) The main morphological types, such as the plain–waterfront–strip-shaped and cluster-shaped/finger-shaped types, are typical patterns of traditional settlements in the basin. This indicates how well settlements can adapt to their natural surroundings. (2) This study summarizes six typical settlement sample spaces. (3) The settlement digital protection strategy suggested in this paper uses GIS and 3D modeling technology to make it easier to record, show, and manage information about settlement spaces. This offers a new way to protect traditional settlements scientifically. The study not only enriches the theoretical understanding of the settlement morphology of Jiangnan landscape pastoral areas but also provides an important reference for the protection and sustainable development of settlements in similar basins around the world. Full article

As an important type of linear cultural heritage and a waterfront landscape that integrates both artificial and natural elements, heritage canals provide the public with a multidimensional perceptual experience encompassing aesthetics, culture, and nature. There remains a lack of refined, micro-level studies on heritage canal landscapes from a multidimensional perspective of visual preference. This study focuses on a typical segment of the Grand Canal in China, specifically the ancient canal section in Yangzhou. We employed SegFormer image semantic segmentation techniques to interpret features from 150 panoramic images, quantitatively identifying the waterfront environmental characteristics of the heritage canal. Four perceptual dimensions were constructed: aesthetic preference, cultural preference, natural preference, and hydrophilic preference. Through a questionnaire survey and various statistical analyses, we revealed the relationships between visual preferences for the waterfront landscape of heritage canals and environmental characteristics. The main findings of the study include the following: (1) Aesthetic preference is positively correlated with cultural, natural, and hydrophilic preferences, while natural preference shows a negative correlation with cultural and hydrophilic preferences. (2) Aesthetic preference is influenced by a combination of blue-green natural elements and artificial factors. Natural preference is primarily affected by increased vegetation visibility, cultural preference is associated with a higher proportion of cultural facilities and high-quality pavements, and hydrophilic preference is linked to larger water surface areas, fewer barriers, and better water quality. (3) There are spatial differences in canal waterfront landscape preferences across different urban areas, with the old city exhibiting higher aesthetic, cultural, and hydrophilic preferences than the new city and suburban areas. Finally, this study proposes strategies for optimising and enhancing the quality of waterfront landscapes of heritage canals, aiming to provide sustainable practical guidance for the future planning and management of these heritage sites. Full article

In the contemporary era, where digital audio-visual media continues to evolve, the media landscape is increasingly converging with the urban landscape. This trend has made the importance of urban waterfront areas in city landscapes more pronounced. The evaluation method for the skyline of architectural groups has evolved from a subjective approach to a quantitative one. In recent years, the box-counting dimension method based on fractal theory has been widely used for this evaluation. According to this theory, the higher the fractal dimension value, the “more complex” the skyline, and the greater people’s preference for it. However, this evaluation method has certain limitations. In particular, “suddenly rising” tall buildings can raise the local fractal dimension value, yet they may disrupt the rhythm of the skyline. This paper attempts to introduce the Least-squares method to mark the vertical and horizontal axis values of the skyline of architectural groups, fit curves based on these values, and then compare the fitted curves with the actual skyline. This approach aims to improve the evaluation of “suddenly rising” buildings. By doing so, it supplements and optimizes traditional quantitative analysis solely based on fractal theory. Furthermore, the method is validated through a case study of the Qingdao (Shandong Province, China) Fushan Bay waterfront architectural group. Through this method, it is possible to more objectively identify buildings that “suddenly rise” in the skyline, improve the evaluation of the skyline based solely on complexity, and further extend the curve-fitting results into an evaluation of rhythm. Through multi-dimensional evaluation, this approach can effectively guide urban development. Full article

The vitality of riverfront districts, as a crucial component of urban livability, is profoundly influenced by human visual perception of the surrounding environment. This study takes the Pearl River in Guangzhou as an example and explores the relationship between the visual perception of the urban riverfront core landscape area and the vitality of Riverfront Road. Employing subjective environment perception prediction methods and analyzing the riverfront landscape pictures captured by the research team, we quantified six essential perceptual dimensions. Furthermore, we evaluated the vitality of Riverfront Road through a four-step process: 1. measuring key visual indices of Riverfront Road, including the green view index (GVI), water view index (WVI), sky view index (SVI), and building view index (BVI); 2. evaluating the proximity of cultural landmarks to Riverfront Road; 3. calculating the convenience of driving, buses, and subways for Riverfront Road with the network analysis method; 4. deriving the vitality value of Riverfront Road through the combination of hotspot data from Baidu. With the application of random forest and result comparisons, we obtained a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between visual perception of the urban riverfront core landscape area and the vitality of Riverfront Road. The results reveal the significant correlation between these two factors and highlight that visual perception of the old city landscape area is superior to that of the new city, although the cultural landmarks and transportation convenience play essential roles in the improvement of vitality in Riverfront Road. It is evident that relying solely on visual design may fail to prominently boost vitality. Overall, spatial design should adopt a multidimensional approach, integrating various factors such as transportation convenience, social interaction venues, cultural activities, etc., to create a cohesive vitality network. Full article

Under the dynamics of urbanization and counterurbanization, rural areas in China face both challenges and opportunities with the government’s new-town policy. A comprehensive analysis is essential for developing effective strategies. Characterized by traditional water settlements and high ecological sensitivity, Anxin County, which encompasses 50% of Baiyangdian Lake, was selected as a case study. Anxin County was incorporated into the National New Area in 2017, and it served as an experimental site for green ecological development. This study aims to provide insights into the sustainable spatial planning of Anxin County’s settlements by examining their long-term evolution and locational differences, modeling the driving mechanisms, and proposing differentiated spatial planning strategies based on predictive outcomes. Our research findings indicate the folllowing: (1) Anxin County’s settlements have expanded significantly in the past, with a notable surge between 1975 and 1996. Initially, semi-waterside settlements experienced the fastest growth before the 1970s, followed by land settlements. (2) Natural and socio-economic factors are modeled as independent variables to explain the evolution of settlement areas. The results indicate a decreasing impact of natural factors and an increasing influence of socio-economic factors over time. Furthermore, the evolution of settlements in water areas is relatively straightforward and random, whereas land settlements are influenced by a complex array of factors. (3) Utilizing the model to predict settlement growth, the study identifies settlements requiring relocation, and it proposes the most suitable relocation targets for them. A total of 23 villages, including Bei Tianzhuang and Cai Putai, are identified for relocation, while villages such as Ma Village, Bian Village, and Liu Lizhuang have strong capacities for accepting in-migrants. The study also offers recommendations for enhancing waterfront landscapes, flexible land use, road network systems, and internal construction. Full article

This investigation delves into the waterfront plant landscapes of traditional villages in Western Hunan, China, aiming to bolster sustainable ecological resource management, amplify ecological culture, and ameliorate environmental standards. Furthermore, it endeavors to furnish a theoretical scaffold for the meticulous construction and assessment of these landscapes. This study has illustrated the waterfront botanical landscapes of 32 traditional hamlets within the Xiangxi region, integrating prior research on the waterfront botanical regression model based on the Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) method. It established and investigated fifteen landscape factors pivotal to the aesthetic valorization of these village waterfronts. The study concocted a beauty quality evaluation model, unearthing a significant correlation (p < 0.01) across evaluations by students majoring in landscape architecture, expert landscape architects, and laypersons, thus underscoring a consensus in aesthetic judgments. A noteworthy correlation between the beauty value (Z-value) and the entropy weight value was elucidated through the equation EWM = −0.106 + 0.425ZSBE, showcasing the landscape quality’s variance among the studied villages. The formulated evaluation model accentuates the significance of seasonal variation, scale affinity, and a rich hierarchical structure. Full article

In recent years, awareness has grown of the vital importance of ecological systems, provoking increased research into how to improve their resilience. Here, one popular new technical/management solution is the creation of greenways along riversides. In practice, however, the practical outcomes of such greenways have sometimes been disappointing due to an excessive focus on technical solutions at the expense of a sufficient consideration of the social impact. This study intends to reflect on the problem by looking at the dynamics of land use for ecosystem functions at the macro scale as well as the relationship between the implementation of greenways and the local demand for diverse everyday activities, in particular, recreation opportunities, at the micro scale. Based on this, it aims to reveal practical solutions to bridge ecological usages and everyday needs that achieve better preservation and services of ecosystems. Taking the greenways along the Yongning River (YRG), which runs through the urban–rural areas and the urban–rural interface of Huangyan-Taizhou, as a case study, GIS analysis and anthropology approaches were applied. The results show that the YRG has systematically improved the riparian ecosystems by better connecting the eco-land use and preserving the waterfront. At the same time, its ability to fulfil the large potential for leisure and recreation services needs to improve. Residents living in different parts of the city had disparate requirements depending on their patterns of daily behaviour. We conclude that the successful implementation of greenways in cities should not only consider technological and nature-based solutions but also consider the socio-cultural background. The diversity of local needs regarding everyday activities and recreation will lead to an equivalent diversity in riparian landscape design. Full article

Improving street jogging environments can promote urban health and sustainability, especially within urban built-up areas. Public attention to the environment during jogging has not been sufficiently studied, and the recommended route data from the fitness app offers an opportunity for multiscale spatial exploration. Initially, by analyzing the recommendation reason text, the study identified 22 environmental factors and proposed the Environmental Factor Public Attention Intensity (EFPAI) for quantification, with subsequent comparisons to expert opinions. Further, by analyzing five types of data from the recommended routes, the relationships between EFPAI and jogging frequency, route shape, spatial distribution, and seasonal variations were uncovered. The study revealed: (1) discrepancies between expert opinions and public attention, with experts more likely to overlook factors such as slope, visual quality, width, and acoustic quality; (2) the public tends to notice factors like pedestrians, green spaces, waterfront spaces, landscapes, culture, sports facilities, and accessibility on routes with high jogging frequency; (3) EFPAI for traffic infrastructure, waterfront spaces, landscapes, residential areas, and campuses is associated with route shape; (4) EFPAI of certain environmental factors is influenced by urban geographical spatial factors, and substantial differences exist between different cities. Specific recommendations were provided from three different scales—site scale, street block scale, and urban scale—to guide the resolution of issues in planning and decision-making processes for urban renewal. Full article

Urban forests are increasingly recognized as vital components of urban ecosystems, offering a plethora of physiological and psychological benefits to residents. However, the existing research has often focused on single dimensions of either visual or auditory experiences, overlooking the combined impact of audio–visual environments on public health and well-being. This study addresses this gap by examining the effects of composite audio–visual settings within three distinct types of urban forests in Fuzhou, China: mountain, mountain–water, and waterfront forests. Through field surveys and quantitative analysis at 24 sample sites, we assessed visual landscape elements, soundscapes, physiological indicators (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance), and psychological responses (e.g., spiritual vitality, stress relief, emotional arousal, attention recovery) among 77 participants. Our findings reveal that different forest types exert varying influences on visitors’ physiology and psychology, with waterfront forests generally promoting relaxation and mountain–water forests inducing a higher degree of tension. Specific audio–visual elements, such as plant, water scenes, and natural sounds, positively affect psychological restoration, whereas urban noise is associated with increased physiological stress indicators. In conclusion, the integrated effects of audio–visual landscapes significantly shape the multisensory experiences of the public in urban forests, underscoring the importance of optimal design that incorporates natural elements to create restorative environments beneficial to the health and well-being of urban residents. These insights not only contribute to the scientific understanding of urban forest impact but also inform the design and management of urban green spaces for enhanced public health outcomes. Full article