City Square Research Articles

The Stabilization of a Hellenistic City Square (Plaza) at the Kınık Höyük Archeological Site, Niğde Province, Türkiye

The Stabilization of a Hellenistic City Square (Plaza) at the Kınık Höyük Archeological Site, Niğde Province, Türkiye

Evaluating the impact of evolving green and grey urban infrastructure on local particulate pollution around city square parks

The relationship between green and grey urban infrastructure, local meteorological conditions, and traffic-related air pollution is complex and dynamic. This case study examined the effect of evolving morphologies around a city square park in Dublin and explores the twin impacts of local urban development (grey) and maturing parks (green) on particulate matter (PM) pollution. A fixed air quality monitoring campaign and computational fluid dynamic modelling (ENVI-met) were used to assess current (baseline) and future scenarios. The baseline results presented the distribution of PM in the study area, with bimodal (PM2.5) and unimodal (PM10) diurnal profiles. The optimal vegetation height for air quality within the park also differed by wind direction with 21 m vegetation optimal for parallel winds (10.45% reduction) and 7 m vegetation optimal for perpendicular winds (30.36% reduction). Increased building heights led to higher PM2.5 concentrations on both footpaths ranging from 25.3 to 37.0% under perpendicular winds, whilst increasing the height of leeward buildings increased PM2.5 concentrations by up to 30.9% under parallel winds. The findings from this study provide evidence of the importance of more in-depth analysis of green and grey urban infrastructure in the urban planning decision-making process to avoid deteriorating air quality conditions around city square parks.

Discovering the meaning of contemporary urban squares for its users—a case study of Poznan, Poland

The study aims to identify the meanings of urban squares that operate in the minds of their users. Three research methods were used for the study: in-depth individual interviews with ten city square users, a survey using the Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) technique, and an observational study. The qualitative material collected was transcribed and analyzed using NVivo software. The results of the survey were statistically analyzed using SPSS software. The survey results suggest that urban squares are considered in two categories: administrative (in terms of official names that function in documents) and mental (in terms of certain perceptions of squares). Factors that play a role in distinguishing a square from the urban structure are (1) its physical characteristics, (2) its location in the urban structure, and (3) the activities that can be carried out there. The study identified 11 meanings of urban squares. These meanings can co-occur in different configurations. They may also change over time due to spatial changes (temporary or permanent). For most survey participants, using urban squares is important or very important. However, responses in this regard vary significantly by age. The statements of the youngest respondents, between 18 and 39 years of age, are of particular concern. These people were most likely to state that the use of this type of space is unimportant or indifferent to them, which could be a harbinger of a crisis. It is necessary to conduct further research in this area and extend it to other types of urban public spaces.

Ecological Analysis of Urban Parks for Sustainability in Bogor City

Abstract Urban parks as a type of public green open space have an important role in improving the quality of the urban environment and supporting the sustainability of the city. To find out the extent of the implementation of ecological functions and the perceptions and preferences of the community, it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of these aspects. This study aims to identify vegetation, analyze the suitability of ecological functions, and analyze user perceptions and preferences of the landscape in each park for the sustainability of Bogor City. This research is located in three parks in Bogor City, including Heulang Park, Sempur Park, and Bogor City Square. This research method is divided into two methods, analysis of ecological functions and analysis of perceptions and preferences in each park. Ecological function will be analyzed by comparing existing conditions with standard criteria for ecological function, while analysis of community perceptions and preferences regarding park ecology will be analyzed by collecting data through questionnaires. The results of the ecological evaluation showed that Heulang Park was the best park in terms of noise reduction, temperature modification (shading), and windbreak functions. Sempur Park has vegetation that is quite good at fulfilling its function as a temperature modification (shading) and humidity control. Bogor City Square is the best park in terms of air humidity control function and quite good in windbreak and noise reduction function.

The activation of city squares through sociocultural programming of architecture

The activation of city squares through sociocultural programming of architecture

Market Squares of Small Towns as Public Space of Opole Silesia on Selected Examples (Legal Status After 2015)

This paper presents the results of research on the diagnosis of the state of public space in the context of the evolution of its structure, on the example of market squares of small cities. The background to the research is the implementation of the Act on Ensuring Accessibility for Persons with Special Needs (The Accessibility Act, 2019) and the Revitalisation Act (2015), as documents with significant impact on the shape of public spaces in Polish cities. The multicultural and cross-border region of Opole Silesia was chosen as the research area. Six small towns in the region, whose market squares have undergone a revitalization in recent years, were selected for analysis: Biała, Dobrodzień, Korfantów, Otmuchów, Paczków, Ujazd. This article aims to diagnose the condition of public space, on the example of the market squares of small towns, based on the solutions adopted in the revitalization projects. The criteria adopted for the analyses are the identity of the place and continuity of development, accessibility, and adaptation to climate change. The research uses the method of comparative analysis of the morphological structure, the method of analyzing the physical parameters of space, and the analysis of historical iconography and cartography. Conducted analyses will make it possible to formulate an answer to the question of to what extent the introduction of the regulations as mentioned above has changed the approach to the revitalization process as a continuation of the historically formed way of building the urban fabric, and to what extent it has forced the introduction of solutions that violate the continuity of historical development. The result of the research will be a diagnosis of the problems in the revitalization processes of small towns in the multicultural area of the Opole region, in the context of current legal conditions, and sustainable development.

Measuring plant functional specialization in urban environments with Grime's CSR strategies

AbstractQuestionSpecialization refers to the degree of niche breadth of a species. Generalist species are able to persist in a broad range of habitats, whereas specialist species are adapted to a restricted range of environmental conditions. Cities host a great heterogeneity of habitats with variable degrees of human impact. This is generally reflected in the functional composition of the urban floras. The aim of our study is thus to explore whether the degree of functional specialization of urban plant assemblages varies among habitats subject to different degrees of human impact and disturbance regimes.LocationThirty‐two cities in Central Europe with more than 100,000 inhabitants.MethodsWe used a data set containing plots of urban floras sampled in seven habitat types within each city: historical city square, boulevard, residential area with a compact building pattern, residential area with an open building pattern, city park, early successional site, and mid‐successional site. These habitats differ in the level of human impact, ranging from moderately urbanized suburban habitats to the most urbanized habitats in the city center. For each plot, we calculated a recently introduced specialization index, which is based on the application of concentration measures to Grime's community‐level mean CSR strategies.ResultsAlong the urbanization gradient, from peripheral to central habitats, we observed a marked intensification in the degree of functional specialization of urban habitats, which is primarily attributable to an increase in the selection of ruderal species.ConclusionsUrban ecosystems are characterized by a wide variety of human impacts that affect the functioning of the resident species. Considering cities as heterogeneous systems is thus of paramount importance for understanding the mechanisms that drive the assembly of urban floras.

Optimisation of city structures with respect to high wind speeds using U-Net models

The design and placement of a new building in an urban environment is optimised so that pedestrians do not feel uncomfortable due to high wind speeds. Architects and city planners typically use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to predict the effects of wind on new buildings. CFD is too time consuming to be used in generative design tools, which are necessary because they allow designers to visualise and iterate on their ideas, collaborate effectively and work more efficiently. These tools enhance the design process, facilitate communication and feedback, and save time by automating tasks. Finding a generative design model based on limited data is challenging due to issues such as insufficient representation, increased risk of overfitting, lack of statistical significance, potential bias and difficulties in validation and evaluation. In the design framework proposed in this paper, the computationally intensive CFD solver could be replaced by a fast machine learning surrogate predicting wind speed. The replacement is a U-Net convolutional neural network trained on high-precision Reynolds’ averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations (CFD simulations). The proposed workflow is demonstrated by optimising the placement of a hypothetical new building on a city square in Gothenburg, Sweden. The surrogate used in the optimisation process calculates an optimal building design within seconds instead of hours saving 11 h of simulation time. The actual area with strong wind effects is reduced by half.

Dinamika Pedagang Kaki Lima Di Alun-Alun Kota Jember Di Tengah Persaingan Globalisasi: Peran UMKM Lokal Dalam Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Kota Jember

This research aims to uncover the challenges and dynamics faced by Street Vendors in the Jember City Square in the context of globalization. Through the analysis of the final theory of capitalism, it was found that street vendors in Jember experienced characteristics such as superficiality, weakening of affection, loss of history, and the presence of new technology that affected the way they operated. This study uses a qualitative approach with realist ethnographic methods, collecting data through in-depth interviews and field observations. The results of the study show that street vendors face economic instability due to unbalanced competition with large companies, negative social stigma, and less supportive government policies. To overcome this problem, the government is advised to provide special areas that are organized, clean, and environmentally friendly and provide training and improve facilities so that street vendors can compete more effectively. Proper support is expected to maintain the existence of street vendors as an important part of the local economy in the era of globalization that continues to grow.

A Systematic Review of Outdoor Thermal Comfort Studies for the Urban (Re)Design of City Squares

In the upcoming period, city squares’ urban redesign will be crucial in achieving sustainable development goals. This study presents a systematic review of OTC-related studies for the urban design of city squares using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. A review included a total of 173 papers from 2001 to 2023. The results identified five study types—clusters based on four pre-defined criteria: study approach, data collection methods, time duration, and primary objectives. The clusters indicate that more than half of all studies are related to the comparison of thermal comfort and heat mitigation measures. Most of the case studies were located in one of three climate zones: temperate oceanic (Cfb) (58 studies), hot summer Mediterranean (Csa) (40 studies), or humid subtropical (Cfa) (28 studies). The most common geometry of the analyzed urban square is medium-sized, is rectangular, and has dominant axel orientation south–north. Also, based on all five clusters, several research gaps were identified, appropriate for future research: the majority of studies related to the traditionally considered climate areas, no typology of urban square geometry configuration based on OTC assessment, and the lack of a local design model for assessing and improving the thermal comfort of city squares.

PUBLIC SPACES: DIFFERENT SCALES AND EMPHASES IN YURI SEROGIN'S PROJECTS

In today's world, public projects are becoming not only an important component of the architectural landscape, but also a key factor in shaping living spaces and communities. They play a significant role in promoting social interaction, cultural exchange, and stimulate the development of social ties. Thoughtful design of public spaces involves not only ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal, but also an in-depth analysis of the needs of local communities, taking into account historical and cultural features and unique requirements. Ukraine, as a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, has great potential for the development of public projects. Their existence is reflected in a variety of forms: from city squares and parks to culture and sports centers. The grateful synergy between architects, local authorities, and the public contributes to the creation of innovative and socially significant projects that contribute to the rapprochement and development of communities. This article explores the public projects of the architect Yuri Seryogin, which reflect his contribution to the development of the architectural scene and public space. Using the analysis and evaluation of projects, the article offers coverage of key aspects of the architect's work, his approaches to solving architectural problems, and his impact on society.

Exploring linguistics landscapes in Depok City Square Park

This research aims to explore the language use and cultural symbols in public spaces in Depok City Square Park, West Java Province. The research raised the issue of language signs and cultural symbols in Depok City Square Park. This research uses a qualitative approach. It uses the observation method through photography techniques. The photo taken serves as image data. Photos are classified into five taxonomies of Spolsky and Cooper (1991) signs, namely road signs, advertising signs, information signs, warning and prohibition signs, and warning signs. Data were analyzed using a Linguistic Landscapes approach. From the data analysis, the conclusion is obtained: Depok City Square Parks is open: Tuesday to Friday at 07.00 am-17.00 pm. Saturday and Sunday at 06.00 am to 18.00 pm, the park equips a children’s playgound, BMX Area, sports fields and park benches. The language signs displayed in the park area are in the form of writing and text accompanied by pictures. Writing words, phrases and sentences complies with Indonesian language rules; The Depok City Government conveyed messages to visitors in the form of warnings and prohibitons. Linguistic Landscapes tends to use monolingual Indonesian. Betawi cultural symbols can be found in the area of this park called Gigi Balang.

Identification of Bogor City Square Tourist Attraction Facilities As An Indikator Of Visitor Satisfaction

The title of this research is the identification of facilities in Bogor City Square as an indicator of visitor satisfaction. Research on the identification of facilities in Bogor City Square as an indicator of visitor satisfaction has a significant impact on the management and development of these tourist destinations. In the era of fierce competition in the tourism industry, a deep understanding of the factors that influence visitor satisfaction is the main key to the success of a tourist attraction. This research directly contributes to efforts to improve service quality in Bogor City Square, which in turn can increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of the destination. The place of this research is in Bogor City Square. The research method uses qualitative research. The data used are primary and secondary. The results showed that the diversity of facilities, involving a variety of attractions, activities, and services, provides a richer tourist experience and suits the needs of various visitor segments. Such diversity proved to be a key factor in creating an inclusive atmosphere and flexibility for visitors to customize their visit. The diverse facilities in Bogor City Square make a positive impression and motivate visitors to plan repeat visits and give positive recommendations to others.

Enhancing Customer Relationships: A Case Study of CRM Practices at City Square Mart in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat State

This study paper provides an in-depth examination of customer relationship management (CRM) operations conducted at City Square Mart, a well-known retail business specializing in supermarket trends. This research seeks to provide insights that will improve the development and implementation of CRM strategies in the retail industry by conducting interviews with store managers and analyzing their CRM methods. This study analyzes key elements of consumer engagement channels, such as in-store experiences and online platforms, to understand how City Square Mart effectively combines these channels to provide a seamless and cohesive customer experience. This research also examines consumer feedback methods, loyalty programs, complaint management processes, and initiatives aimed at personalization and customization of goods. The results of this research provide important insights for retail managers who want to improve their CRM strategies and for academics who want to increase their understanding of customer relationship management in the retail industry. This research aims to improve customer interactions and drive company success in the changing retail market by analyzing the unique CRM tactics implemented by City Square Mart

South Tangerang City's Strategy In Building A Brand Image Through Pamulang Square As Creative Tourism

The City of South Tangerang is trying to build a brand image by 2023. The concept of building a South Tangerang square is a positive thing in the environment, especially for the people of South Tangerang City. One of the goals is to provide entertainment with facilities and comfort for the community, such as exercising, gathering with family, especially for South Tangerang residents. South Tangerang Square can also help build and create a positive brand image in society. This research aims to find out the strategies carried out by the South Tangerang City government department in an effort to build a brand image through Pamulang Square as creative tourism. This research was conducted in South Tangerang City in 2023. This research approach is descriptive qualitative. Data were collected through observations at the location of Pamulang Square and interviews with administrators at the South Tangerang City Environmental Service. Source triangulation was carried out by interviewing residents who had visited the square. The results of this research show that the strategy used by the City of South Tangerang can make the public aware of the South Tangerang City square as an environmentally friendly location, thereby making it a location that can be used as a creative public space. The existence of regional, national and even international scale events held in the square shows that the city of South Tangerang is a creative tourist destination, thus attracting more and more tourists or visitors

From Base Pairs to City Squares: Comprehensive Precision Oncology for the Future.

An increased understanding of the role of the social determinants of health in cancer prevention, cancer care, and outcomes can lead to their integration into genetics and genomics as well as informing interventions and clinical trials, creating a comprehensive precision oncology framework.

There is a place for every animal, but not in my back yard: a survey on attitudes towards urban animals and where people want them to live

Abstract Animals are a constant presence in urban environments. While there is a handful of studies that have addressed which urban animals people like, there is little knowledge on where in the city people want them to be. There is the risk of a misalignment between human urban inhabitants’ specific desires for more nature in cities and the results of urban renaturing initiatives. We conducted an online survey on inhabitants of Munich (Germany) to investigate their attitudes towards 32 different urban animals and where they want them to occur. These places ranged from their own home or garden, to different places within the city, and to outside of the city. In total, 10 000 flyers were distributed in houses surrounding 40 city squares, and 305 people participated. We found that people rather placed animals further away than close to home. There were clear differences between different animal species in where they were placed by people, from species being placed close to home, to species wanted only outside the city. There were also clear differences in attitude towards the different animals, and participants on averaged placed animals closer to home if they liked them more. People have clear preferences for the placing of different animals in an urban context. Knowledge on these preferences can help to design targeted conservation actions and environmental education programs.

The Sustainability of Semarang Kauman Village (When Conservation Meets Development)

Semarang has developed as a large coastal city with an important port due to its strategic and unique position. This strategic and unique position is shown by the hills at the top of the city such as Gajah Mungkur, Candi, Mrican, Mugas, Mount Sawo, Simongan and others as well as lowlands at the bottom of the city. One of the important historical ethnic villages to be appointed is Kampung Kauman, Semarang, which has a distinctive history related to the existence of the Great Mosque of Semarang. is an ancient village inhabited by local residents which began to be awakened during the reign of Ki Ageng Padang Aran. The Great Mosque of Semarang, although it is quite an old mosque, is the first mosque in the city of Semarang which was founded by Ki Ageng Padang Aran. The Great Mosque of Semarang is located in the old Semarang square complex which has the same pattern as Javanese city squares in general. There are many opinions regarding the term "kauman". There is an opinion that "kauman" comes from the word: nggone wong qoum (place of the clans), pakauman (place of residence of the clans), sing aman (safe group/people) or there is also the opinion of qo'um muddin (Islamic religious leader). Based on the opinions described above, "kauman" contains the meaning of the residence of the scholars. This study aims to examine the sustainability of residential spaces in Kauman village, both physical and non-physical characteristics and aims to optimize the potential of existing villages for urban development planning. This research uses a descriptive method based on empirical facts. The results of the Kauman Village Residential Spatial Sustainability Research are then used as needed, including development strategies and future city government decisions.

Utilization of Public Open Space: Movement Pattern and Compromised Territory

Understanding open space management based on local culture is an important aspect in creating an inclusive quality of community life. Serang City Square is a public space that has high vitality in its utilization for the local community. The government of Serang City (the capital of Banten Province) currently manages the area including the square. Its spatial layout is optimally organized for directed development, so that it suits the needs of users. The research objectives are 1) to study the movement patterns of space users through user considerations in choosing space, time and place for activities - 2) to reveal the territoriality of space utilization and informal agreements underlying its management. The research method used a quasi-qualitative approach, with place-centered mapping techniques and in-depth interviews. The results show that 1) the pattern of public open space utilization and its changes are influenced by the choice of time, type of activity, weather conditions and distance, 2) spatial territory is built by attachment to space due to habits and agreements of space users based on informal rules and compromises. This research contributes to local governments in considering the planning and arrangement of open spaces.

Towards the New Synthesis of Architecture and City

The “Boska” Department Store is a large building at the historical core of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Its distinctive volume dominates the main city square, and it serves as one of the city symbols. It was built in 1978 as one of the large department stores that characterised Yugoslav cities. However, “Boska” and the less famous neighbouring The Worker’s Solidarity House are fragments of an extensive revitalisation project of the city centre and a new imagined megaform. This paper will portray the winning competition design project “Grad” (“City”) from 1973 by a team of eminent Yugoslav architects who envisioned a new urban landscape in Banja Luka’s centre that never materialised. The paper will interpret its design principles in the context of the period’s local and international architectural culture that pursued the new spatial synthesis of fixed and transient space, architecture and the city. Qualitative research is based on analysing the design project “Grad”, relevant journal articles from the period, and a recent interview with one of the authors.