City Life Research Articles

Impact of park renovation on children’s quality of life in New York City

Abstract Background Despite increasing interest in the role of parks on children’s health, research on the impact of park interventions is limited. This study uses a quasi-experimental pre-post design with matched controls to evaluate the effects of park redesign and renovation on children’s quality of life (QoL) in underserved New York City (NYC) neighborhoods with predominantly Hispanic and Black populations. Methods Utilizing longitudinal data from the Physical Activity and Redesigned Community Spaces (PARCS) Study, we examined the parent-reported QoL of children aged 3-11 years living within a 0.3-mile radius of 13 renovated parks (N = 201) compared to 11 (N = 197) control parks before and after the park intervention. QoL was measured using the modified KINDL questionnaire, a health-related QoL scale that assessed children’s physical and emotional well-being, self-esteem, and well-being in home, peer, and school settings. A difference in difference (DID) linear mixed model was used to compare QoL between intervention and control groups. Results We found a significant improvement in the physical well-being subscale of KINDL in the intervention vs. control group (DID=6.35, 95% CI = 0.85-11.85, p = 0.024). The differential improvement was strongest among girls (DID=7.88, p = 0.023) and children with parents in the lowest socioeconomic background (education high school or less DID=8.38, p = 0.024; Not employed DID=7.53, p = 0.048; Single/Widowed/Divorced DID=8.67, p = 0.025). No significant differences were found in other subscales. Conclusions Our study indicated a beneficial impact of improving park quality on the physical well-being of children residing in underserved neighborhoods. These findings support investments in neighborhood parks to advance health equity.

Artificial sport surfaces and adverse effects for human health. A literature review

Abstract The management of the Post-Consumer Tyres (PCTs) is still a hot topic. In 2021, the 27 EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland, and the UK discarded 4,200 Ktons of PCTs. The main application of the rubber granules obtained from their recycling is represented by infill material in synthetic turf playgrounds. These widespread installations have become fundamental tools for the promotion of physical activity, especially among children. However, this material is in the spotlight for the presence in its composition of hazardous substances and for the small size of granules, which the European Commission classified as “microplastics”. This review aims to clarify the scientific knowledge, focusing on the assessment of the bio-accessibility/availability of hazardous chemicals and the risk assessment for users. Eligible articles reporting original data were identified in CAB Direct, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The included articles (preliminary results) variously demonstrated the presence of PAHs, metals, volatile organic compounds, and phthalates in artificial biofluids (n = 9 articles). The risk assessment for these toxicants and the potential cancer risk induction (n = 19), revealed a risk for users from absent or negligible to potential, according to the exposure scenario considered and the relative assumptions, the contaminants, the exposure route, the age of the pitch, and characteristics of the rubber granules such as origin, concentration of the different toxicants, and particle size. The assessment of the potential hazard due to the exposure to artificial sports surfaces is anything but simple. Indeed, the crumb rubber compositions may vary in different settings and over time and can be variously influenced by the climate and environmental conditions, making it difficult to quantify the possible health effects, as well as the specific mixture, the quantities, and sources responsible for them (Funded by LIFE20 GIE FR 282 - RE-PLAN CITY LIFE). Key messages • The bioccessibility of PAHs, metals, volatile organic compounds, and phthalates included in the infill material composition was variously demonstrated in literature. • The assessment of the potential risks due to the exposure to synthetic turf, revealed a risk from negligible to potential, according to the exposure scenario considered and the relative assumptions.

Community Engagement in the Management of Urban Green Spaces: Prospects from a Case Study in an Emerging Economy

Urban green spaces (UGSs) play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in cities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions such as the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (MRSP). However, significant challenges related to equitable management and access persist, often exacerbated by socio-environmental inequalities. While much of the existing literature on UGS management focuses on developed economies, there is a gap in our understanding of how community engagement influences UGS outcomes in emerging economies, which face unique socio-economic and infrastructural constraints. This study addresses this gap by investigating the impact of community engagement on UGS management in the MRSP, specifically examining how increased participation correlates with improved UGS access and reduced socio-environmental inequality. Utilizing survey data from 33 municipal environmental departments across the MRSP, this research applied correlation tests, generalized linear models, and a non-parametric analysis of variance to evaluate the relationships between community engagement, UGS coverage, and inequality. The findings reveal a moderate positive correlation between community engagement and UGS coverage, alongside a negative correlation with socio-environmental inequality. Increased levels of community participation were associated with greater access to UGSs and a reduction in disparities across socio-economic groups. These results underscore the potential of fostering community involvement in UGS management to promote urban equity and environmental sustainability in emerging economies, particularly through institutional support and transparent information sharing. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term effects of sustained community engagement and incorporate qualitative data from community members to provide a more comprehensive analysis of participatory processes. Additionally, expanding the scope of analysis to include informal and private green spaces will offer a more holistic understanding of urban greening dynamics.

How does geographical environment affect residents' perception of social justice: An empirical study from low-income communities in Beijing

With the transition to a market-oriented economic system and the transformation of social structure, urban society has undergone significant spatial differentiation, leading to a deepening divide between the rich and the poor. This has caused issues like social exclusion and spatial isolation to become increasingly prominent, which in turn, limit the harmonious and orderly development of cities. As Beijing's goal to become a “world-class harmonious and livable city” accelerates, there has been a growing focus on ensuring social justice satisfaction for residents in low-income communities. This focus has translated into more attention being paid to spatial equity in residents' living environments. Employing a mixed-methods approach with multi-level regressions to understand the nuanced interplay between urban geography and social equity, where depend variable was subjective questionary from low-income communities in Beijing (2017), the independent variables were geographical factors. Using research data from typical low-income communities in Beijing (2017), our study integrated theories from geography and sociology to examine the spatial equity of the living environment. We then empirically analyzed the impact of geographical environment and objective conditions on residents' perception of social equity in low-income communities. Our findings indicate that there are significant differences in the level of social justice perception among residents across different types of communities. The upscale community with better community environment is not consistent with the evaluation of higher perceived justice. Furthermore, service facilities, employment accessibility, and built environment all influence individual satisfaction with social justice to varying degrees. There is also a moderating effect of living environment satisfaction on social justice perception in low-income communities, with residents' socioeconomic attributes influencing their level of social justice satisfaction. This research contributes to the broader understanding of spatial equity in urban development, highlighting the pivotal role of geographical factors in shaping perceptions of social justice. These insights are crucial for policymakers and urban planners striving for more equitable urban development in rapidly growing cities.

Preserving paddy fields through tourism in Indonesia: opportunities and challenges

Purpose This paper aims to show the opportunities and challenges of implementing slow tourism through a slow city concept, particularly concerning preserving paddy fields. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach using FGD, in-depth interviews and questionnaires with open questions. Findings Paddy field preservation can be achieved through the slow city concept if there is a strong commitment from the government and influential local wisdom. Research limitations/implications This research is conducted in five areas (cities and regencies). Hence, there should be similar research in other areas to find whether it can be implemented in other areas. Furthermore, other aspects have not been explored, such as how to convince policymakers to implement a slow city concept, integrate urban infrastructures and paddy fields or encourage and protect local residents who develop a slow city concept. Practical implications This research will give insight for policymakers to establish a policy that can realize livable cities for local residents and tourists, particularly in terms of food resiliency through tourism. Social implications This research will give new information about the importance of slow tourism to improve the quality of life in a city and to maintain food resilience. Originality/value This research shows the implementation and challenges of realizing slow city and slow tourism in some regions in Indonesia, particularly related to paddy fields preservation.

Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Quality of Life in Smart Cities

Rapid urbanization and low residential resources in cities are serious issues that are making city life difficult day by day. The development of smart cities is becoming a need of the present era due to the swift increase in population and environmental issues globally. Smart cities are being introduced in different regions of the world with the incorporation of latest technologies. The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the tools that can be used in smart building and cities. AI technologies are transforming public safety, trash management, healthcare, traffic control, and resource management, making cities more sustainable, effective, and responsive to their citizens' demands. There are still lack of awareness in some areas of the world on the efficacy of smart building and construction that is impacting negatively on the economy and growth of those countries.; such as Pakistan is one of those countries that is facing serious challenges due to increased population, urban migration, and poor management of natural resources. The need of planning smart strategies for smart building is very crucial to manage population and housing issues. Smart buildings and cities provide unique and convenient facilities to its residents so that they can contribute positively towards the economy of country. This paper focuses at important areas where AI has the most effects in order to investigate how integrating AI improves quality of life in smart cities. The aim is to highlight artificial intelligence's contribution to improving urban operations, streamlining resource management, and advancing sustainability. Additionally, potential concerns about privacy, data security, and fair access will be discussed. In order to show how AI-driven innovations like predictive analytics, machine learning, and IoT-enabled systems are changing the urban environment, the study synthesizes existing research and real-world examples. The evaluation also covers how AI promotes smart government, tailored urban services, and citizen involvement. The conclusion emphasizes that although AI has great potential to improve the quality of life in smart cities, implementation of the technology must be done in a balanced way to prioritize inclusive policies and ethical concerns for the general welfare of residents.

At the opinion crossroads: Kuibyshev in the days of the Great Patriotic War (1941–1943)

The article considers Kuibyshev city (Samara nowadays) in the wartime (1941–1943), the features of its life activity and development. The solving of the large-scale tasks raised in connection with the unprecedented evacuation of the government departments, diplomatic body, people’s commissariats, factories and population to the city deeply changed the city life. Kuibyshev was the regionally governed city, but it performed many specific functions typical for the soviet capital city of Moscow. The circumstance gave occasion to call the city of Kuibyshev unofficially «alternate capital». The research task is to analyze the various aspects of the Kuibyshev city life in the wartime: to show the different interpretations of its status perception by the historians in 1941–1943; to specify the data concerning the specified All-Union people’s commissariats being on evacuation in the city of Kuibyshev and its quantitative composition; to raise the question of the final date of the acceptance of the «special objects» No. 1 (Stalin’s bunker) and No. 2 (for General Staff of the Red Army) of the Building of Metrostroi (Soviet subway construction company); to qualify the questions about the zoning of the city in the wartime; to cite new data about Bezymyanka district of the prewar time using comparative-historical, analytical and retrospective methods. The article introduces a new document material of the central archives of the Russian Federation into scientific discourse. It is proved that Kuibyshev was neither «alternate» nor «military» capital. It tasted the peak of its «capital city status» during 2–3 months while solving many issues of the All-Union scale and performing capital functions. The conclusion that the acceptance of the city services in the analyzed period was the rating of the city of Kuibyshev to the cities of republican subordination on 21st August 1943 is drawn.

Visualising human life in volumetric cities: City digital twins and other disasters

City digital twins (CDTs) are attracting considerable attention as a tool for the management of cities facing many kinds of crises. CDTs are three-dimensional, animated digital models of cities that display the big data generated by urban sensors in near-real-time. Most of the academic literature on CDTs consists of technical discussions of their design or implementation. This paper instead proposes a different context for understanding CDTs. It adopts an intersectional feminist and techno-cultural analysis of the visual form of power enacted by CDTs, as exemplary of a much wider turn in contemporary visual culture towards visualising the world digitally in three dimensions. Many critical accounts of this visual and volumetric regime are attentive to the forms of corporealised human life that emerge in relation to the picturing of various volumes. This paper examines how CDTs visibly co-constitute a number of digitally-mediated forms of human life, including its user and its human inhabitants. The paper argues that, while both the technological affordances and the cultural imaginary of CDTs perform the kind of powerful white masculinity that sees space as transparent and actionable, discussions of CDTs also persistently generate an excessive form of human life that is understood as untwinnable. The paper argues that masculinist anxieties around this excess erupt in another form of digitally-animated volumetric city facing disaster: the disaster movie. The paper thus makes an argument about the specific form of white masculinity co-constituted with CDTs and insists on the necessity of critical techno-cultural analyses of urban management technologies.

Modeling Urban Temperature Using Measurements from Mobile and Stationary Monitoring Stations

Heat waves are occurring more frequently worldwide as global warming continues, and urban heat islands can threaten conventional life in cities. Measuring, analyzing, and simulating weather data at fine spatial and temporal scales are essential to prevent and reduce the damage caused by extreme heat waves. In urban environments, handling complex micrometeorological situations using current meteorological stations and global simulation models (e.g., weather research forecasting models) is challenging. In this study, the thermal environments of urban areas were measured using a mobile meteorological measurement platform. Both mobile and stationary datasets were incorporated into the meteorological modeling process to simulate the spatial and temporal distribution of temperature. Additionally, various mobile observation implementation scenarios for temperature modeling were examined. We compared simulation combinations with the temperature field generated from the total dataset to obtain a better sampling campaign and properly incorporate mobile data scenarios. When collecting mobile data, it is important to consider spatial features to improve the efficiency of sampling programs. This can substantially reduce the cost of mobile data collection, together with the sensor error bound.

The Specter of the Dangerous Classes

Abstract This article examines a formative moment in Russian social thought. The origins of modern research about urban society lie in the years after 1815, when French and British writers developed new methods for analyzing poverty, crime, and other aspects of city life. This literature, especially in the aftermath of the cholera pandemic and revolutions of 1830–1832, painted an alarming picture of slums teeming with “dangerous classes” of paupers and criminals. Russians joined this discussion with three books about Moscow and St. Petersburg by Vasilii Androssov, Aleksandr Bashutskii, and Andrei Zablotskii-Desiatovskii. These authors adopted the new Western research methods but claimed that Russia was free of “dangerous classes” of the Western type thanks to the unique virtues of the imperial regime and the Russian folk. The article argues that these writers helped to give 19th century Russian social research both its methodological sophistication and its distinctive ideological voice.

Meeting place

What is the essence and content of a modern city? Not buildings, not engineering networks and not roads. People, citizens, relationships and meetings between them are the central purpose of city life. The city is a space riddled with meetings. The news section of the current issue is devoted to meetings of architects. The anniversary of the oldest centre of theoretical architectural and town-planning thought and the Festival “Zodchestvo in Siberia” (ZVS) in Krasnoyarsk have become occasions for many heated discussions and celebratory meetings. This time the main exposition of the ZVS literally went out to meet the city – it was displayed on the museum avant-plaza above the Yenisei (11-44). The main theme of the festival – PERSONALITY – was developed in this issue of PB (45-92). Meetings can be constructive, and they can be conflictive. To prevent meetings from turning into conflicts, some flows need to be separated (e.g. pedestrian and car flows). A compulsory program of comfort growth is supposed to develop pedestrian zones in a modern city, as well as to make the embankments free from transport and industrial enterprises. To what extent is a contemporary citizen ready and eager for meetings? Has loneliness become a norm of life? Konstantin Lidin is discussing this issue in the leading article (94). The city’s public spaces can also be introverted and extroverted: Andrei Bokov introduces the concepts of INTRA and EXTRA in relation to different spaces – open and closed, which encourage people’s meetings in a different way (108). Who wins in the competition for full-fledged communication – social networks or open public spaces? This and many other questions were discussed in the PB Discussion Club dedicated to the theme of this issue: MEETING PLACE.

Multicriteria analysis as a method for engaging stakeholders and citizens in activities aimed at supporting climate resilience and adaptation to climate change – Gdansk Coastal City Living Lab case study

<b>Multicriteria analysis as a method</b> for engaging stakeholders and citizens in activities aimed at supporting climate resilience and adaptation to climate change – Gdansk Coastal City Living Lab case study

Futuristic Urban Images in Dystopian Science Fiction Movies “Space Sweepers” And “Elysium”

The cinematographic narrative method presents the changes and transformations in urban life with a critical approach, and solutions to the future urban problems are investigated in a different discipline. Thus, the present study aimed to compare and analyze Space Sweepers and Elysium based on urban and social elements included in these movies to reflect on futuristic urban representations in movies. The two films share a future where the consequences of the climate crisis is experienced in societies with a wide gap between the social classes. Based on the visual narrative employed in the movies, the concept of livable city was redefined, and future problems were investigated based on the relationship between the human and life. In the paper, futuristic urban representations were analyzed based on the transformations in the dystopian narrative. It was determined that while the transformation could lead to positive outcomes in human life, it could render the cities less livable, lead to social distances, isolate individuals, alter and transform the concept of urban spaces, which would be dominated by digital technologies.

Drone fleet noise impact calculation - a methodology

The introduction of drones into an already dense urban infrastructure is expected to have an important impact on the population. The goal of the SESAR MUSE project, " Measuring U-Space Social and Environmental Impact ", is to develop a set of key performance indicators, methods and tools for the comprehensive and rigorous assessment of the impact of UAM operations on the liveability and quality of life in European cities. One focus domain is drone-generated noise. In the frame of this project, a number of ONERA tools is chained in order to create noise maps, from scratch, for realistic drone fleet scenarios. Hence, in this paper a methodology is presented where a flight mechanics tool, noise source models, an en-route tool and an open-source urban noise propagation tool are chained, allowing complete freedom with regard to choice and number of drones, concept of operations and type of urban environment.

Noise hindering sound complexity in urban environments: Towards a novel evaluation criterion for urban sustainability

Urban environments are complex adaptive systems, wherein changes in one area can lead to unforeseen consequences in others. Environmental noise emerges as a multifaced issue influencing various receivers across different spatial and temporal scales. The perception of noise as a high-intensity or unwanted sound has defined the concept of quietness accordingly overlooking sustainability co-benefits. This study proposes an alternative evaluation criterion for urban planning and design, focusing on the sound complexity of public spaces that are vulnerable to environmental noise fluctuations. To determine the sensitivity of sound complexity to environmental noise, sound level measurements and sound recordings were conducted along the waterfront of a Mediterranean metropolis during the pandemic lockdowns (April 2021). Additionally, the bird dawn chorus phenomenon was studied. The analysis of collected data revealed an inverse relationship between complexity and noise, highlighting an additional impact on the urban sound environment. The promotion of sound complexity as a strategy for livable and sustainable cities can guide urban planners and designers in developing quiet and ecologically resilient urban environments.

Research on the influence mechanism of park landscape characteristics on psychological perception around expressway based on soundscape theory: a case study of Chengdu Bailuwan Wetland Park

With the continuous development of China's transportation infrastructure strategies and urbanization, urban road networks have seen ongoing improvement. Yet noise pollution along expressways is gradually becoming a prominent issue within the broader challenge of urban noise. Noise control has recently emerged as a bottleneck for building livable cities, while well-designed landscapes can improve the quality of psychological perception. By precisely quantifying the multi-sensory composite perception characteristics of urban green space landscapes, this research explores the mechanism through which such landscapes influence psychological perception. The study site was selected in Bailuwan Wetland Park, Chengdu. Objective and subjective environmental data and questionnaire feedback were collected through sound walks and big data analysis based on the geographic information system, after which quantitative analysis was conducted on how landscape environmental characteristics influence environmental experiential perception. The research explores the mechanism of the influence of the regulation of landscape environment characteristic elements on psychological perception and constructs a visual prediction model to provide a universal theoretical basis and methodological support for the planning and regulation of urban green space landscape along expressways, which is of positive significance in guiding the regulation of landscape space.

A novel multi-hazard risk assessment framework for coastal cities under climate change

Coastal cities, as centres of human habitation, economic activity and biodiversity, are confronting the ever-escalating challenges posed by climate change. In this work, a novel Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment framework is presented with the focus on Coastal City Living Labs. The methodology provides a comprehensive assessment of climate-related hazards, including sea-level rise, coastal flooding, coastal erosion, land flooding, heavy precipitation, extreme temperatures, heatwaves, cold spells, landslides and strong winds. Its application is illustrated through a case study: the Coastal City Living Lab of Benidorm, Spain. The methodology incorporates remote sensing data from various satellite sources, such as ERA5, Urban Atlas and MERIT DEM, to evaluate multiple hazards through a systematic and standardized indicator-based approach, offering a holistic risk profile that allows for comparison with other European coastal cities. The integration of remote sensing data enhances the accuracy and resolution of hazard indicators, providing detailed insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of climate risks. The incorporation of local expertise through the Coastal City Living Lab concept enriches data collection and ensures context-specific adequacy. The integration of local studies and historical extreme climate events enhances the validity and context of the risk indicators. The findings align with regional trends and reveal specific vulnerabilities, particularly related to heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and coastal flooding. Despite its strengths, the MHRA methodology faces limitations, including reliance on outdated datasets and the complexity of integrating multiple hazards. Continuous updates and adaptive management strategies are essential to maintain the accuracy and relevance of risk assessments. The broader implications of the methodology for global coastal cities highlight its potential as a model for developing targeted adaptation strategies.

Urban Dynamics in Semarang City: A Study of Livable Cities

This study explores sanitation issues in urban Semarang in the context of achieving a Livable City, particularly concerning sanitation waste directly discharged into drains and rivers. In collaboration with the Semarang City Government, this research piloted the Livable City Framework (LCF) as a rapid assessment methodology for city suitability. The research aims to identify livable areas that are performing well, which will be developed into sanitation investments, especially in neighborhoods traversed by the SPALD-T route. A mixed-method research approach was employed, utilizing two main instruments: web surveys and in-depth interviews. Research findings indicate strong social capital in Semarang, yet the ability to influence decisions remains low, indicating the need for increased education and community empowerment. Physical capital scores vary, with investments in public spaces needing attention to distribute development benefits evenly. Human and natural capital show potential for improvement, while some neighborhoods such as Kudu, Kalibanteng Kidul, and Kalipancur receive low scores and require further analysis and community engagement. This research provides a deep understanding of the complexity of urban development processes and emphasizes the need for cross-sector collaboration to achieve a Livable City

Expanding the associations between built environment characteristics and residential mobility in high-density neighborhood unit

Global trend of urbanization has led to frequent residential mobility and urban shrinkage issues. Planners and policy makers advocate for enhancing built environment quality of neighbourhood units to address these issues. Although the impact factors and degree of the influence of the built environment on residential mobility have been studied, the nonlinear effects at the neighbourhood level, and the relative importance when considered alongside other factors, remain unclear. In this study, the central area of Nanjing using mobile phone signalling data, the 5Ds framework, machine learning algorithms, and interpretable model Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) are examined. The finding shows that (1) economy and neighbourhood ties are still key drivers of relocation. (2) Optimizing highly accessible road network for short-distance travel and developing low-density urban mode has become significant methods to attract relocators, interacting with other factors to influence residential mobility. (3) High-quality neighbourhood design, diverse amenities, and proximity to natural landscapes increase willingness to relocate, (4) while religion, socio-demographics, and large-scale transportation accessibility have minimal impact. The study offers four urban development recommendations to help municipal planners and policy makers create liveable cities and cohesive communities, providing essential insights for early or renewal stage urban planning stages.

Reorganizing public value for city life in the Anthropocene

Public value and city governance are fundamental notions in contemporary settings, but, currently conceived, they are not fit for the challenges presented by the proposed new epoch of geological time—the Anthropocene. Walking through the locked-down streets or calle of Venice, we face the sudden emptiness that starkly reveals the impact of human activity on the city and its waterways. Reflecting on the walk, our starting point is to problematize how a city organizes and manages public value and what actually constitutes public value. In this, we develop a new definition, “New Public Value for the Anthropocene Epoch” (NPVA), which expands the notion of public value through the questions: “who” is it valuable to do things for, beyond humans and economic actors, building on a relational epistemology to incorporate the planet and its biosphere; and “what” is valuable to do, in order to ensure the inclusion of social, environmental, and cultural values alongside economic values. We conclude by arguing that NPVA is organized across scales in a manner that embeds global attentiveness toward local ecosystems solutions to drive the global response to the environmental crisis we all face.