Central Business District Research Articles

Improving exhaust emission evaluation: An integrated modelling approach for urban road networks in diverse operating environments

Motorized vehicle operation stands as a significant contributor to urban air pollution, necessitating immediate attention to prevent its adverse impacts on human mortality and morbidity. However, estimating traffic emissions at a local scale in developing countries is challenging due to heterogeneous traffic conditions. This study proposes an integrated modelling framework called VISSIM-MOVES Integration Model for Delhi City (VMIMD), designated to assess emissions from the congested road network in Delhi's central business district. In addition, the study revises the default emission inventory of the MOVES model by applying correction factors (CFs) developed during the study. These CFs are tailored to address heterogeneous traffic conditions typical of developing nations like India. The application of the CFs has significantly enhanced the overall efficiency of the model for Indian conditions. The study's findings indicate a significant correlation between the duration vehicles spend in different operating conditions (idle, cruise, and braking) and the emission generation. Notably, during heavy traffic hours, emission increases significantly as vehicles reduce their speed and require higher power to transition between different operating modes. The study also includes a comparison between the emissions estimated by VMIMD and emission standards. The results indicate significant differences in emissions, especially during peak traffic hours.

An Agent-based Approach to Study Spatial Structure Effects on Estimated Distance Deterrence in Commuting

We provide an experimental design to study how estimates of the distance deterrence parameter in a standard doubly-constrained gravity model respond to different patterns of spatial structure. The design is defined as an agent-based simulation framework that simultaneously considers the response of commuting and migration to changes in the spatial structure, accounting for labor and housing market issues. The agents are equipped with a utility function and are expected to maximize their utilities corresponding to their disposable income net of commuting costs and house value. We study how the estimates of the distance deterrence parameter respond to where the central business district is located, to the clustering of local and basic sector jobs, to changes in the road transportation network, and to the compactness in the system of towns in the geography.

Non-linear impact of the built environment on metro commuter flows before and after the COVID-19 outbreak: A case study in Guangzhou

The built environment is a crucial factor influencing subway commuting. However, the extent to which the built environment affects metro travel during the COVID-19 pandemic remains under explored. In particular, people's travel patterns and destinations might have changed during the pandemic, influenced by the built environment. The degree to which these influences differ from those in normal circumstances has scarcely been studied. This study investigates the non-linear effects of the built environment on metro commuters within an 800-m radius of subway stations. Analysis of mobile signal data from Guangzhou Metro Line 1 showed that the importance of the built environment was 81.69% and 70.06% before and after the outbreak, respectively. Based on the threshold effects of the built environment on subway passenger flows before and after the pandemic, this study determined the immediate needs of commuters for the built environment after the outbreak. This information can guide planning strategies around subway stations facing public health emergencies. This study highlights the non-linear impact of the built environment on subway passenger flows after an outbreak. Thus, the number of parking lots, the proportion of medical facilities and the distance to the central business district are urgent demands for subway passengers after the outbreak.

The Synergistic Structure and Potential Development for Sustainable Ecosystem Services in Urban Areas along the Grand Canal: A Case Study of the Wuxi Segment

The Grand Canal possesses a unique ecosystem as one of the world cultural heritage sites. However, its ecological roles and services have been underemphasized in heritage conservation efforts, leading to environmental pollution and the degradation of its heritage value, especially in the highly urbanized southern Jiangsu section downstream. This study examines the synergy between regulating ecosystem services (RESs) and cultural ecosystem services (CESs) along the highly urbanized Wuxi section of the Grand Canal, as well as the environmental drivers influencing this relationship. The findings reveal that the synergy between CESs and RESs does not occur at the urban–rural interface but rather in areas 4-6 km away from the Central Business District (CBD). Certain drivers, such as floor area ratio (FAR) and plot ratio (PR), enhance both RES and CES within specific sections. Beyond riparian green belts, various low-density, dispersed, and well-vegetated lands could serve as significant contributors to future ecosystem service (ES) synergy. These conclusions further elucidate the spatial distribution of the heritage cultural services and other ES synergy along the Grand Canal, providing scientific support for broader improvements guiding the sustainable co-development in similar urbanized areas.

Towards Sustainable Urban Mobility: Voronoi-Based Spatial Analysis of EV Charging Stations in Bangkok

This study leverages the efficacy of Voronoi diagram theory within a mixed-methods approach to thoroughly examine the spatial distribution, service coverage, and optimal locations for expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Bangkok. Drawing on data from field surveys and public data providers, our analysis unfolds in four key stages. Firstly, we delve into the spatial distribution of charging stations, scrutinizing density, proximity to various road types, and land use through the lens of Voronoi diagrams. Secondly, the application of Voronoi diagrams informs the evaluation of service boundaries. Thirdly, utilizing this effective tool, we assess population density per parking slot or charging head to anticipate future EV adoption. Finally, the study introduces an approach to identify suitable locations for new charging stations through the application of overlapping Voronoi circles. Findings reveal a clustered distribution of charging stations along roads, particularly in the central business district, showcasing the efficiency of Voronoi diagrams in spatial analysis. Residential areas and urban commercial zones also host significant charging station concentrations. Notably, service coverage in inner Bangkok surpasses that of middle and outer areas, highlighting underserved regions. Prospective areas for new charging stations, identified through Voronoi analysis, include Bang Khae, Phra Khanong, Min Buri, and Huai Khwang. This research, rooted in the application of Voronoi diagram theory, offers vital insights for various stakeholders involved in urban infrastructure planning. By employing Voronoi diagrams within Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study contributes to strategically placing charging stations, optimizing spatial understanding, and enhancing resource allocation. This GIS-based approach not only supports the rise of electric vehicles but also promotes sustainable urban development practices through the efficient utilization of spatial data and analysis techniques.

Knowledge, Attitude and Usage of Female Oral Contraceptive Pills among Female Hawkers in the Central Business District, Kumasi, Ghana

Knowledge, Attitude and Usage of Female Oral Contraceptive Pills among Female Hawkers in the Central Business District, Kumasi, Ghana

A ministry to at-risk homeless street youths in the central region of Lusaka, Zambia

The study examined the plight of homeless at-risk street youth who patronize the Lusaka Central Business District. Through observation and interaction, it was revealed that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is not providing an adequate and holistic ministry to the street youth people group. The purpose of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a viable intervention and ministry model that seeks to account for both the physical and spiritual needs of street youth. This model is here dubbed the PSR2D model consisting of meeting physical needs, equipping with skills, reform and rehabilitation, and most importantly, discipleship as a way of reaching the street youth. To adequately and meaningfully minister to at-risk street youths, the researcher used the qualitative method to approach the research process. After examining the problem through data derived from focus groups and observations, the researcher designed and implemented a multi-faceted ministry to reach at-risk street youth and thereby create an entering wedge for discipleship. The program started in December 2023 and was completed in March 2024.

An Assessment of Landscape Perception Using a Normalised Naturalness Index in the Greater Seoul Area

This study analysed the greater Seoul area (GSA) in terms of naturalness, a representative indicator of natural scenic beauty, and created an assessment map, shifting from a traditional urban development perspective to a landscape perspective. It also developed a “normalised naturalness index” by combining the results of the expert metric score with the Hemeroby index, which was used as a naturalness assessment representative item. Then, it interpreted the naturalness status of the GSA landscape characteristics. As a result, the landscape of the GSA demonstrates the following five characteristics: First, the central business districts in the capital city of Seoul are densely developed areas with a very high degree of human intervention. Second, the satellite cities built to solve Seoul’s housing and logistics problems are rated as “a little less, but still heavily humanised” as a landscape characteristic. These areas are becoming increasingly humanised. Also, it is worth noting that the third characteristic, regarding moderate landscape areas, has a distinctly different meaning for areas outside of the city boundary, as well as those within the city boundary. Although these areas are in the same statistical category, they have two different meanings: one is the area where the average values converged on “moderate” by virtue of urban forests near the city centre, and the other is the area outside of Seoul that has a Hemeroby value of 0.5–0.6, which refers to open spaces such as agricultural lands, wetlands, or coastal areas. Fourth, suburban forests are reserved with legal restrictions to curb excessive urban sprawl, as well as parts of the demilitarised zone along the border areas of North and South Koreas. The last landscape characteristic is illustrated in the scenic area of the eastern woodlands. The normalised landscape naturalness index developed through this study provides an overall understanding of the environmental state of the GSA. Future research may build on the results of this study to refine methods for assessing public perceptions of naturalness.

DAMPAK RELOKASI PASAR RAKYAT SENTRAL BISNIS DISTRIK KABUPATEN PULAU MOROTAI

To determine the impact of market relocation on the income of Central Business District (CBD) People's Market traders, Morotai Island Regency 2. To determine the impact of market relocation on the business capital of Central Business District (CBD) People's Market traders, Morotai Island Regency Research Objectives 1. How The impact of market relocation on the income of Central Busness District (CBD) People's Market, Morotai Island Regency. 2. What is the impact of market relocation on business capital at the Central Busness District (CBD) People's Market, Morotai Island Regency? Data analysis in this research uses descriptive qualitative methods in analyzing the data where researchers go directly into the field to obtain data from the beginning to the end of the research. Then the data obtained through interviews with informants is described thoroughly. namely by describing the facts and circumstances that occur in the subject and research information to obtain conclusions. the impact of market relocation in the Central Busness District (CBD) People's Market, Morotai Island Regency, the impact on traders who experienced a decrease in income, the impact of the Central Busness District (CBD) People's Market relocation, resulting in traders experiencing problems in spending business capital. 1. After the market relocation at the Pasar Rakyat Central Busness District (CBD) Morotai Island Regency market, the impact on traders experienced a decrease in income, because the location used for relocation was less strategic, far from residential areas. 2. After the relocation at the Central People's Market market Busness District (CBD) Morotai Island Regency, the impact on traders who have business capital constraints is due to the fact that the number of traders' income has decreased more.

The distribution and abundance of woody invasive alien plants in small towns in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) are rapidly increasing around the world, mainly due to land transformation, climate change, and urbanisation. Whilst urban areas are highly susceptible to invasion by IAPs, crucial information on the distribution and abundance of woody invaders in small towns is limited. Here, we determined the distribution and abundance of woody IAPs across different suburbs and land use types in 12 small towns in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. We enumerated 38 427 individual woody IAPs, and their abundance and distribution varied across surveyed towns. Although species such as Melia azedarach, Pinus elliotti, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Ligustrum lucidum were the most distributed, species density varied across towns. More than half of the woody IAPs were identified in affluent (56%) suburbs compared to the townships (23%), Central business district (CBD) (16%), and low-income housing neighbourhoods (5%). There were significant differences in woody IAPs distribution across different land use types, with more than half (54%) found in the residential areas compared to road verges (32%) and public urban green spaces (14%). Some socio-economic and environmental predictors such as town population, mean temperature, unemployment rate, and Gross domestic product (GDP) showed significant and positive correlations with woody IAPs species richness and density. Our findings suggest an uneven spatial distribution and diversity of woody IAPs across the different small towns, suburbs, and land use types in the region. It is recommended that small towns in South Africa need financial and human resources support to effectively manage IAPs.

Identifying the Central Business Districts of global megacities using nighttime light remote sensing data

ABSTRACT The Central Business Districts (CBDs) are important hubs for urban economic activities. In the context of globalization, a unified CBD boundary would greatly facilitate the study of global CBD comparative analysis, urban socio-economic development, urban transport and commuting mode. However, previous studies have encountered challenges in developing a practical method for global CBD identification due to limitations in data sources and methodologies. In this study, we selected 32 global megacities as research objects and used the open-access Black Marble nighttime light (NTL) products to construct indicators with the intensity and angular effects of NTL. Clustering and decision tree were then employed to derive rules for CBD identification. Results show that combining Z-score indicators and the strategy of clustering 32 cities before decision tree classification could improve the accuracy of CBD identification, which achieved a producer accuracy of 85%. The 32 cities were clustered into three types, i.e. U.S.A.-like, the mixed type, and China-like. The rules for CBD identification became more complex in the above order, but the accuracy decreased in turn. This study provides a new CBD identification method for cities lacking reference data, allowing for the delineation of unified and comparable CBD boundaries on a large scale.

Promoting user well-being in central business district: the role of sustainable open spaces

Promoting user well-being in central business district: the role of sustainable open spaces

Climate risk assessment of buildings: An analysis of operating emissions of commercial offices in Australia

Building climate risk assessment involves benchmarking a building‘s energy use intensity against decarbonisation pathways to mitigate the impacts on climate change. Various climate risk assessment tools and frameworks are used for commercial buildings in different jurisdictions. This study reviewed 20 climate risk assessment tools based on their availability, application and underlying framework. Due to being the only available tool that sets global targets with local benchmarks in Australia to assess the risks associated with energy use in commercial offices, Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) was chosen. Using the CRREM tool, 431 commercial office buildings across Australia are benchmarked and the results were compared based on climate zones, jurisdictions, locations and sustainability ratings. Results revealed that 58.2% (n = 251) of buildings met the energy use targets. Most energy-efficient offices are found in the VIC state, within the Central Business District of Melbourne. Conversely, improvement is needed in Darwin, Northern Territory. The buildings at climate risk (41.8%, n = 180) need to reduce their on-site energy intensity by an aggregated net performance gap of 5484 kWh/m2/year in total. This significant shortfall highlights the critical imperative for all buildings to swiftly align with decarbonisation pathways, ensuring they meet 2050 climate change targets.

Greened shopping spaces and pedestrian shopping interactions: the case of Christchurch

Greened shopping spaces and pedestrian shopping interactions: the case of Christchurch

Vulnerability analysis of super high-rise building security system based on Bayesian network and digital twin technology

Recent years have seen the increasing need to prevent illegal intrusions in super high-rise buildings. To improve the security system of super high-rise buildings by adding dynamic vulnerability assessments for illegal intrusion risks and rectification plan optimization capabilities, while also to increase its visualization level, a method utilizing digital twin technology and integrating Bayesian networks is proposed. To validate this method, a case study within a prominent super high-rise building in the Central Business District (CBD) of Beijing is conducted, in which the vulnerability analysis results have shown that among all the tertiary parent nodes, the coverage extent of the video surveillance system most significantly influences the vulnerability. By using the comprehensive blind spot analysis function of the established digital twin platform, thoughtful additions and angle adjustments of surveillance cameras have successfully increased the score of the security level from 84 to 90. This has proved that the method proposed in this study can provide decision support for the vulnerability assessment and improvement for the security system of super high-rise buildings.

The Effects of Urban Heat Island in Phnom Penh: A Case Study of Khan Boeung Keng Kang and Khan Pou Senchey

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is one of the most rapidly urbanizing cities in the world, and this urbanization is driving an increase in the urban heat island (UHI) effect. The UHI effect is the experience of urban areas getting higher temperatures than rural areas due to the concentration of heat-absorbing materials such as concrete and asphalt. This study analyzed air temperature, wind speed and direction data from Phnom Penh in 2021 to investigate the UHI effect and its impact on human thermal discomfort. The study found that the UHI intensity is stronger in the central business district (CBD) of Khan Boeung Keng Kang than in the suburban district of Khan Pou Senchey. This is likely due to the higher built-up area and lower wind speed in Khan Boeung Keng Kang. The study also found that the UHI intensity is stronger during the dry season than during the wet season. This is likely due to the lower humidity during the dry season, which allows surfaces to absorb and retain more heat. The increased UHI intensity in Phnom Penh can create significant human thermal discomfort, especially during the daytime. This discomfort can lead to a variety of health problems, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The study concludes that it is important to take steps to mitigate the UHI effect in Phnom Penh and other rapidly urbanizing cities. This could include measures such as increasing green space, using lighter-colored building materials, and promoting sustainable transportation options. The results of this study can enhance more understanding of the UHI effects and have practical implications on the appropriate UHI-related mitigation and adaptation measures.

Urban traffic-parking system dynamics model with macroscopic properties: a comparative study between Shanghai and Zurich

Analyzing the dynamics of parking traffic can better represent the real dynamic states of road networks, thereby allowing for a deeper analysis of the parking system’s impact. This paper comparatively investigates the impact of parking policies on two traffic networks with different infrastructure, socio-economic, and policy characteristics. Parking space, average parking duration, and parking fee policies were analyzed as a function of cruising distances and cruising time with indirect effects on traffic emissions. Empirically, the system dynamics model application is tested and validated with the macroscopic data from two central business districts (CBDs) in Shanghai (Xujiahui area) and Zurich (Bahnhofstrasse area). Results showed Bahnhofstrasse CBD is more sensitive against the policy shifts with relatively higher elasticity and indicated greater responsiveness in aggregating traffic emissions when compared with Xujiahui CBD. The findings of this study may provide an overall framework to empirically assess the performance of different traffic conditions and strategies on urban parking systems.

Micromobility systems and disease transmission: a spatially explicit agent-based approach

We propose a novel micro-level and spatially explicit agent-based modeling framework dubbed TranEpiSim to model the spread of infectious diseases through micromobility systems and a baseline population in an urban area. A case study is conducted on the Chicago City public bikesharing system to demonstrate the ability of the model to isolate the role of transportation as a vector and assess the efficacy of the model. Results show that the emergence of viral disease through micromobility transportation is possible, but the overall impact of the system on the disease dynamics in a worst-case scenario, especially with the current size of the system, is rather small. The proposed model offers a comprehensive approach to estimate the impact of micromobility (and more generally, specific transportation modes) on disease spread by considering infections that occur both at destinations and in/on transportation vehicles and infrastructure. The spatial pattern for the risk of exposure shows a higher risk in the central business district and north of it, where most of the shared bike transportation occurs. Because of its intrinsic features, the proposed framework is uniquely placed to assess the efficacy of interventions and make trade-offs between competing scenarios when dealing with epidemics.

The Effect of Built Environment on Carbon Emission from Travel Behavior in the City center of Surabaya

Climate change is currently demanding attention due to global warming caused by increased Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from the land transportation sector. The built environment is one of the factors that can influence non-motorized travel and emissions production. The built environment is identified using the 3D component approach (Density, Diversity, Design). The City center of Surabaya area is one of the Central Business Districts (CBDs) that is not exempt from emission issues and has the potential to decrease emissions through environmental arrangement scenarios. This research investigates the correlation between the 3D components and carbon emission production using the method of correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. The analysis results show a significant correlation between carbon emission production and the travel behavior of the city center of the Surabaya area community. Travel behavior variables influencing carbon emission production are household income, vehicles ownership, and travel distance. Furthermore, the study results indicate a significant relationship between travel behavior and the 3D components, as well as a significant association between the 3D components and carbon emission production. The 3D components that affect carbon emission production are population density, land use mix index, and pedestrian pathway density.

Challenges to energy retrofitting of existing office buildings in high-rise high-density cities: The case of Hong Kong

Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 has become a global goal, sparking concerns regarding energy consumption and carbon emissions in building operations. Office buildings in high-rise high-density cities serve as central business districts, contributing significantly to the city’s economic activity and consuming a lot of energy. The process of retrofitting existing office buildings for energy efficiency in high-rise high-density cities tends to be challenging. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the challenges involved in office buildings’ energy retrofitting, as they have not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to investigate the challenges to the existing office building energy retrofitting (EOBER) in high-rise high-density cities with real cases in Hong Kong. Initially, a systematic literature review was undertaken to identify 49 potential EOBER challenges and categorized into seven groups: technical, financial, institutional, social, environmental, regulatory, and other categories. Afterward, 23 EOBER challenges were identified through 24 semi-structured interviews with 36 real office building energy retrofitting cases in Hong Kong. Moreover, these challenges were quantified by the Z-numbers-based Delphi survey and analysis. Results show that regulatory challenges are the primary challenges, followed by financial challenges. The lack of government incentives, policies, legislation and regulations significantly hinders practitioners’ ability to engage in energy retrofitting initiatives. The long payback period of building energy retrofitting poses a critical financial concern for practitioners embracing such initiatives. In the end, this research proposed integrated strategies to tackle these challenges and increase building energy efficiency, including launching financial and regulatory incentives, shortening the interval for mandatory energy audits, disseminating knowledge, and diversifying finance channels of building energy retrofitting. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge by employing systems thinking to identify and evaluate EOBER challenges in high-rise high-density cities through empirical methodologies. Moreover, this study provides valuable references for practitioners in navigating these challenges and minimizing risks associated with the retrofitting process.