Urban Development Management Research Articles

New-Build Speculation and the Financialization of Urban Development in the Global South: A Perspective from Phnom Penh, Cambodia

This article analyzes how urban development and property management strategies shape and accelerate new-build speculation (i.e., speculation mechanisms attached to the development of newly built real estate projects) in Phnom Penh (the capital of Cambodia), a city experiencing a growing financialization of its real estate markets. By discussing dominant conceptions of property speculation within critical research in geography and urban studies, the article shows that speculation has primarily been seen as a fictitious and unproductive form of capital accumulation rather than as an effective mechanism of urban production. Analyzing the development of mixed-use, large-scale, and condominium projects, the article argues that not only does property speculation participate in shaping real estate development but also that the production and management of real estate projects “engineer” property speculation and the spatialization logics of real estate financialization. Four main mechanisms of new-build speculation are identified: the design of speculative urbanity, the refining of the liquidity of real estate assets, the spatialization of speculation, and the production of territorial investment platforms. Ultimately, the article discusses how the intensification of the construction of large-scale, mixed-use, and condominium projects in Global South cities is supporting a speculative turn of urban development in so-called frontier markets.

Machine learning-based techniques for land subsidence simulation in an urban area

Understanding and mitigating land subsidence (LS) is critical for sustainable urban planning and infrastructure management. We introduce a comprehensive analysis of LS forecasting utilizing two advanced machine learning models: the eXtreme Gradient Boosting Regressor (XGBR) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). Our findings highlight groundwater level (GWL) and building concentration (BC) as pivotal factors influencing LS. Through the use of Taylor diagram, we demonstrate a strong correlation between both XGBR and LSTM models and the subsidence data, affirming their predictive accuracy. Notably, we applied delta-rate (Δr) calculus to simulate a scenario with an 80% reduction in GWL and BC impact, revealing a potential substantial decrease in LS by 2040. This projection emphasizes the effectiveness of strategic urban and environmental policy interventions. The model performances, indicated by coefficients of determination R2 (0.90 for XGBR, 0.84 for LSTM), root-mean-squared error RMSE (0.37 for XGBR, 0.50 for LSTM), and mean-absolute-error MAE (0.34 for XGBR, 0.67 for LSTM), confirm their reliability. This research sets a precedent for incorporating dynamic environmental factors and adapting to real-time data in future studies. Our approach facilitates proactive LS management through data-driven strategies, offering valuable insights for policymakers and laying the foundation for sustainable urban development and resource management practices.

Chinese urbanization promoted terrestrial ecosystem health by implementing high‐quality development and ecological management

AbstractHigh‐quality urbanization and a healthy ecosystem are both the material basis for sustainable social development. However, the tie between terrestrial ecosystem health (TEH) and urbanization is still unclear. Therefore, we assessed the spatial and temporal dynamics of urbanization and TEH at 368 cities in China from 2000 to 2020, then explored their spatial interaction and driving mechanisms by spatial autocorrelation analysis and structural equation modeling. The results showed: (1) China's comprehensive urbanization index (UI) improved from 0.08 in 2000 to 0.10 in 2020, contributing by some national urban agglomerations such as Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta. (2) China's terrestrial ecosystem health index (EHI) also increased from 0.67 to 0.68. Ecosystem vigor improved significantly, while ecosystem organization and resilience both decreased. (3) EHI and UI appeared to be locally spatially dependent, and path dependence was presented at municipal scales. (4) At the national scale, urbanization positively relates to EHI, which was enhanced by social, economic, and topography factors. The dominant drivers on EHI varied among regions, and urbanization improved EHI in all regions except for the southwest. Our study demonstrated that urbanization would promote TEH by implementing high‐quality development and ecological management simultaneously, providing theoretical support for urban sustainable development and ecological management.

Assessment of LULC change and its impact on Surface Runoff using SCS-CN method for Noakhali Region, Bangladesh

Land use and land cover (LULC) change detection and its subsequent impact on hydrology are of significant importance in the field of urban planning and the sustainable management of water and land resources. The primary objective of this research work is to illustrate LULC map in a specific study area, which encompasses approximately 316.7 km² in the Noakhali region. Additionally, this study tries to examine the enduring impacts of LULC changes on surface runoff within the specified area. In order to achieve this goal, the analysis of LULC change trends in the region was conducted using Landsat OLI/TM data from 2000 to 2020. The analysis focused on five distinct classes: built-up land, vacant land, farmland, vegetation, and waterbodies. The research employs the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) model to evaluate the influence of LULC changes on surface runoff. Notably, the findings indicate a substantial increase in built-up areas from 1.05% in 2000 to 11.21% in 2020. This urban expansion is strongly correlated with a notable rise in surface runoff, as evidenced by a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.98) between urban expansion and modelled runoff depth. The observed increase in impervious urban areas contributes to a 2.65% rise in average runoff from 2000 to 2020, equivalent to an 8.96 mm increment in average runoff. The study underscores the profound implications for managing urban storm floods and designing urban areas, especially in rapidly expanding cities globally, with a focus on developing nations. The insights gained offer valuable information for informed decision-making in sustainable urban development and water resource management, not only in the Noakhali region but also beyond.

Объекты семейного досуга как драйвер развития города

The study examines the issue of developing family leisure facilities within the context of urban space management. The relevance of this problem lies in research indicating that families engaged in family leisure activities tend to be stronger, psychologically healthier, and more inclined towards traditional values, which is crucial for overcoming negative demographic trends. The digital era has significantly altered the functions of the family institution, increasing atomization within families due to the development of entertainment technologies and reduced necessity for joint activities compared to earlier times. Therefore, enhancing the role of the family in society is possible only through family institution development, which is unattainable without shared leisure time, i.e., family leisure activities. The study categorizes family leisure facilities by types and basic categories such as physical and spiritual activities, and examines the decision-making process within families regarding shared leisure activities. This process identifies opportunities for state support of decisions favoring family leisure activities and presents a range of measures to enhance the popularity of such activities. In the context of urban development management, the study explores expanding support measures for starting business in the family leisure industry. One of the most effective measures could involve methodological support across various categories of family leisure facilities, significantly lowering entry barriers in this industry. The article also discusses demographic, social, economic and healthcare benefits for municipal authorities related to developing family leisure facilities within their territories. Popularizing family leisure activities acts as a driver for improving urban spaces and enhancing the quality of life for the population.

Population Carrying Capacity in Urban Areas

Considering the mounting pressure on Indian cities to expand sustainably, The Population Carrying Capacity of an Urban Area examines this idea. The goal of the study is to estimate the carrying capacity of urban areas for population growth as well as the limit of environmental pressure caused by urban activity. The framework of study involves the evaluation of environmental thresholds, land capabilities, and urban development indicators to quantify supply and demand for resources, which ultimately affects population quality of life. The findings emphasize the criticality of resource provision for human needs and the necessity for effective management to achieve better results. The assessment framework provides a comprehensive analysis of various dimensions, guiding the prioritization of sectors for development and spatially identifying potential areas for improvement. Overall, the study underscores the significance of sustainable urban development and resource management in addressing the challenges of population carrying capacity and ensuring the quality of life in urban areas. Key Words: Population carrying capacity, Sustainable urban development, Urbanization, Environmental pressure, Resource management, Quality of life, Urban development indicators, Environment thresholds, Land capability analysis, Indian cities.

South Siberian macro-region: prospects of development

The article considers the prospects of formation and development of the South Siberian conurbation, transformation of functional and spatial structure of Novosibirsk as the largest city of the South Siberian settlement system, modern urban development management tools for urbanised territories and peculiarities of their application in South Siberian macro-region.

Urban Development and Sustainable Land Resource Management: An Ecological Geological Perspective

This paper delves into the crucial role of ecogeology in urban development and land resource management. Ecogeology integrates principles of geology, ecology, and urban planning to achieve a balance between urban growth and the preservation of the natural environment. The article emphasizes the core principles, methods, and applications of ecogeology in urban planning to foster sustainable urban development. The section on challenges in urban development and sustainable land resource management highlights issues such as rapid global urbanization, land fragmentation, and ecosystem degradation. Urbanization trends place significant demands on land resources, but they also come with resource scarcity, environmental burdens, and social issues. Land fragmentation results in the fragmentation of natural landscapes, while ecosystem degradation threatens biodiversity and ecosystem services. These challenges require comprehensive approaches, and ecogeology provides a promising avenue. The paper further explores successful cases and best practices, including projects in Singapore, Kutzbachstadt (Germany), Shenzhen, and others. These cases demonstrate how ecogeology successfully enhances urban environmental quality and improves the quality of life for urban residents through measures such as wetland restoration, green infrastructure, nature conservation, and urban green spaces. The future outlook section emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban planning, climate change adaptation, and technological innovation. Cities will continue to expand, climate change will persist in affecting the environment, and technological innovation will drive modern urban management.

Evaluating Non-Stationarity in Precipitation Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves for the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas, USA

Extreme precipitation has become more frequent and intense with time and space. Infrastructure design tools such as Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves still rely on historical precipitation and stationary assumptions, risking current and future urban infrastructure. This study developed IDF curves by incorporating non-stationarity trends in precipitation annual maximum series (AMS) for Dallas–Fort Worth, the fourth-largest metropolitan region in the United States. A Pro-NEVA tool was used to develop non-stationary IDF curves, taking historical precipitation AMS for seven stations that showed a non-stationary trend with time as a covariate. Four statistical indices—the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE)—were used as the model goodness of fit evaluation. The lower AIC, BIC, and RMSE values and higher NSE values for non-stationary models indicated a better performance compared to the stationary models. Compared to the traditional stationary assumption, the non-stationary IDF curves showed an increase (up to 75%) in the 24 h precipitation intensity for the 100-year return period. Using the climate change adaptive non-stationary IDF tool for the DFW metroplex and similar urban regions could enable decision makers to make climate-informed choices about infrastructure investments, emergency preparedness measures, and long-term urban development and water resource management planning.

The Kandinsky building in Chile: A case study demonstrating extreme urbanization pressure on coastal ecosystems

This discussion addresses the urgent issue of coastal urbanization in Chile, particularly focusing on the degradation of dune systems due to accelerated urban development and inadequate management frameworks. Using the Kandinsky Building collapse as a case study, this paper elucidates the vulnerabilities associated with extreme coastal urbanization and the absence of robust legislation. The research calls for the immediate implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Territorial Planning as pivotal tools for effective coastal governance in Chile. Both these mechanisms, when grounded in science, can provide sustainable solutions that balance current land-use demands with future ecological needs. We emphasize the necessity of scientifically informed setback lines, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), public education, and fiscal instruments to mitigate the challenges posed by extreme coastal urbanization. A Chile-specific ICZM plan, incorporating scientific research into policy formulation and execution, is imperative for evidence-based, adaptive, and sustainable decision-making.

Experimental urban commons?: Re‐examining urban community food gardens in Cape Town, South Africa

AbstractContemporary literature on urban agriculture often analyses urban community gardens as ‘existing’ commons with the capacity to counter neoliberal urban development and resource management practices. However, the existing literature on ‘political gardening’ generally focuses on cities in North America and Europe, despite the prevalence of urban community gardens and neoliberal planning across other regions, including Southern cities. This paper examines urban community gardens in Cape Town, South Africa to assess their capacity to function as urban commons in six areas: infrastructure, inputs, land, produce, labour and immaterial components. This mixed‐methods study employed questionnaires, semi‐structured interviews and observations across 34 urban community gardens in the city. The findings and analysis demonstrate how the urban community gardens counter neoliberal privatisation and individualisation processes. However, their capacity to function as urban commons is significantly curtailed by an entrenchment within the neoliberal context. Thus, the urban community gardens are framed as ‘experimental’ commons, a valuable re‐conceptualisation of alternative resource utilisation in neoliberal Southern cities.

Urban Development Management on an Eco-Innovation Basis: Content and Mechanism

The concept of sustainable urban development emphasizes the importance of using innovative ap-proaches in solving environmental problems that manifest themselves in actropogenically altered ecosystems. Urban development management on such a basis includes the development and imple-mentation of innovative projects that are comprehensively focused on achieving long-term growth, improving the quality of life and protecting the environment. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to form a mechanism for managing urban development on an ecoinnovation basis, based on the application of a process approach and the formation of fundamentally new institutional structures. In this context, eco-innovation clusters can become key elements within the framework of the sustain-able urban development management mechanism.

LEVERAGING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND BIG DATA FOR ADVANCED SPATIAL ANALYTICS AND DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS IN GEOGRAPHY

Geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) is an emerging scientific discipline that combines innovations in spatial science, artificial intelligence methods in machine learning, data mining, and high-performance computing to extract knowledge from spatial big data. GeoAI, or geospatial artificial intelligence, has become an emerging topic and the frontier for spatial analytics in Geography. This study explores how these technologies can enhance spatial analysis and decision support systems, leading to more accurate, efficient, and sustainable outcomes. The integration of AI and Big Data facilitates improved data acquisition and management, enabling the processing of large volumes of geospatial data. The paper highlighted the applications of AI and Big Data in geography, such as optimizing urban development, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. However, it also acknowledges the challenges, including data privacy and security concerns, potential biases in algorithms, and data quality and integration issues. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaborations and the development of user-friendly tools and platforms to democratize the adoption of AI and Big Data applications in geography.

Spatiotemporal variation characteristics analysis of infrastructure iron stock in China based on nighttime light data

Abstract Iron is one of the most important basic materials in infrastructure development, spatial and temporal variation characteristics analysis of infrastructure iron stocks is conducive to revealing its distribution and change patterns from different scales, which can provide a scientific basis for sustainable urban development and iron resource management in China. In this article, we first calculated provincial infrastructure iron stock data from 2000 to 2020. Then, fitting equations between nighttime lighting data and infrastructure iron stock are constructed to simulate the spatial distribution of China’s infrastructure iron stock at 500 m resolution from 2000 to 2020. Finally, the spatial and temporal dynamics of China’s infrastructure iron stock is analyzed from four scales: national, regional, provincial, and urban agglomeration. The results show as follows: (1) China’s infrastructure iron stock grew at an average annual rate of 26.42% from 2000 to 2020, with China’s infrastructure iron stock increasing 6.28 times over the 21 years. Construction facilities are the most important part of the infrastructure iron stock, and its share is still increasing. (2) On a regional scale, the high-growth type of infrastructure iron stock is mainly distributed in the eastern region, while the no-obvious-growth type is mainly distributed in the western region. The high grade of infrastructure iron stock is mainly distributed in the eastern region, while the low grade is mainly distributed in the western region. (3) On a provincial scale, the highest share of no-obvious-growth type of infrastructure iron stock is in Xinjiang. The highest proportion of infrastructure iron stock of high-growth type is in Jiangsu. The highest proportion of low-grade infrastructure iron stock is in Xinjiang. The highest proportion of infrastructure iron stock of high grade is in Beijing. (4) In terms of urban agglomerations, the high-growth type of infrastructure iron stock is mainly located in Shanghai–Nanjing–Hangzhou, while the no-obvious-growth type is mainly located in the Middle south of Liaoning. The high-grade infrastructure iron stock is mainly distributed in Shanghai–Nanjing–Hangzhou, while the low grade is mainly distributed in Sichuan–Chongqing.

Nurturing Sustainable Development: Unveiling the Dynamics of Implementing Slum Management Policies in Indonesia

This article explores the dynamics of implementing slum management policies in Indonesia, aiming to contribute to sustainable development efforts. The background highlights the significance of addressing slum areas in achieving sustainable urban development goals. The research objective is to unveil the complexities and challenges encountered during the implementation of slum management policies. A qualitative research approach involving interviews, document analysis, and case studies was employed to gain insights into policy formulation, implementation strategies, and their impact on slum communities. The findings reveal the multifaceted nature of slum management, encompassing social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The study identifies the need for integrated and participatory approaches, improved coordination among stakeholders, and targeted interventions to foster sustainable development in slum areas. These findings contribute to the understanding of effective policy implementation and provide insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in urban development and slum management in Indonesia.

CORRUPTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT BASED ON STOCHASTIC ANALYSIS

<p>The effects of corruption in urban development and urban affairs management in several south Asian countries are examined through a series of specific, distinctive, and provocative cases for which the data is more readily available. The stories and themes provide a starting point for analyzing corruption as a symptom and factor of underdevelopment, affecting efforts to use and allocate scarce resources for a higher quality of life in cities. It shows how corruption stifles imaginative and creative solutions to urban challenges while increasing future revenue sources. 3Ps has provided a chance for the public section to look at various funding expertise and options from the business sector to prepare the public infrastructure. On the other hand, governments in the source of budget limitations and other competing demands for state sources can’t supply each citizenry’s infrastructure. Besides, the private sector has been considered a better resource manager, and the government should concentrate on policymaking. Where P3s are put to fair use, the advantages are immense. Unfortunately, vulnerable to bribery. This is the case; whatever benefits 3P offers in reducing the urban infrastructure deficit may be eroded due to corruption, which could lead to an increase in construction or facility costs.’ rehabilitation. Secondly, a PPP process marred by corruption could lead to inferior construction substances. One of the fund’s big chunks will be diverted to the public officials’ bribing via the project company. Thirdly, a corrupt process could compromise officials’ integrity that has been charged with accountability for inspecting and approving construction works.</p>

ANALYSIS OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF SPATIAL PROVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING OF LAND USE IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

The study analyzed international approaches to environmental monitoring of urban land use. Systematic studies of the problem and scientific views are revealed. Based on the results of the research, the importance of spatial support for environmental monitoring is summarized. Specific examples show the role of geospatial data application in the process of monitoring urban environmental problems. Environmental monitoring of urban land use is an important tool for ensuring sustainable development of cities. Although there are many technologies and methods for monitoring, researchers focus on issues of efficiency, usability, technology dependency, and data quality. It is important to ensure the availability of data and the human capacity to carry out monitoring to ensure successful results and improve the management of urban development. However, it is important to take into account the peculiarities of each specific area and its environmental problems, as well as understand the needs and expectations of local residents. Therefore, before the implementation of the monitoring system, it is necessary to conduct a thorough analysis of needs and opportunities, involve interested parties and develop an appropriate interaction strategy. International experience demonstrates that land use monitoring systems are an important tool for ensuring environmental sustainability and development of urban areas. They allow identifying and solving environmental problems, preserving, and efficiently using natural resources, as well as ensuring sustainable development of cities and improving the quality of life of local residents. The researched issues in the article reveal various global practices and provide an opportunity to comprehensively assess the importance of creating a qualitative spatial basis for environmental monitoring of land use in the urban environment. The issue of spatial provision of ecological monitoring of the use of land in the urban environment is quite complex and relevant in international practice, which requires a clear understanding of the system of factors of environmental impact on the land of the urban environment and requires the creation of a monitoring system for ecological processes that take place in cities and have a significant impact on their ecosystems. Keywords: spatial support, environmental monitoring, geoinformation system, land plot, land management, cadastral data, land use, information support, automation.

Issues of public participation in the management of urban space development

The subject of the study is public participation in solving issues of urban environment development. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as: the role, significance and benefits of public participation in urban planning, forms of public participation in the development of the urban environment and factors that positively affect the level of involvement of residents, as well as restrictions on participation. The author notes that effective interaction between authorities and the population can help to qualitatively identify the main problems and tasks of management in the field of urban environment development, identify the needs of local communities, public sentiment and in the future minimize urban conflicts.The author's contribution to the research of the topic is to conduct a survey of residents in the city of Tyumen to study their readiness to participate in solving issues of urban environment development. The survey of respondents showed that more than half of the respondents are interested in participating in urban planning and landscaping. The survey also revealed the main reasons limiting participation, such as: uncertainty that the opinion of residents will be taken into account and will affect the final decision, misunderstanding of the forms and methods of participation. The difference between the real and potential activity of residents in relation to the improvement of their yard, area of residence is revealed. The factors that can contribute to an increase in the share of citizens participating in urban development and improvement projects are highlighted.

Envisioning the future—Creating sustainable, healthy and resilient BioCities

Numerous challenges – from population increase to climate change – threaten the sustainable development of cities and call for a fundamental change of urban development and green-blue resource management. Urban forests are vital in this transition, as they provide various ecosystem services and allow to re-shape and re-think cities. Based on a Europe-wide community effort with diverse experts centered around urban forests and urban greening, we propose five key research fields to generate the knowledge required to unlock fundamental changes in urban development and green-blue resource management: circular bioeconomy, climate resilience, governance, social and human environment, and biodiversity. To support the design of greener, cooler, more inclusive and resilient cities, all these research fields require inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, engaging stakeholders in transforming urban engagement and functioning. We summarise main inter-, trans- und multi-disciplinary research paths for each field and the cross-cutting knowledge areas that can help to address the challenges many cities face (e.g., modelling and assessment of the urban microclimate). For transforming cities further knowledge is needed on e.g., urban innovation, transition, participation, and more. Finally, we address how the identified research gaps can be implemented (e.g., international coordinated research effort, interdisciplinary networks).

Spatiotemporal changes in landscape patterns in karst mountainous regions based on the optimal landscape scale: A case study of Guiyang City in Guizhou Province, China

The accurate analysis of landscape pattern and ecological process characteristics in rapidly urbanized areas is crucial for formulating policies related to differentiated urban development and landscape management measures. However, there are no convincing set of overall indices suitable and the optimal scale in karst mountainous regions. This study determined optimal landscape indices and scales and analysed the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of landscape patterns in the karst mountainous city of central Guizhou Province by taking Guiyang City as a case study area using Principal component analysis and inflection point analysis. The results show that: (1) the nine landscape indices (i.e., edge density (ED), mean radius of gyration (GYRATE_MN), mean contiguity index (CONTIG_MN), mean shape index (SHAPE_MN), contagion index (CONTAG), interspersion and juxtaposition index (IJI), Shannon's diversity index (SHDI), proportion of urban area (UI), Gibbs-Martin diversity index(GM)) were optimal indices of landscape pattern analysis in karst mountainous cities, with optimal landscape grain and extent of 90 m and 1000 m, respectively; (2) from 1995 to 2019, the landscape pattern in karst mountainous region has changed dramatically under the impact of rapid urbanization, and urbanization and ecologization were main trends of landscape pattern changes; and (3) the landscape fragmentation was intensified with the regularity tendency of patch shape, which is still facing severe challenges to the protection of regional ecological environment. This study makes important contributions to exploring the response between landscape pattern changes and ecological processes and promoting ecological sustainable development in karst mountain cities.