City Design Research Articles

Street Patterns, Visual Permeability, and Spatial Accessibility of Downtown: The Case of Baghdad

Urban forms and configurations are very influential in building up urban life; they affect street configuration, visual permeability, and spatial accessibility. However, the importance of this in impacting the performance and vibrancy of urban spaces has not been comprehended so far. Thus, the following paper takes a closer look at the key areas within downtown Baghdad, namely Alshorja and Bab AlSharqi, to analyze their urban characteristics. A comprehensive methodology was developed for this research that combined qualitative and quantitative methods, including field survey, GIS digitization, and space syntax analysis, which enabled an in-depth investigation into the street pattern, visual permeability, and spatial accessibility of the chosen case studies. The findings show sharp differences between the organic, random street pattern of AlShorja—which tries to make pedestrians move and socialize more easily—compared to Bab AlSharqi’s grid system, which tries to promote an extensive flow of vehicles and businesses. AlShorja, therefore, has higher local connectivity and street vitality in its condensed layout than Bab AlSharqi, which comes with higher visual permeability and spatial accessibility and presents the image of a CBD. The study concluded that the blending of historical context with contemporary needs should be considered to develop livable urban environments. Pedestrian-friendly features to integrate in AlShorja combined with the principles of accessibility and navigability in Bab AlSharqi will, in turn, enhance urban vitality and connectivity. More diversified methods in future research will enrich urban planning and design for cities like Baghdad, including wider metropolitan areas.

Xingcheng Ancient City: Transferring Knowledge and Learning about Ancient Architecture through Digital Systems

The objectives of this study were to (i) examine the studies about history of development and the archaeological site of the ancient city of Xingcheng, and (ii) investigate students’ learning of history of the archaeological site of Xingcheng using knowledge transfer via digital media. The data were collected from surveys, interviews, observations, group discussions, workshops, and also the examination of previous related documents. The data provided by 18 informants were analyzed based on the objectives, and the results were presented in a descriptive analytical manner. The research results showed: (i) The ancient city of Xingcheng was built about 600 years ago. Important architecture includes gates, city walls, main buildings, temples and bell towers. Its importance was to protect the city from wars. Despite encountering multiple wars, the city had gradually evolved its fortification and durability until the end of the Chinese Emperor’s era. (ii) We used digital media to teach about the design of this ancient city, and we examined the learners’ perceptions on this learning experience. Based on the data elicited from the students, they could obtain insightful information through the internet by scanning the QR code, which enabled them to study conveniently at any time. Using the developed digital media improved their learning. The developed teaching media could clearly convey historical and archaeological content to the students. In conclusion, this research study can be extended to the design of computer programs used in archaeological studies for storing data in digital systems for educational purposes. It can be used as a guideline for the production of appropriate teaching materials.

Optimizing street lighting design of new cities to enhance the health and wellness of inhabitants

Optimizing street lighting design of new cities to enhance the health and wellness of inhabitants

Quantitative Simulation and Planning for the Heat Island Mitigation Effect in Sponge City Planning: A Case Study of Chengdu, China

The implementation of sponge cities in China modifies the hydrological conditions of the underlying surface, effectively alleviating the urban heat island effect. However, in planning and construction, heat island mitigation targets are difficult to quantify and lack quantitative design and evaluation methods. To address this issue, two planning schemes were proposed based on sponge city management and control indicators. The WRF-UCM model was used to conduct numerical simulations of the current conditions (case 1) and the sponge city planning schemes (cases 2 and 3), analyzing the impact of sponge city initiatives on the mitigation of the heat island effect. The results indicated that by changing the structure of the underlying surface and increasing the water content of the underlying surface, the sponge city affects the urban energy distribution process and regional horizontal advection pattern. This not only reduces heat accumulation within the urban area but also suppresses regional convection during high-temperature periods, thereby mitigating the urban heat island effect. Moreover, different schemes following the same sponge city design requirements have varying impacts on urban microclimate elements and heat island distributions. Notably, a higher subsurface water content yields a more pronounced inhibition of the heat island effect. Finally, a sponge city planning method with the consideration of heat island mitigation was proposed, facilitating pre-simulation optimization and decision-making in sponge city planning.

Analysis of urban management information technology systems: Ubiquitous City, Smart City, Metaverse, and Digital Twin

ABSTRACT Cities worldwide are rapidly integrating urban management information technology (IT) systems to address increasing urban challenges effectively. This paper examines the evolution of these systems, from the Ubiquitous City (U-City) to contemporary Smart Cities, and explores emerging technologies like the Metaverse and Digital Twin. Despite their growing relevance, there is ambiguity in their conceptual definitions and how they are applied interchangeably in urban management contexts. This study aims to clarify these technologies by analyzing U-City, Smart City, Metaverse, and Digital Twin within an Analysis Framework of Urban Management IT Systems. Our analysis reveals distinct roles and interconnections among these technologies. U-City initiated the development of essential IT infrastructure, laying the groundwork for subsequent systems. Smart City technology, leveraging the infrastructure provided by U-City, addresses real urban issues but lacks predictive capabilities for future challenges. In contrast, the Metaverse facilitates the simulation of urban changes and planning in a virtual environment, influencing real-world city development. Digital Twin technology enhances the operational efficiency of U-City and Smart City by simulating real-world data and optimizing urban management processes. The study highlights that while U-City and Smart City function in the tangible realm, Metaverse and Digital Twin operate in the virtual domain, yet they are closely integrated. Metaverse assists in urban planning through simulations that inform real-world Smart City designs, while Digital Twin optimizes real-time city operations and informs Metaverse simulations for future planning. The findings underscore the importance of understanding these technologies’ unique contributions and their interplay. Although current urban management IT systems have limitations, especially in technology classification and data accessibility, this research paves the way for future investigations. Further research should focus on refining the definitions and applications of Metaverse and Digital Twin, clarifying their relationships with Smart City and U-City, and addressing security and privacy concerns associated with these technologies. Highlights U-City, Smart City, Metaverse, and Digital Twin are urban management IT technologies U-City is the most basic infrastructure for real-world urban management IT systems Smart City as an IT solution categorizes real urban issues to resolve them Metaverse and Digital Twin predict urban issues in advance in the virtual world U-City, Smart City, Metaverse, and Digital Twin related are interconnected

Development and Application of Green Building Technologies

As the global population grows, people's demand for residential land has gradually increased. A large number of people have poured into cities, resulting in an increase in various needs for resources, making the original traditional city design extremely burdened. To address this, engineers introduced the concept of smart cities, leveraging technological advancements to enhance urban sustainability and livability. This paper explores the integration of green building technologies into smart city development, aiming to optimize resource use and reduce environmental impact. The research methodology involves literature review and drawing inspiration from various scientific inventions, promoting the use of green technology in the construction of smart cities. This paper finds that green building technologies play a big role in the construction of smart cities.

Observed determinants of urban outdoor thermal exposure during hot summer and snowy winter periods in a humid continental climate

Many cities in the midlatitudes experience both extreme heat and cold, and pedestrians are exposed to thermal extremes that cause bodily stress. With growing urban populations, city design that contributes to mitigating summer heat while reducing winter cold exposure is increasingly important. Pedestrian thermal exposure depends on several microclimatic factors, including shortwave and longwave radiation absorption, which can be quantified by the mean radiant temperature (Tmrt). Limited research has been conducted on the radiative components of thermal exposure in hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. We gathered micrometeorological data from diverse urban sites and in multiple seasons in Guelph, Canada, using a mobile human-biometeorological weather station (MaRTy cart) that applies the six-directional method to determine Tmrt. Seasonal datasets were analysed and compared to examine the drivers of thermal exposure and recommend strategies for mitigating heat and cold stress. In summer, shade is the primary factor that reduces daytime heat exposure and it slightly increases nighttime heat exposure. Enhanced pervious ground cover is a secondary factor day and night. In winter, reduced shade alleviated daytime cold exposure, while snow cover provided daytime benefits from increased solar reflections and post-sunset penalties associated with reduced longwave radiation from low snow surface temperatures.

A Study Using Treesoft Set and Neutrosophic Sets on Possible Soil Organic Transformations in Urban Agriculture Systems.

In the current context of accelerated urbanization and the urgent need for sustainability, urban agriculture has become a vital alternative to guarantee food security and ecological management of cities. This study addresses possible soil organic transformations in these systems using Treesoft Set and neutrosophic sets. Treesoft Set, an advanced tool for complex data analysis, is complemented by neutrosophic set theory, which allows you to manage the uncertainty inherent in natural and human systems. Together, these methodologies provide a more complete and detailed view of how urban land can adapt and improve under sustainable agricultural practices, highlighting the importance of integrating technology and ecology in the design of green cities. The analysis carried out not only unravels the dynamics of soil organic transformations, but also highlights the variability and complex interactions that occur in urban environments. Research shows that, through the application of Treesoft Set and neutrosophic sets, it is possible to identify patterns and trends that would otherwise go unnoticed. Additionally, it highlights how these tools can influence decision-making to optimize land use and encourage agricultural practices that improve the health of the urban ecosystem. This innovative approach opens new avenues for research and development of urban agriculture, promoting more resilient and efficient systems in the management of natural resources in an increasingly urbanized world.

Technological implications for planning and designing human-centred cities

The 4th Industrial Revolution characterized by the merging of info-tech and bio-tech will overturn existing modes of living and production, creating new spatial opportunities. The recent movement of counter-urbanization can be understood as urbanites taking advantage of info-tech and flexible working to explore new and more comfortable life. The 4th Industrial Revolution characterized by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) can offer technical supports for making urban life more human-centred. To explore the connection between technology and urban planning and design practice, a more humble and inclusive understanding of the term “human-centred” is provided, stressing humans’ deep connections with other species in the web of life. Meanwhile, three fundamental trends of the 4th Industrial Revolution are discussed; they are: job automation, new economy and industry, and flexible working. Following these trends and the new conception of “human-centred”, three principles are proposed for the planning and design of future cities: 1) Interwoven nature, which emphasizes a tight integration and harmonious co-existence of the built and natural environment; 2) Attraction-driven, which stresses the value of natural and cultural sites at non-central locations; 3) Dispersion, which encourages a decentralization and more equitable allocation of urban resources.

CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING FLOOD DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Lagos State is one of the fastest growing megacity in southwestern Nigeria now experiencing severe flood disasters problems as a result of the city’s location, geographical features and rapid growth in urbanisation. This research aims to establish and analyse the major challenges to efficient flood disaster management in Lagos; these issues include; infrastructural deficits, lack of funds, political interferences, inadequate human resources, poor inter-agency cooperation, and poor stakeholder involvement. An explorative quantitative research approach was used and questionnaires used to gather data from respondents within the community, government authorities, and specialists in the field. The study shows that poor infrastructure is the most widespread problem with additional factors of growing in an unplanned urban area, drainage systems being blocked, and little investment in structures that are disaster resistant. Other challenges that have been witnessed in flood management include inadequate funds, poor coordination, and political interferences. Suggested measures include major capital expenditure on flood proof structures, enhanced agency cooperation, citizen involvement, and green city design. However, for these challenges to be tackled, new sources of financing and political support must be sustained. This research shows that there is a need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to flood disaster management in Lagos State to increase its capacity for coping with flood disasters, and to decrease the level of susceptibility to such disasters in the state and losses of lives and properties. The study provides useful information that can be adopted by policy makers, planners and disaster managers in urban areas.

Integrating Large Language Models and Optimization in Semi- Structured Decision Making: Methodology and a Case Study

Semi-structured decisions, which fall between highly structured and unstructured decision types, rely on human intuition and experience for the final choice, while using data and analytical models to generate tentative solutions. These processes are traditionally iterative and time-consuming, requiring cycles of data gathering, analysis, and option evaluation. In this study, we propose a novel framework that integrates Large Language Models (LLMs) with optimization techniques to streamline such decision-making processes. In our approach, LLMs leverage their capabilities in data interpretation, common-sense reasoning, and mathematical modeling to assist decision makers by reducing cognitive load. They achieve this by automating aspects of information processing and option evaluation, while preserving human oversight as a crucial component of the final decision-making process. Another significant strength of our framework lies in its potential to drive the evolution of a new generation of decision support systems (DSSs). Unlike traditional systems that rely on rigid and inflexible interfaces, our approach enables users to express their preferences in a more natural, intuitive, and adaptable manner, substantially enhancing both usability and accessibility. A case study on last-mile delivery system design in a smart city demonstrates the practical application of this framework. The results suggest that our approach has the potential to simplify the decision-making process and improve efficiency by reducing cognitive load, enhancing user experience, and facilitating more intuitive interactions.

The mutual impacts of individual building design and local microclimate in high-density cities and the major influential parameters

The mutual impacts of individual building design and local microclimate in high-density cities and the major influential parameters

Global Healthy and Sustainable City Indicators: Collaborative development of an open science toolkit for calculating and reporting on urban indicators internationally

Measuring and monitoring progress towards achieving healthy, equitable and sustainable cities is a priority for planners, policymakers and researchers in diverse contexts globally. Yet data collection, analysis, visualisation and reporting on policy and spatial indicators involve specialised knowledge, skills, and collaboration across disciplines. Integrated open-source tools for calculating and communicating urban indicators for diverse urban contexts are needed, which provide the multiple streams of evidence required to influence policy agendas and enable local changes towards healthier and more sustainable cities. This paper reports on the development of open-source software for planning, analysis and generation of data, maps and reports on policy and spatial indicators of urban design and transport features for healthy and sustainable cities. We engaged a collaborative network of researchers and practitioners from diverse geographic contexts through an online survey and workshops, to understand and progressively meet their requirements for policy and spatial indicators. We outline our framework for action research-informed open-source software development and discuss benefits and challenges of this approach. The resulting Global Healthy and Sustainable City Indicators software is designed to meet the needs of researchers, planners, policy makers and community advocates in diverse settings for planning, calculating and disseminating policy and spatial urban indicators.

Exploring the Impact of Spatial Arrangements on BREEAM Outstanding Projects in London, UK

The spatial configuration of urban areas impacts environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic and social resilience. This study examines the intricate relationship between spatial arrangements and the planning and design of BREEAM Outstanding projects in London, UK. It analyses the relationship between urban morphology and the effectiveness of sustainable building practices and contributes to the broader objectives of urban sustainability. This research focuses on London, UK—a city renowned for its complex urban fabric and architectural heterogeneity—using a multi-case study approach to dissect the elements that facilitate the development of BREEAM Outstanding projects. This study analyses key spatial characteristics such as land use diversity, subway network analysis, and street network analysis using betweenness centrality of edges and node degrees. These factors are considered due to their impact on energy performance, carbon emissions, and social sustainability metrics. Furthermore, this research explores how urban design strategies, such as enhanced walkability and mixed-use development, reinforce the success of BREEAM-certified Outstanding-rated projects. The findings of this investigation reveal a correlation between urban environments and the development of BREEAM Outstanding-rated projects in London. By aligning the spatial organisation of urban form with BREEAM principles, urban planners, policymakers, and architects can facilitate the creation of cities that are environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically prosperous. The research offers substantive insights and actionable recommendations for future urban development, advocating for a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to sustainable city planning and design. The spatial arrangement of urban form impacts the planning and design of BREEAM Outstanding projects. Findings from current and future research will be used to investigate the connections between spatial arrangement and various categories in BREEAM and how they can influence future sustainable urban environments to set a benchmark for sustainability for contributing to a more equitable urban future.

Sustainable mobility and the smart city: A vision of the 4Dimensional (4D) design of city without personal automobiles of the future

The aim of this study is to develop a conceptual framework of sustainable future for cities and towns without personal automobiles and schematic traffic strategies in sustaining developing cities and towns. The discussions of this paper reveal that creative ways to sustain traffic and transportation within the metropolitan and towns in large scale can only be manifested if it fits within certain bounds of acceptability and therefore traffic sustainability can only move at a pace determined by the society. The paper concludes that cities and towns should aim to move towards environmentally sustainable transport and creative.

Spatial heterogeneity analysis between street network configurations and various service activities: evidence from the Wuhan metropolitan area

China’s economic growth is increasingly being driven by the contemporary service industry in the context of a new economy. This study aims to examine the spatial heterogeneous relationship between various service industry activities and street network design configurations by integrating multisource big data and geospatial analysis to provide insightful implications for human-centered design for compact cities by taking the case study of an inland megacity in central China, Wuhan. Street configurations under the walking/driving modes including closeness, betweenness, severance and efficiency, are characterized from the perspective of spatial design network analysis and angular distance to effectively reflect network shapes and subjective perceptions when navigating through the streets. The point-like, point-axis and ring patterns of various service activities are identified using the kernel density estimation (KDE). Then two sets of densities are analyzed to investigate whether various service activities are spatially associated with specific street metrics and whether spatial stratified heterogeneity exists. The results show that severance and efficiency are two promising indicators to represent the human-scale street design besides the conventional street centrality indices. The spatial mismatch is mainly observed between street metrics and the tourism sector whereas spatial clusters are detected in other types of service activities. Diverse service activities have distinct location preferences for street designs under different transport modes. The walking mode values global closeness and betweenness, while the driving mode values severance and efficiency.

A framework to guide and support the design of a smart city based on the PDCA cycle approach

PurposeInformation and communication technologies brought a new paradigm that allows policymakers to ground their actions on real-time events. Smart cities were initially conceived as a technological vision separate from urban planning. As a result, projects were rarely connected between departments, objectives were not aligned with strategic goals and there was a lack of citizen participation. This study aims to propose a framework to guide and support the design and implementation of a smart city.Design/methodology/approachInterviews with eight policymakers and one secretary of state are conducted to explore current decision-making processes, specifically, to understand if and how smart city strategies are designed and who their main contributors are. Based on these findings, an inductive thematic analysis of existing literature studies to inspire the steps of the proposed framework is performed. Finally, these steps are discussed in a focus group with nine smart city experts to characterize the guidelines comprehensively.FindingsPolicymakers confirmed the lack of a standard method and approach to orient their smart city strategies. Results describe a flexible, participatory framework that envisions 12 steps divided into 4 phases with dedicated guidelines.Originality/valueThis paper integrates the plan-do-check-act cycle approach into the thinking for urban planning design. In addition, it raises the need to reflect on the definition of a country’s strategic plan and the alignment and execution of cities’ roadmaps.

Widening the Circle: Is There an Eighth Principle for Universal Design?

The advantage of Universal Design (UD) over mere barrier-free design is that it can benefit everyone, regardless of age or ability. The imperative to include design for personal safety even outranks accessibility as a design precept. Evolved almost four decades ago, Ron Mace's Seven Principles did not anticipate advanced standards of safety in today's world. Whilst Principle Five - 'Tolerance for Error', states that 'the design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions', this notion of 'error' implies that it is the user who is at fault, rather than the provider. This may lead to inhibition and fear, hampering one's lifestyle in a multitude of ways. Fear of falling, inhibition of being unable to find a public toilet, forgetting a password or simply being made to feel old and incapable can all have an adverse effect. A cross-disciplinary group of experts undertook a number of studies on design for age-friendly cities in Ireland, through empirical research, experiential exercises and dissemination into third-level design education. Studies on design and facilities that lead to an individual's lack of confidence are discussed, including a research programme undertaken for the National Disability Authority on the Universal Design of Fall Detection Technologies. The paper proposes that an additional Principle: "Reduction of Fear" should be a basic design parameter in all aspects of the built environment as well as IT and services. By broadening its scope and joining forces with health and safety issues, UD becomes more inclusive, desirable to client bodies and attractive to everyone. The paper identifies areas where improvement in design is urgently required, suggesting the breadth of benefits accruing from more inclusive design, particularly in reducing fear through safer home zone environments.

Specific road safety issues in LMICs: an overview and some illustrative examples

This paper gives an overview of the work of PIARC Working Group 3.1.1 ‘Specific road safety issues for LMICs’. The working group performed its activities in the period 2019–2023. We prepared two deliverables: (a) a literature review, and (b) an overview of illustrative examples. The review started from the notion that the road safety problem requires a multi-disciplinary approach. The safe system approach is generally considered as the central concept for this purpose and this starting point is also taken in this study. However new directions are needed to make the safe system concept work in LMICs. The period of the first UN Decade of Action for Road Safety has brought us a series of valuable problem analysis and overview articles prepared by a variety of institutions and institutes. As a PIARC working group we did not repeat this effort, but used it as a starting point to indicate which specific issues do require a boost in LMICs for the coming period up to 2030. We concluded that the following 12 issues deserve special attention. Strategical: (i) Sustainable Development Goals integral approach, (ii) safety culture, (iii) road safety management and leadership, (iv) building road safety expertise and science; Tactical: (v) transportation system as a whole, (vi) city design, architecture, land use, rural planning, (vii) cost effectiveness, (viii) legislation and enforcement; Operational: (ix) speed, (x) sustainable safe roads, (xi) vehicles as a safe system component, (xii) post-crash health care. As a result of our discussions and analyses we also concluded that it is worthwhile and necessary to make a distinction between the issues in terms of levels of approach. Making roads and vehicles safe may be considered as operational safety measures on a component level, whereas city design and transport system issues do represent a more tactical approach. On top of that, organisational and cultural aspects do have a more strategical nature. As in many managerial and planning tasks the distinction between strategical, tactical and operational levels of approach is needed in the road safety field. It illustrates that the Safe System concept asks for a multi-level vision, thus preventing a silo approach with a limited focus on human behaviour, safe roads or vehicle safety. A further analysis for each of the selected issues resulted in priority areas, i.e. topics that deserve special attention in the LMIC context. In a similar line of reasoning we also described illustrative examples, i.e. LMIC related before-after studies that show the perspective of certain measures on an evidence basis. Although we found some illustrative cases for each of these issues, our search for evidence based cases confirmed the findings from recent overview articles indicating the lack of LMIC related road safety research. A more widespread implementation of effective road safety measures in LMICs would require a stronger national commitment and leadership from the road safety agencies point of view in the first place. Moreover an evidence based policy asks for a strong national and regional knowledge infrastructure. Ultimately road safety policies and road safety research programs are to be considered as inseparable. A strong local knowledge infrastructure may thus become the basis for an effective national road safety policy.

Perspectives of municipal professionals on adopting a dementia-friendly and inclusive approach in urban planning and design in British Columbia, Canada

ABSTRACT An accessible and navigable neighbourhood physical environment is a critical part of dementia-friendly and inclusive communities (DFCs). Municipalities in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada have committed to the vision of DFCs with action plans outlining priorities in planning, design, engineering, and services. City planners and designers play an instrumental role in implementing these plans. Our study aims to understand their needs and challenges in implementing dementia-inclusive planning and design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 planners and designers in Metro Vancouver, B.C. Findings reflect two broad themes: 1) augmenting DFC-related knowledge and awareness and 2) integrating DFC approach in general planning and design.