Local Urban Planning Research Articles

A Methodologic Approach to Study Large and Complex Landslides: An Application in Central Apennines

The evaluation of landslide hazards in seismic areas is based on a deterministic analysis, which is unable to account for various uncertainties in the analysis process. This paper focuses on the probabilistic local seismic hazard analysis and extends the results to the landslide hazard analysis to consider both the uncertainties of the ground deformations and the strengths. The work studies the areas between Nibbiano and Sant’Erasmo hamlets in the Camerino municipality located in central Italy, where all constructions present evidence of damage caused by both the seismic sequence of 2016–2017 and the slope instability. An exhaustive geological and geophysical investigation has clarified the geological, geomorphological, and hydrogeological characteristics of the area, enabling a new characterization of material stress-strain behaviour. The study reveals that the low stiffness of the debris covers, and their fair degree of permeability contribute to potential instability scenarios triggered by both intense rainfall and the effects of strong earthquakes. The goal was to utilize the results to support local urban planning because in-depth knowledge of the possible evolutionary scenarios of the slopes is fundamental to the management of the degree of danger for structures, especially for people. Moreover, it was shown once again how a multi-source approach, with different investigation techniques, cannot be ignored for the study of the evolution of complex landslides.

ENCODING RESTRICTIONS AS AN OBJECT OF CADASTRAL SYSTEMS IN UKRAINE

Transparency and uniformity of registration of land use restrictions are interdependent and complementary aspects critical for ensuring effective management of land resources. The interaction of transparency and uniformity creates conditions for accessibility, comprehensibility, and better perception of data. The study analyses land use restrictions identification during their registration in the State Land and Urban Planning Cadastres to determine the uniformity of the registration. The analysis mainly focuses on the main attributes of the land use restrictions, such as code and name. Based on the research results, we established that the classification of land use restrictions for registration in various state cadastral systems, particularly State Land and Urban Planning Cadastres, is mostly not identical and requires coordination. There is an unjustified duplication of some land use restrictions and ambiguity in assigning them to specific categories. A particular problem is coding land use restrictions as registration objects without considering the hierarchical spatial organisation of restriction zones and the principle of logical construction. There is also an inexplicable duplication of some categories of land use restrictions, as in: the protected archaeological territory (codes 06.06.3 and 16.04), the historic and cultural protected territory (codes 06.06.5 and 16.03), the historical and cultural reserve (codes 06.06.4 and 16.02), the historical area of ​​the inhabited place (codes 06.06.2 and 16.07). In addition, there are minor differences in the names. It is worth noting that correctly identifying land use restrictions is essential for developing local urban planning documents due to the requirements of integrating information from various sources and updating them regularly. Transparency and uniformity of registration of land use restrictions in the State Land Cadastre and Urban Planning Cadastre are the main factors contributing to the effective management of land resources, ensuring legal certainty, attracting investments, and protecting the rights of land owners. They also contribute to reducing corruption, increasing trust in public authorities, and protecting the environment. Keywords: restrictions, code, state land cadastre, urban planning cadastre.

Intra-Urban Induced Heating Assessment in Kuwait’s Desert Metropolis Using Explainable Machine Learning

Intra-urban induced heating (IUIH) in hot desert cities exhibits distinct patterns and complex diurnal interactions with built environment features, differing significantly from those in temperate areas and remains not fully understood. Understanding how various built environment features contribute to intra-urban thermal variability is an essential first step in developing sub-diurnal targeted heat mitigation strategies. This study presents a data-driven examination of IUIH dynamics in Kuwait’s desert metropolis. Near-surface air temperature observations were collected using high-resolution loop-type traverses at selected hours during a representative summer day to determine IUIH variability. The diurnal impacts of built environment features were modeled using an ensemble learning approach and interpreted with SHapley Additive exPlanations. Among several candidate machine learning regressors evaluated, Random Forest demonstrated strong predictive power (R2 = 0.954) with acceptable error (RMSE = 0.096, MAPE = 0.001) and least bias (MBE = 0.008). The study’s significance lies in its assessment framework that emphasizes explainability of sub-diurnal dynamics, offering detailed insights that challenge traditional assumptions and inform both immediate local climate interventions and strategic urban planning. The findings reveal that simple day-evening comparatives might overlook nuanced sub-diurnal dynamics, such as potential irrigation-induced warming by shrubs observed at mid-day and the complex trade-offs between radiative and transpirative processes by trees in the afternoon and evening. Additionally, the study identifies cooling effects associated with natural land cover, presenting a critical optimization challenge between compact and open urban forms to effectively modulate near-surface air temperatures.

Study on the Design Scheme of Vehicle Flow Lines in Unilateral Agglomerative Open Service Area

In recent years, with the introduction of the strategy to strengthen the country’s transportation infrastructure and the continuous implementation of new economic development models such as integrating transportation with tourism, various open service areas integrating highway service areas with local tourism have emerged nationwide. Examples include the Yangcheng Lake service area in Jiangsu and the Lengshui service area in Chongqing. This paper focuses on the design example of the Dazu Stone Carving service area on the Chongqing section of the Yurong Expressway, comprehensively considering factors such as construction scale, terrain conditions, and local urban planning. It analyzes and studies the traffic flow design of unilateral agglomerative open service areas around two vehicle traffic conversion links: between the main expressway and the service area, and between the service area and local roads. The aim is to provide a case study reference for similar projects.

From Theory to Practice - Research of Education at the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning - Cluj-Napoca

This study investigates the integration of architectural education with public sector technology through a collaborationbetween the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning and Cluj County Council. Concentrating on the digitalizationof local urban plans, particularly in rural areas, it offers a practical case study for students to involve them in publicpractice. This partnership allows students to acquire skills in urban planning, territorial management, and compliancewith environmental and professional standards. The research studies how students attain expertise in spatialorganization, urban functionality, and the wider professional scope of architecture and urbanism. The studyemphasizes that real-world, hands-on experiences are indispensable for training future urban planners. It highlightsthe necessity of merging theoretical education with practical application, showcasing the value of collaborativeeducational models in architectural training, particularly in public sector contexts by introducing students and theurban actors of the county administration in a fruitful practice.

Spatial Planning Prerequisites for the Development of Affordable Housing in the Center of the City of Zagreb

This paper analyzes the concept of affordable housing and urban planning instruments that incentivize its development, especially in city centers. Considering the shortage of affordable housing in Zagreb, the research aims to identify contemporary urban planning practices that focus on the social function of housing and the role that local urban and housing policies have in ensuring access to it. By comparing the strategic documents for the housing development of the cities of Lyon and Barcelona and models of their implementation in the local urban plans for the areas of city centers and contact brownfield areas, the provisions incentivizing the development of the affordable housing (right of pre-emption, category of subsidized housing, inclusionary zoning, density bonus, and protection of residential use) are singled out. In the context of urban renewal of the historic center of Zagreb and of brownfield redevelopment in the contact zone of the city center, inclusion of the aforementioned provisions in local urban plans is examined, demonstrating the potential that such instrument has for the development of affordable housing in the city center.

LOW-RISE HIGH-DENSITY HOUSING – POSSIBILITIES OF IMPLEMENTATION IN LOCAL CONTEXT, CASE OF NIŠ, SERBIA

<p class="ABSTRACT">Low-rise, high-density housing (further LRHD housing) represents an alternative model for solving contemporary housing issues in urban areas. However this specific typological form is not recognized in local urban planning and legislative frameworks. The aim of this research is to explore the possibilities for development of LRHD housing within local frameworks through the assessment of urban parameters potentially achievable through the application of the pilot Mix-Mesh concept for LRHD housing and their comparative analysis with values defined by local planning regulations.</p>

A comprehensive AHP numerical module for assessing resilience of Kabul City to flood hazards

The present study aimed to assess the resilience of Kabul City, Afghanistan, towards flood hazards, using the AHP numerical module. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, including secondary data, a questionnaire survey, AHP analysis and GIS. The findings revealed limited community awareness (55.7% of the respondents were aware of the hazard while only 31.3% were well-informed) and participation in flood preparedness in the city. While the city demonstrated high levels of social (global weight score of 0.28) and physical (global weight score of 0.21) resilience, it exhibited lower levels of institutional (global weight score of 0.16), human (global weight score of 0.13), economic (global weight score of 0.12), and technical (global weight score of 0.10) resilience. The study underscores the importance of local institutions, urban planning, community participation, and early warning systems in enhancing resilience. However, there are several key limitations, such as data availability, a shortage of skilled personnel, policy constraints, and the absence of a city-level flood management policy. Consequently, the study recommends the development of city-level flood hazard management and resilience policies to mitigate the impacts in Kabul City.

The Value of Local Self‑Government in the Process of its Interaction with the State: Constitutional and Legal Aspect

The local self-government reform in Russia in recent decades has gradually diverted this institution from the essence of its creation, embedding it in the vertical of state power under the image of public power. The 2020 constitutional amendments have only accelerated this process. The paper attempts to substantiate the need to preserve municipal power in the form that it was originally inherent in, being a prototype of the theory of a free community or at least dualism. The paper is based on the theoretical advances of scientists and the author’s insights, as well as on a number of issues of local importance, including land, tax, urban planning and other public relations. The author has attempted to show the need for local self-government at the present time, if the necessary vector of development is given to it by organizational and legal means. The increasingly expanding practice of delegating state powers and the introduction of a single-level system of territorial organization of municipalities plays a negative role in the issue under consideration. In order to overcome problematic trends, it is proposed to implement the existing institutions of municipal law in a new way, which will give positive results and for which there is a real demand from the population. Thus, people are reluctant to participate in various events related to mandatory face-to-face attendance, but actively vote for options for improving public space, do not want to be deputies of rural settlements, but help each other in difficult situations and go out on clean-up days, etc. The subsequent transformation of local self-government should be based on the needs of citizens, not the state.

Association between local amenities, travel behaviours and urban planning: A spatial analysis of a nationwide UK household panel study.

IntroductionGlobally, there has been a recent resurgence in planning policies focused on local living (such as the 20-min neighbourhood) with proposed benefits of creating sustainable and healthy places. The policies aim to provide improved spatial access to local amenities within short walkable distances of home to encourage walking and cycling and discourage car use, however these pathways have not been examined. This study aimed to quantify the density and diversity of local amenities and their association with daily/weekly travel behaviours. MethodsWe used data from Understanding Society, a national panel survey of UK adults. Spatial data were used to quantify the number and diversity of amenities that have previously been associated with active travel and focused on in 20-min neighbourhood policies within small geographical areas across the UK. These were linked to individual-level data describing daily and weekly travel behaviour for: walking (at least 10-min), cycling, car and bus use. Logistic regression models measured the association between individual amenities, their diversity and daily/weekly travel, whilst controlling for individual factors such as age, sex and employment, residing in a retail centre, as well as area-level urbanicity and deprivation. ResultsOur analysis revealed variations in active travel and car usage patterns by sex, employment status, urbanicity, and area-level deprivation. Local amenities were associated with daily travel behaviours with more amenities generally associated with more frequent walking and less regular bus and car travel. Furthermore, increased amenity diversity was associated with reduced daily car use (OR: 0.77, p < 0.001). Similar patterns were apparent for weekly travel outcomes. ConclusionsBoth access to specific local amenities as well as their diversity are both important neighbourhood factors for achieving shifts from motorised to active transport modes. Policy makers and planners need to ensure the diversity of local amenities are included in local living policies.

Is urban spatial expansion on track to achieve low-carbon cities? An empirical comparative study of Xi’an and Chengdu in western China

Rapidly expanding urban areas constitute places of high-intensity energy consumption and, hence, major carbon emissions. There is an urgent need to systematically review the relationship between urban spatial expansion and carbon emissions at the city level, especially for cities in western China where development lags behind compared to other parts of the country, and differences among resource availability exist. Here, we conducted a systematic comparative analysis of carbon emissions and urban expansion indicators for urban spatial development. We introduce and apply an extension of the STIRPAT model to quantify the impact of urban spatial expansion on carbon emissions for the cities of Xi’an and Chengdu located in western China. The model findings indicate that both cities have reached the absolute and relative goal of carbon emissions, although they experienced a sprawling pattern. Moreover, population density for both cities displayed a negative relationship with carbon emissions, whereas road area per capita displayed a positive relationship. Since western cities have a later starting point for development, the empirical research on influencing variables of carbon emissions for western cities is important to local and regional urban spatial planning and governance. We propose further empirical studies regarding the gaps of existing urban spatial structure and low-carbon urban areas, in order to construct a systematic and scientifically sound approach to further low-carbon strategies in urban development.

ВЛИЯНИЕ СПЕЦИФИКИ КОНТЕКСТА НА УПРАВЛЕНИЕ ВОДНЫМИ РЕСУРСАМИ В КРУПНЫХ ГОРОДАХ

Urban areas around the world are also facing a climate crisis – longer, irregular and unpredictable periods of extreme precipitation or heat. In urban areas, the consequences of these changes have the greatest impact on people's lives, and in large cities, these changes occur quickly. Water-based Urban Planning (WSUD) offers an approach to an alternative spatial organization of cities and infrastructures that meets urban and climate problems. However, instead of considering the use of water–saving design technologies as a fundamental concept of the final state of the urban environment, this study examines the theory that water conservation is a variable that depends on the context and other variables in the study area. Thus, water conservation acts as a link between the context and the concept, where the context forms the concept, and the concept provides a focus on how to take into account the context. Therefore, understanding the context helps architects and urban planners to identify opportunities among the many complexities and contradictions in the urban environment, which in the future will positively affect the inclusion of water resources in local urban planning programs and thereby facilitate going beyond hypothetical levels and abstractness of the concept.

Planning for climate change with the best of intentions... Analyzing the content of plans and planners’ rationale for adaptation

In France, local urban plans (PLUi) can convey drivers for climate change adaptation, e.g. greening and limitation of soil sealing to reinforce stormwater management. However, translating adaptation measures into plans is not always easy for planners to effectively communicate adaptation. We create an analysis method, specifically designed for the sustainable development project (PADD), a key document of the PLUi, in order to understand its adaptation approach. The PADD examined is that of the PLUi of Nantes metropolis in France. The first part of the method has been published; here, we develop the last two steps of the method, which consist of a thematic analysis applied to the corpus and a cross-analysis of results. The findings reveal seven major intentions for adaptation. Specific actions were more difficult to identify; however, four areas of practical application emerged: vegetation, water, soil and building. Furthermore, we questioned local planners to get a complete sense of their rationale to address adaptation. Creators and agents result in being aware of the challenges and can identify concrete and synergistic adaptive actions; however, it is unclear how they would measure achievement of PADD objectives. The results may provide useful information to determine whether PADDs are conducive to adaptation.

On the Role of Local Associations in Industry Self-governance: A Case Study of the Local Civil Engineering and Urban Planning Association

On the Role of Local Associations in Industry Self-governance: A Case Study of the Local Civil Engineering and Urban Planning Association

Planning Concept to Interact Local Practices and Urban Planning

Planning Concept to Interact Local Practices and Urban Planning

Effects of urbanization on the water cycle in the Shiyang River basin: based on a stable isotope method

Abstract. In water-scarce arid areas, the water cycle is affected by urban development and natural river changes, and urbanization has a profound impact on the hydrological system of the basin. Through an ecohydrological observation system established in the Shiyang River basin in the inland arid zone, we studied the impact of urbanization on the water cycle of the basin using isotope methods. The results showed that urbanization significantly changed the water cycle process in the basin and accelerated the rainfall-runoff process due to the increase in urban land area, and the mean residence time (MRT) of river water showed a fluctuating downward trend from upstream to downstream and was shortest in the urban area in the middle reaches, and the MRT was mainly controlled by the landscape characteristics of the basin. In addition, our study showed that river water and groundwater isotope data were progressively enriched from upstream to downstream due to the construction of metropolitan landscape dams, which exacerbated evaporative losses of river water and also strengthened the hydraulic connection between groundwater and river water around the city. Our findings have important implications for local water resource management and urban planning and provide important insights into the hydrologic dynamics of urban areas.

Detailed urban plan – between specific regulation and uncertain legal nature

Spatial planning and town planning are regulated in the provisions of Law no. 350/2001 and have as their basic purpose the establishment at a centralized level of a unitary framework for the development and planning of all construction, reconstruction and restructuring works.&#x0D; The detailed urban plan is a frequently encountered urban design tool in the field of territorial planning, and obtaining it is required in some situations precisely to respect the need for public safety and security, being a concrete application of the elements of the local urban planning regulation.&#x0D; Although it is classified as a specific regulation, the detailed urban plan does not enjoy a coherent and predictable legal framework, the proof of this fact being the extensive jurisprudential discussions regarding the legal nature of this administrative act, and the objective of this paper is to analyze the legal incidents and national jurisprudence provisions to answer the question of whether the determination of the legal nature of the detailed urban plan can affect the imperative of public safety and security of legal relations.

The Image and Mission of Geographical Science in Ukraine

The image of Ukrainian geography is formed in the difficult conditions of the establishment of statehood, deep political and economic reforms, and geopolitical and military resistance to russian aggression. Geographical science still does not sufficiently respond to the contemporary demands of society for geographical information and geographical knowledge. The reformation of national science and education presents geographers with many new problems that need to be considered and solved. The latest information technology revolution, along with new technical capabilities, means more and deep complex requests for geographic information. The paper considers the mentioned issues. The authors focus attention on the features of the transformation of the functions of geographical science in the conditions of post-industrial society and new people’s interaction with natural systems. The technological findings created by modern society are a prospect for the implementation of many solutions in the sphere of sustainable economic, social, and ecological development, as well as the transition to new models of production and consumption, and adaptation to climate change. The paper mentioned that geography plays a significant role in the development of organizational plans and business models in EU countries in such areas as regional and local development, urban and community planning and development, emergency risk management, and transition to a circular economy. In Ukraine, unfortunately, geography, like other sciences such as mathematics and physics, is increasingly perceived as part of basic education. Public demand and the market for projects are practically not formed, which causes both gaps in the implementation of numerous EU directives and international standards, as well as the decline of the discipline. Currently, the war with Russia is definitely the one of the bitter phenomena that requires the involvement of geographers. The first reaction of scholars took place as early as 2014, which was reflected in the adjustment of several educational programs, including human geography, political geography, urban geography, landscape ecology, spatial planning and development, cartographic modeling and GIS, geography of transport systems, population settlement, etc. Simultaneously, today Ukrainian geographers talk about large-scale changes in research priorities, focusing on the assessment of losses and the potential for the restoration of territories, the sustainable development of cities and regions, and geostrategization.

SCIENTIFIC APPROACHES TO ORGANIZATION OF "BLUE-GREEN" URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE IN CONDITIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

The study is dedicated to a crucial aspect of the revitalization and ongoing development of Ukrainian cities: addressing environmental challenges through the establishment of "blue-green" urban infrastructure. The overarching objective of this research is to apply current scientific knowledge concerning this matter to local urban planning practices. This is achieved by incorporating ecosystem-based solutions to foster sustainable development within the region. Fundamental concepts essential for shaping the framework of "blue-green" urban infrastructure in the context of climate change are elucidated. The paper introduces a model for a riverside city, emphasizing the integration of a natural water feature - such as a river, including its tides where applicable - and the surrounding coastal areas. It is discerned that a networked structure characterizes settlements along riversides. The role of the city's "blue-green" infrastructure in adapting to climate change is articulated. This includes conserving water resources, averting floods and other natural disasters, preserving biodiversity, mitigating the heat island effect, and enhancing air quality. Furthermore, a tailored adaptation model suitable for riverside settlements is developed, accompanied by the author's recommendations. An analysis of current scientific approaches within the domestic academic and practical sphere is provided, focusing on the integration of green and water elements. These approaches encompass: a) establishing the “water-green diameter” of the city, b) devising plans for water-green zones, and c) organization the “blue-green” urban infrastructure—an idea introduced by the author. The study identifies potential challenges and hurdles in implementing the “blue-green” infrastructure concept along the coastlines of river settlements. These challenges include the environmental aftermath of military aggression, existing development of territories, ecological sustainability, public support, regulatory frameworks, etc. A theoretical examination of the “blue-green” infrastructure underscores its potential as an innovative and crucial instrument in cities' adaptation to climate change. This framework aids in resolving issues associated with escalating temperatures, floods, air pollution, and the decline of biodiversity. Profound comprehension of the constituents and functions of “blue-green” infrastructure empowers us to better tailor our urban environments to climate fluctuations, thus fostering more sustainable and habitable cities.

Older adults' suggestions of research topics on ageing well in urban environments - A participatory study.

Ageing societies and urbanization are global phenomena that pose new challenges for care delivery. It is important to create a scientific evidence base to prepare for these changes. Hence, the aim of our study was to assess which research agenda older adults living in an urban environment in Germany suggest. A total of 1000 participants aged 65 years or older from five different neighborhoods of Berlin were randomly chosen and were sent a single item questionnaire allowing them to freely propose research topics regarding ageing well in the city. Codes were developed inductively and clustered into categories. In a second stage, these results were discussed with the participants and local stakeholders in a workshop and video calls. 102 persons suggested 18 research topics in 6 categories: health, living environment, social issues, mobility, and accessibility to information and communication. Proposed research topics ranged from accessibility of health care, green spaces and recreational means to social involvement and loneliness. There is a substantial interest of older adults for research regarding their living situation. Research projects and local urban planning committees are encouraged to invite older adults to participate and integrate their perspectives suggested by older adults.