Ideas for Future Cities: Intelligent, Low-Carbon and Healthy

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the development of science and technology in this century has not broken through the glass ceiling, urban development and construction relying on traditional disciplines such as architecture, civil and environmental engineering have also entered a low-speed stage. The question of where modern cities will go in the foreseeable future is worth considering. We believe that future cities will become an intelligent and low-carbon world dedicated to human health. Future cities will be fundamentally redesigned to meet the needs of sustainable development. To reduce carbon emissions, intelligent automated equipment will become the mainstream. To eliminate resource shortages and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, future cities will be dedicated to the development of renewable energy. Therefore, future cities will also become more liveable, which is beneficial to human health. Also, public interaction spaces, green parks, and social spaces will be redesigned to better meet the needs of healthy cities. The future cities will increasingly rely on virtual reality technologies to enhance the efficiency of urban management.

The purpose of this topic is to display innovative ideas for future cities. Furthermore, these ideas are supported by multiple disciplines. We sincerely invite scholars from various fields to present creative and cutting-edge ideas and techniques for the development of future cities. The topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Future city
• Intelligent construction
• Low carbon
• Healthy
• Sustainability
• Land use
• Green materials
• 3D printing
• Renewable energies
• Urban renewal

Dr. Shan Gao
Prof. Dr. Changyong Liu
Dr. Shasha Xu
Dr. Changying Xiang
Dr. Lulu Chen
Dr. Ran Feng
Dr. Yao Ding
Topic Editors

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.3	2011	18.4 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Buildings buildings	3.1	3.4	2011	15.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Land land	3.2	4.9	2012	16.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Materials materials	3.1	5.8	2008	13.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Water water	3.0	5.8	2009	17.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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25 pages, 3016 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Low-Carbon City Policies and Employment in China: Impact Effects and Spatial Spillovers

by Lifei Ru and Yongling Yao

Land 2025, 14(3), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030656 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 302

Abstract

This study examines the impact of low-carbon city policies on urban employment using panel data from 2006 to 2021. The findings reveal that these policies significantly enhance urban employment by promoting green technological innovation, which drives economic growth and creates new job opportunities. [...] Read more.

This study examines the impact of low-carbon city policies on urban employment using panel data from 2006 to 2021. The findings reveal that these policies significantly enhance urban employment by promoting green technological innovation, which drives economic growth and creates new job opportunities. Low-carbon policies also exhibit spatial spillover effects, benefiting neighboring cities within a 200 km radius. However, these effects vary non-linearly with distance. The key mechanisms include green technology adoption, industrial structure optimization, and the promotion of green consumption habits. These mechanisms accelerate industrial upgrading, foster the growth of tertiary and green industries, and expand job opportunities in emerging markets. Heterogeneity analysis shows more substantial employment effects in non-resource-based cities, provincial capitals, cities with high government innovation preferences, tertiary sector dominance, and higher urbanization rates. This highlights the need for policies tailored to specific urban characteristics. In conclusion, low-carbon policies integrate climate action with employment growth. Policymakers should invest in green technologies, support industrial transformation, and enhance public environmental awareness to maximize employment benefits, fostering sustainable urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ideas for Future Cities: Intelligent, Low-Carbon and Healthy)

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19 pages, 3844 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Sustainable Development Pathway of Urban–Rural Integration from the Perspective of Spatial Planning: A Case Study of the Urban–Rural Fringe of Beijing

by Anni Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051857 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 645

Abstract

This study employs various comprehensive research methods to thoroughly analyze the relationship between urban–rural integration and sustainable development, proposing corresponding optimization pathways. First, a literature review method systematically examines existing theories on urban–rural integration and sustainable development. Then, it identifies the main problems [...] Read more.

This study employs various comprehensive research methods to thoroughly analyze the relationship between urban–rural integration and sustainable development, proposing corresponding optimization pathways. First, a literature review method systematically examines existing theories on urban–rural integration and sustainable development. Then, it identifies the main problems and challenges in the current process of urban–rural integration, thereby laying a theoretical foundation for the study. Second, a case study approach is adopted, selecting Caoqiao Village in Fengtai District, Zhenggezhuang Village in Changping District, and Xihoujie Village in Majuqiao Town, Tongzhou District of Beijing, as typical cases. These cases are analyzed in depth to explore their implementation outcomes and validate the practical results of different development pathways. Subsequently, based on specific data from Beijing’s urban–rural fringe, this study utilizes data analysis methods to conduct an in-depth examination of land use changes, ecological environment status, and influencing factors, with a focus on analyzing relevant data from 2009 to 2023. This analysis reveals the dynamic relationship between urban–rural integration and sustainable development. Regression analysis is adopted to quantify the effect of urban–rural integration on sustainable development, thus exploring the correlation between urban–rural integration, spatial planning, economic development, financial development, and sustainable development. Finally, targeted management recommendations and policy optimization plans are proposed based on the principles of ecological protection red lines and urban development boundaries. The results indicate a significant positive correlation between urban–rural integration and sustainable development levels, with a regression coefficient of 0.48, demonstrating its role in promoting sustainable development. The levels of spatial planning and economic development also positively affect sustainable development, with coefficients of 0.32 and 0.27, respectively. Moreover, financial development and social investment levels show a certain positive relationship. It is noteworthy that although the correlation between foreign trade and sustainable development levels is the lowest, the interconnections between other variables further emphasize the key position of urban–rural integration in overall sustainable development. This study offers a theoretical basis and empirical support for spatial planning in the urban–rural fringe of Beijing, ecological environment protection, and scientific policy formulation, thus advancing sustainable urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ideas for Future Cities: Intelligent, Low-Carbon and Healthy)

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14 pages, 5752 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Workday and Non-Workday Carbon Emission Reduction Benefits of Bikeshare as a Feeder Mode of Metro Stations

by Hao Li, Zhaofei Wang and Qiuping Wang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5107; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125107 - 12 Jun 2024

Viewed by 955

Abstract

Bikeshare, as a convenient transport mode, can address the first- and last-mile travel needs of metro trips while generating many environmental benefits, such as reducing the use of environmentally unfriendly transport modes and lowering the carbon emissions of the urban transportation system. This [...] Read more.

Bikeshare, as a convenient transport mode, can address the first- and last-mile travel needs of metro trips while generating many environmental benefits, such as reducing the use of environmentally unfriendly transport modes and lowering the carbon emissions of the urban transportation system. This paper takes bikeshare as a feeder mode of metro stations (BS-FMMS) as the research object and compares the spatial and temporal differences in the carbon emission reduction benefits of BS-FMMS on workdays and non-workdays by using the framework of BS-FMMS carbon reduction benefit analysis and the methods of time-series analysis, spatial aggregation analysis, and box plot analysis. The results show that the carbon emission reduction benefit of bikeshare has obvious morning and evening peaks on workdays, while it tends to be stable without obvious peaks during the day on non-workdays. From the perspective of spatial distribution, the carbon emission reduction benefits of BS-FMMS are more significant in the metro station areas in the south of Baoan district, the west of Nanshan district, the central of Longhua district, and the south of Futian district in Shenzhen city, and the metro stations where the carbon emission reduction benefits of the non-workday are greater than those of the workday are mainly concentrated in Nanshan district, Futian district, and Luohu district. There is a significant positive correlation between BS-FMMS ridership and carbon emission reduction. These findings can provide clear policy implications for the decarbonization development of urban transportation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ideas for Future Cities: Intelligent, Low-Carbon and Healthy)

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18 pages, 6983 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Data Drive—Charging Behavior of Electric Vehicle Users with Variable Roles

by Weihua Wu, Jieyun Wei, Eun-Young Nam, Yifan Zhang and Dongphil Chun

Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4842; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114842 - 6 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1536

Abstract

The global proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought forth new challenges in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This paper utilizes operational data from the 5G real-time system of EV and traffic platforms (5gRTS-ET) in China, encompassing 12,597,109 cases and 32,259 EVs. By [...] Read more.

The global proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought forth new challenges in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This paper utilizes operational data from the 5G real-time system of EV and traffic platforms (5gRTS-ET) in China, encompassing 12,597,109 cases and 32,259 EVs. By employing frequency density analysis, a dynamic charging behavior model is devised to address the limitations of static models in accommodating the diverse roles of EV users. Analysis reveals distinct charging behavior preferences among three urban EV operation modes, paving the way for an adaptive model for integrating charging points into networked operations on the platform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ideas for Future Cities: Intelligent, Low-Carbon and Healthy)

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20 pages, 4859 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Axial Compressive Behaviours of Coal Gangue Concrete-Filled Circular Steel Tubular Stub Columns after Chloride Salt Corrosion

by Tong Zhang, Hongshan Wang, Xuanhe Zheng and Shan Gao

Materials 2024, 17(11), 2782; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112782 - 6 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1083

Abstract

The axial compressive behaviours of coal gangue concrete-filled steel tube (GCFST) columns after chloride salt corrosion were investigated numerically. Numerical modelling was conducted through the static analysis method by finite element (FE) analysis. The failure mechanism, residual strength, and axial load–displacement curves were [...] Read more.

The axial compressive behaviours of coal gangue concrete-filled steel tube (GCFST) columns after chloride salt corrosion were investigated numerically. Numerical modelling was conducted through the static analysis method by finite element (FE) analysis. The failure mechanism, residual strength, and axial load–displacement curves were validated against tests of the coal gangue aggregate concrete-filled steel tube (GCFST) columns at room and natural aggregate concrete-filled steel tube (NCFST) columns after salt corrosion circumstance. According to the analysis on the stress distribution of the steel tube, the stress value of the steel tube decreased as the corrosion rate increased at the same characteristic point. A parametric analysis was carried out to determine the effect of crucial variation on residual strength. It indicated that material strength, the steel ratio, and the corrosion rate made a profound impact on the residual strength from the FE. The residual strength of the columns exposed to chloride salt was in negative correlation with the corrosion rate. The impact on the residual strength of the column was little, obvious by the replacement rate of the coal gangue. A simplified design formula for predicting the ultimate strength of GCFST columns after chloride salt corrosion exposure was proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ideas for Future Cities: Intelligent, Low-Carbon and Healthy)

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29 pages, 23241 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Urban Waterfront Regeneration on Ecological and Historical Dimensions: Insight from a Unique Case in Beijing, China

by Lulu Chen, Hong Leng, Jian Dai, Yi Liu and Ziqing Yuan

Land 2024, 13(5), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050674 - 13 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2414

Abstract

To address current ecological issues and a lack of historical preservation in Beijing’s waterfront, it has become necessary to establish an urban design project that optimizes these aspects. This study focuses on “Beijing’s Waterfront Overall Urban Design,” a project that integrates government requirements [...] Read more.

To address current ecological issues and a lack of historical preservation in Beijing’s waterfront, it has become necessary to establish an urban design project that optimizes these aspects. This study focuses on “Beijing’s Waterfront Overall Urban Design,” a project that integrates government requirements with Beijing’s waterfront urban design characteristics and problems to establish an urban layer system from two dimensions: historical and ecological. It explores how the urban layer system can be applied to Beijing’s overall waterfront urban design, from investigation to evaluation, analysis, visualization, and strategy development. First, an urban layer system for Beijing’s waterfront was established from a historical perspective, based on urban setting and construction stages and space utilization, referring to the literature and field surveys. The evolution of urban layers of waterbodies, the water–city relationship, and water functions was systematically analyzed. Second, an urban layer system was established for the ecological dimension of Beijing’s waterfront based on a literature review, expert interviews, and analytic hierarchy process methods. It included four urban layers: waterbody, greening, shoreline, and ecological function. The quality of the ecological urban design of 54 waterfront reaches in Beijing was evaluated using questionnaires and field surveys. Third, a series of urban layer maps was generated using the mapping method. Finally, urban design strategies were developed based on the combined historical and ecological characteristics and problems of Beijing’s waterfront. The results of this study and the concept of an urban layer system for waterfront urban design can benefit waterfront urban design projects and future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ideas for Future Cities: Intelligent, Low-Carbon and Healthy)

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17 pages, 1561 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Impact Analysis of Regional Smart Development on the Risk of Poverty among the Elderly

by Chunyang Luo, Hongmei Li and Lisha Song

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 3094; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16073094 - 8 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1615

Abstract

As China continues to introduce policies to promote the construction of smart cities, the governance capacity and living environment of many pilot regions have moved towards smart development and sustainability. In order to reveal the impact of improving regional smart development on the [...] Read more.

As China continues to introduce policies to promote the construction of smart cities, the governance capacity and living environment of many pilot regions have moved towards smart development and sustainability. In order to reveal the impact of improving regional smart development on the lives of the elderly, we explored the relationship between regional smart development and the risk of poverty in old age. The results show that at present, the development of smart cities continues to grow; the majority of elderly respondents’ poverty risk is general; the development of smart cities at the regional level is effective in reducing the poverty risk of the elderly in the region, with the degree of impact varying by region; and the impact of smart development at the regional level on the risk of poverty in old age varies with different levels of social support. Based on this, suggestions are made to vigorously develop the regional economy, improve the social security mechanism for the elderly, and accelerate the digitalization and humanization of infrastructure so as to better meet the needs of China’s elderly population in the context of high-quality smart development in the region and achieve sustainable development goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ideas for Future Cities: Intelligent, Low-Carbon and Healthy)

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19 pages, 4503 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Design of Façade-Integrated Vertical Greenery to Mitigate the Impacts of Extreme Weather: A Case Study from Hong Kong

by Changying Xiang and Lulu Tao

Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112865 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1859

Abstract

Vertical greenery not only helps to cool the surfaces of buildings but, more importantly, it can also mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect. The growth of vertical greenery is highly dependent on ongoing maintenance, such as irrigation. Wind-driven rain serves as a natural [...] Read more.

Vertical greenery not only helps to cool the surfaces of buildings but, more importantly, it can also mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect. The growth of vertical greenery is highly dependent on ongoing maintenance, such as irrigation. Wind-driven rain serves as a natural source of irrigation for vertical greenery. Wind-driven rain simulation was conducted on a typical high-density and high-rise case in Hong Kong to first classify the wind-driven rain harvesting potential on the façade with very high, high, moderate, low, and very low levels. Then, Scenario 1 (very high potential), Scenario 2 (very high + high potential), and Scenario 3 (very high + high + moderate potential) regarding vertical greenery in locations with three levels of wind-driven rain harvesting potential were simulated in ENVI-met to assess its Urban Heat Island mitigation effect. The maximum temperature reduction on the street occurs between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., indicating the greatest mitigation of the Urban Heat Island effect. Scenario 1, Scenario 2, and Scenario 3 achieve a maximum temperature reduction of 0.76 °C, 0.88 °C, and 1.06 °C, respectively, during this time period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ideas for Future Cities: Intelligent, Low-Carbon and Healthy)

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13 pages, 1361 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Embodied Carbon in Australian Residential Houses: A Preliminary Study

by Chethana Illankoon, Sadith Chinthaka Vithanage and Nethmin Malshani Pilanawithana

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2559; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102559 - 10 Oct 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3197

Abstract

Embodied carbon is a buzzword in the construction industry. Australia is committed to achieving Net Zero 2050 targets, and minimizing embodied carbon (EC) is inevitable. Owing to the population growth, there will be a significant demand for residential construction. Therefore, the material consumption [...] Read more.

Embodied carbon is a buzzword in the construction industry. Australia is committed to achieving Net Zero 2050 targets, and minimizing embodied carbon (EC) is inevitable. Owing to the population growth, there will be a significant demand for residential construction. Therefore, the material consumption in residential construction should be evaluated and proper strategies should be in place to minimize EC. The aim of this research is to undertake a preliminary study of EC in the Australian residential sector, with an emphasis on new residential home construction. This research presents a preliminary study on EC in residential buildings in Australia. Three case study residential buildings were used in this study. All three case studies are single -story residential units, with a gross floor area between 200 and 240 m². One Click LCA software was used to calculate the EC. The EC of three case study residential homes is between 193 and 233 kgCO₂e/m². Based on the findings of this study, ‘other structures and materials’ contribute to a large amount of EC in residential construction. Concrete and aluminum are considered significant contributors to EC. Therefore, it is vital to either introduce low-EC material to replace aluminum windows or introduce various design options to minimize the use of aluminum in windows. There are various sustainable concretes available with low EC. It is essential to explore these low-EC concretes in residential homes as well. This research identifies the importance of adopting strategies to reduce the carbon impact from other sources, including concrete. It is also essential to consider the EC through transportation related to construction and promote locally sourced building materials in residential construction. Therefore, the results of this research indicate the necessity of reducing raw material consumption in Australian residential construction by implementing approaches such as a circular economy in order to circulate building materials throughout the construction supply chain and reduce raw material extraction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ideas for Future Cities: Intelligent, Low-Carbon and Healthy)

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