Planning Perspective Research Articles

Typology of Informal Learning Spaces (ILS) in Sustainable Academic Education: A Systematic Literature Review in Architecture and Urban Planning

Informal learning spaces (ILS) offer unique opportunities for students to interact and develop skills in a more social, resilient, and sustainable environment. However, there is a lack of a definitive typology for ILS and related design factors and outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the typology of ILS in academic education, including relevant design factors and positive outcomes from architectural and urban planning perspectives. A systematic literature review was conducted on articles published between 2004 and 2024 from four databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, Emerald Insights, and IEEE Xplore. The included articles are in English and based on empirical data published in peer-reviewed journals, focusing on informal learning and its settings. A total of 37 full-text articles were included in the descriptive review, from which two categories and six types were identified: private indoor quiet space, semi-private/semi-public indoor space, public indoor space, public sustainable space, public outdoor space, and comprehensive space. The results also revealed seven categories of factors affecting these types of ILS: personal aspects, spatial design, physical settings, resources, social aspects, natural environment, and perceived environment. Furthermore, these ILS significantly contributed to five categories of positive outcomes: learning efficacy, socialisation, refreshment and relaxation, health outcomes, and sustainable development. Therefore, this SLR significantly contributed to the definition and typology of ILS in sustainable higher education.

Land Property Rights, Spatial Form, and Land Performance: A Framework of Policy Performance Evaluation on Collective-Owned Construction Land and Evidence from Rural China

Alongside the proceeding of rural land system reform in China, it becomes more and more critical to conduct policy performance evaluations on collective-owned construction land for profitable use to reflect the achievements and deficiencies of the reform. Traditionally, land policy performance evaluation is based on the theory of “policy-performance”, which fails to explain the mechanism of transaction costs. From the perspective of spatial planning, land use and the spatial form shaped by land development management and control are a representation of land property rights, as well as an expression of land policy performance. Thus, a correct understanding of the role of spatial form in the relationship between land policy and land performance is of great significance in accurately evaluating land policy performance and further improving land policies. Focusing on the interrelation among the three factors, this article highlights and elaborates on the intermediary role of spatial form between land property rights and land policy performance and puts forward the analytical framework of “land property right–spatial form–land policy performance”. It then takes the case of Wujiang District of Suzhou in southern Jiangsu Province to prove the effectiveness of this analytical framework. The outcome of this study can serve as a supplement to “policy-performance” theory, which refines and deepens the analysis of transaction costs from the perspective of spatial planning. It may also help deepen the recognition of land policy performance through visualized presentations, providing a new perspective for performance evaluation in quantitative and qualitative ways.

Utilizing Machine Learning for air pollution prediction, comprehensive impact assessment, and effective solutions in Kolkata, India

Escalating air pollution in urban areas is a matter of concern, and deteriorating air quality is having numerous impacts on human health and the environment. Kolkata is one of the most densely populated and highly polluted cities in India. The aim of this work is to predict the concentration of ambient PM2.5 using different air pollutants and meteorological parameters as predictor variables by using statistical and different Machine Learning techniques as well as to understand the influence of other air pollutants and meteorological factors in ambient PM2.5 prediction. Different advanced machine learning algorithms like Random Forest Regression, decision trees, k-nearest Neighbour, Support Vector Regression, Ridge Regression, Lasso Regression, and XGBoost have been used, and the results show that the XGBoost model exhibits higher linearity between predictions and observations, among other models. Moreover seasonal variation of the most influential factor for prediction of PM2.5 is also noticed during the analysis. This work adds to the broader comprehension of the convergence of environmental science, public health, and machine learning and it offers significant perspectives for sustainable urban planning and pollution control tactics in rapidly expanding metropolitan areas such as Kolkata.

Defining Sustainable Placemaking in Spatial Planning: Lessons from a South African Case Study

This study explores the concept of sustainable placemaking from a spatial planning perspective, focusing on Marabastad, a township in South Africa. Drawing on the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, this research seeks to understand how placemaking can contribute to the creation of liveable, resilient, and sustainable human settlements. Through a review of the placemaking literature and a case study, this study examines the evolution of placemaking towards sustainability and its application in diverse cultural, geographic, and socio-economic contexts. The findings reveal the importance of creating and enhancing places that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, economically viable, and culturally meaningful. The Marabastad case study illustrates the challenges and possibilities of sustainable placemaking in a multicultural and urbanising community. Economic interventions (e.g., tourism promotion and community markets), social interventions (e.g., education and community events), and environmental interventions (e.g., infrastructure upgrades and preservation of cultural sites) are proposed to address the complex challenges faced by Marabastad. This study emphasises the role of spatial planners in advancing theories and practises of sustainable placemaking, highlighting the need for context-specific approaches to promote inclusive and resilient urban environments.

Identifying the risk of exercises, recommended by an artificial intelligence for patients with musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) impact people globally, cause occupational illness and reduce productivity. Exercise therapy is the gold standard treatment for MSDs and can be provided by physiotherapists and/or also via mobile apps. Apart from the obvious differences between physiotherapists and mobile apps regarding communication, empathy and physical touch, mobile apps potentially offer less personalized exercises. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) may overcome this issue by processing different pain parameters, comorbidities and patient-specific lifestyle factors and thereby enabling individually adapted exercise therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate the risks of AI-recommended strength, mobility and release exercises for people with MSDs, using physiotherapist risk assessment and retrospective consideration of patient feedback on risk and non-risk exercises. 80 patients with various MSDs received exercise recommendations from the AI-system. Physiotherapists rated exercises as risk or non-risk, based on patient information, e.g. pain intensity (NRS), pain quality, pain location, work type. The analysis of physiotherapists’ agreement was based on the frequencies of mentioned risk, the percentage distribution and the Fleiss- or Cohens-Kappa. After completion of the exercises, the patients provided feedback for each exercise on an 11-point Likert scale., e.g. the feedback question for release exercises was “How did the stretch feel to you?” with the answer options ranging from “painful (0 points)” to “not noticeable (10 points)”. The statistical analysis was carried out separately for the three types of exercises. For this, an independent t-test was performed. 20 physiotherapists assessed 80 patient examples, receiving a total of 944 exercises. In a three-way agreement of the physiotherapists, 0.08% of the exercises were judged as having a potential risk of increasing patients' pain. The evaluation showed 90.5% agreement, that exercises had no risk. Exercises that were considered by physiotherapists to be potentially risky for patients also received lower feedback ratings from patients. For the ‘release’ exercise type, risk exercises received lower feedback, indicating that the patient felt more pain (risk: 4.65 (1.88), non-risk: 5.56 (1.88)). The study shows that AI can recommend almost risk-free exercises for patients with MSDs, which is an effective way to create individualized exercise plans without putting patients at risk for higher pain intensity or discomfort. In addition, the study shows significant agreement between physiotherapists in the risk assessment of AI-recommended exercises and highlights the importance of considering individual patient perspectives for treatment planning. The extent to which other aspects of face-to-face physiotherapy, such as communication and education, provide additional benefits beyond the individualization of exercises compared to AI and app-based exercises should be further investigated.Trial registration: 30.12.2021 via OSF Registries, https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/YCNJQ.

Optimizing delivery routes for sustainable food delivery for multiple food items per order

The diversity of consumer demand for take-out food has led to the characteristic structure of one order with multiple items, where the different food items in a single order are provided by two or more merchants. In the context of multi-item delivery for take-out orders with time windows, this study investigates vehicle routing for order delivery. This research aims to improve the service level of merchants and the efficiency of delivery vehicles. Food vendors receive orders from consumers through online platforms, then package the food items according to the orders. This method is a preliminary exploration of the issue of fulfilment of takeout orders on online platforms, and can provide preliminary theoretical support for decision-making on the delivery process of takeout orders on online platforms. In the context of online catering sales platforms and offline food sales merchants, this paper studies the delivery problem of takeaway orders with a time window and the characteristics of one order and multiple items, and constructs a method that takes the order delivery time requirements into account and minimizes the total order fulfilment cost. Taking into account the time window constraints of both physical restaurants and consumers, genetic algorithms are utilized to solve the order delivery problem. Finally, through case studies and experiments, the effectiveness and feasibility of the mathematical model are validated. Practical recommendations and insights are provided from the perspective of management and route planning.

Living with axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional survey of patient knowledge and perceptions

Diagnosis and effective treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) are often delayed due to inadequate awareness and poor patient-physician communication. Some AxSpA patients fail to maintain an active lifestyle by exercising regularly, further worsening their disease management. The evolving concept of patient-centred care necessitates better understanding of patient awareness and their needs. We aimed to survey AxSpA patients to reflect on healthcare planning and management perspectives. Our self-administered questionnaire focused on perceptions of AxSpA diagnosis and management, particularly exploring issues of physical activity and active lifestyle. Satisfaction with AxSpA medical care and its accessibility, diagnostic delays, patient-physician communication, and support for disease management were also explored. This offline survey was arranged at the Department of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Internal Medicine of Jagiellonian University Medical College and Krakow University Hospital. We surveyed patients with AxSpA attending outpatient clinics between December 1st, 2023 and April 22nd, 2024. The questionnaire included questions on types of physical activities, barriers to exercising, satisfaction with medical care, patient-physician interactions, diagnostic delays, and use of teleconsultations. A total of 117 patients with AxSpA were enrolled (mean age 41.62 years). The majority (n = 93, 79.5%) were employed. There was a male predominance (69, 59%). The average diagnostic delay was 5.5 years. Notably, 104 (88.9%) responders perceived physical activity as a factor influencing their disease course. However, only 32 (27.35%) managed to exercise regularly (≥ 30 min, 2–3 times a week). The majority (70, 59.83%) were irregularly engaged in some form of physical activity, with 15 (12.8%) not exercising at all, and nearly half (48%) reported at least one barrier to maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Pain (32, 27.35%), fatigue (27, 23.08%), lack of motivation (17, 14.53%), and lack of time (12, 10.26%) were noted as barriers to exercising. The respondents preferred to exercise at home. The survey identified critical areas where patient dissatisfaction or uncertainty were notably prevalent: 38 (32.5%) were uncertain and 35 (30%) were dissatisfied with rehabilitation access. For spa therapy, 63 (53.85%) reported uncertainty and 23 (19.7%) expressed dissatisfaction. Only 48 (41%) were treated by a rehabilitation specialist last year. Only 23% of AxSpA patients took part in teleconsultations last year, and 65% preferred in-person visits. While AxSpA patients recognize the importance of physical activity, significant barriers exist to engaging them regularly in exercising. Addressing these barriers through personalized, motivational, and educational strategies could improve patient outcomes. Improving patient satisfaction with healthcare services, particularly in areas of rehabilitation and physician-patient communication, is crucial for improving the overall care of AxSpA patients.

Assessing Industrial Past and Cultural Changes in Industrial Lands along the Hangzhou Section of the Grand Canal in China

The Grand Canal has been fundamental in supporting Chinese industrialization, as evidenced in the great changes witnessed across industrial lands, but few studies have approached this issue from a cultural perspective. After an extensive industrial recession in the early 21st century, canal cities like Hangzhou have seen changes in the cultural functions of industrial lands, relocating, transforming, and demolishing factories and other constructions to develop new cultural spaces and products. A deep analysis of these cultural changes is, therefore, quite helpful to appreciate the features of and reasons for Chinese national policy setting in the cultural sections of the Grand Canal, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized purpose of the Grand Canal, etc. Therefore, by focusing on the Hangzhou section of the Canal, and via the integration of high-resolution Google Earth images with a 1.5 spatial resolution, we dynamically monitored the land use of the 10 specifically selected industrial lands and interpretated the various uses of the areas from 2000 to 2020. Then, with archival data from 1950 to 2024 and fieldwork conducted over 1 year, and in consultation with major experts, we designed a mark sheet with factors and scores to comprehensively assess cultural changes in those lands. Consequently, the history of industrialization along the Hangzhou section was thoroughly analyzed with these investigations and data, and the reasons for and influence of cultural changes were presented in detail; subsequently, the outstanding problems were addressed, and suggestions were offered. This study contributes to a better understanding of Chinese cultural policy regarding cities along the Canal after the industrial decline, especially the critical implication of cultural loss within these cities. In addition, it also provides novel perspectives for cultural research, heritage conservation, and urban planning of canals or waterfront spaces for world heritage.

Integrated Optimization Study of Electric Bus Fleet Transformation

With the increasing social demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation, the transformation of public transportation systems has become an important issue. In this paper, three mathematical models are developed to synthesize the ecological consequences, financial models and transition scenarios in the transition from diesel to electric bus fleet. In Problem 1, this paper adopts the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to examine the full life cycle energy consumption of the product. The model comprehensively considers the main raw material production stage, vehicle assembly and distribution stage, vehicle driving stage and vehicle scrapping and dismantling stage, as well as the production stage of all types of energy added to the vehicle driving stage, i.e., the production stage of fuels and electricity, and finally applies Gabi, the life cycle evaluation software developed by PE Germany, to carry out the evaluation of the life cycle energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, the energy-saving potential of pure electric buses reaches 12.69%, and the GHG emission reduction potential reaches 6.05%. The results are applied to the bus fleet in Beijing, and it is calculated that the replacement of the bus fleet with pure electric buses can save 21.87% of energy and bring about a total GHG emission reduction of 60,700 tons. In Problem 2, this paper adopts the research method of life cycle cost (LCC). The model quantifies all the technical, material, human and organizational measures involved in the whole bus system process into cost indicators, and then builds a financial model for the transition of the fleet to a pure electric bus fleet based on the model, which provides a reliable basis for the bus company's decision-making. From a long-term perspective, the public transport company to choose a pure electric bus fleet will be more economically efficient, but need to bear the costly transition to the acquisition of costs. Overall, this paper comprehensively explores the smart bus fleet transformation problem through three complementary models. It provides strong support for decision makers from the perspectives of life cycle cost, financial planning and environmental friendliness. The combined use of these models makes the article more comprehensive and provides useful lessons for future bus fleet transformation.

Multi-locality in the regions of Oslo and Helsinki: a regional planning perspective after the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT In recent years, radical changes in technology and working cultures have influenced multi-local living and working tendencies. By employing a mixed methods approach, combining spatial analyses, document analysis and semi-structured interviews, this study explores potential locations for multi-local workers in the two regions of Oslo and Helsinki. It then examines how multi-local living and working is addressed in regional policies and planning strategies, including acknowledgement and inputs by regional practitioners. Among the various implications, the findings highlight the impact on the dynamics between urban and rural areas, regional growth, and transportation opportunities. This study promotes understanding about evolving multi-local approaches.

The Use of an Optimized Grey Multi-Objective Programming-PLUS Model for Multi-Scenario Simulation of Land Use in the Weigan–Kuche River Oasis, China

The oasis serves as the primary supply of cultivable land, along with the hub for human production and habitation in Xinjiang. Accordingly, predicting the land use of these areas based on various goals is an effective instrument for encouraging the sensible distribution of resource space. The study investigated the creation of a land use-allocation optimization model based on the various objectives of ecological protection, food security, and urban growth using the Weigan–Kuche River oasis as an example. The GMOP-PLUS model’s restriction conversion area was adjusted to include the findings of the land suitability evaluation. Additionally, it optimized and simulated the spatial arrangement and quantitative structure of land usage in the Weigan–Kuche River oasis in 2035. The results indicate the following: (1) the model’s overall accuracy is 89.36%, and its Kappa coefficient is 0.872, more than 0.8. Thus, the model can be considered for adoption in the future when predicting changes in land use in the districts and counties of the Weigan–Kuche River oasis; (2) based on the results of the land suitability evaluation, the percentage of areas that are most suited for agricultural development, urban development, and ecological protection is 39.32%, 24.21%, and 14.06%, respectively; and (3) the three scenarios satisfy the various demands for growth within the oasis, and the land use structure of the oasis varies considerably in response to the various development objectives, with the construction and cultivated land undergoing the most substantial modifications. The multi-scenario simulation of land usage in the oasis can provide essential support and a range of perspectives for future land spatial planning and socioeconomic development decision-making in the Weigan–Kuche River oasis. This is essential for both the efficient use of land resources and sustainable development.

Spacial Choices of Queer Urban Space: A Look into Queer Nightlife Establishments in China

This study examines the dynamics of queer public space in Chengdu, a major Chinese city. Considering the availability of access to different queer public spaces in China, we focus on Chengdu's night venue, entertainment, and digital public space and investigate their significance in creating queer community and sense of belonging. Observation, interviews, case studies, and document review is used to explore the queer space in Chengdu and reveal the obstacles queer community face when constituting safe queer space under the relatively oppressive ideology of the country. Investigating the problems through the lens of multi-disciplines such as urban sociology and gender studies, we take a view of the queer public space itself from an urban planning perspective which examines its design rationality as pure space constitution and analyzes the driving force for such design in gender studies perspective which involves discussion of intersectionality and analysis of patriarchal society. The queer urban space serves a critical function for the queer community by gathering the scattered population and providing a safe space to express their identities. By investigating the contemporary queer public space in Chengdu and making comparisons with that in other countries, this study uncovers the struggle and efforts of the queer community to establish their safe public space in combat with the heteronormative society.

Концепция развития местного самоуправления в условиях цифровой трансформации управления

State processes are currently regulated by conceptual strategizing, which means they rely on concepts of systematic, integrated, and consistent development in social and state spheres, e.g., municipal public administration. This research used theoretical generalizations, as well as constitutional and legal practice, to rationalize the need for a developmental concept of local government in the context of digital transformation. Acts of state strategic planning were classified according to subject and concept. Digitalization of management and local governance was described from the perspective of hierarchical subordination and strategic planning acts. The list of prospective goals and directions in the digital development of local government included: digitalizing the domestic agro-industrial complex; leveling the existing digital inequality; improving the financing of small and medium municipalities using digital systems and innovative technologies. The authors reviewed best foreign practices and modern approaches to standardization in the sphere of sustainable development concepts, which direct the regulation of local government development in the digital environment. They revealed some problematic issues of modern digital transformation of municipal government and prospective trajectories for local digital platforms.

Postsecondary Planning Perspectives of Black Parents of Young Adults With High-Incidence Disabilities

Informed by disability critical race theory (DisCrit), this phenomenological study explored the perspectives of Black parents of young adults with high-incidence disabilities regarding their experiences with their children's postsecondary planning processes. Fourteen Black parents participated in semistructured interviews and shared recommendations for educator practices. Five overarching themes emerged from the phenomenological data analysis. Namely, Black parents (a) experienced invisibility by a lack of inclusive postsecondary planning, (b) felt marginalized due to collusive forces of ableism and racism, (c) persevered through postsecondary planning processes and beyond, (d) navigated inequities through social supports and other supports, and (e) enacted ongoing resistance and advocacy. Findings illuminate how Black parents experienced their child's postsecondary planning, and we provide recommendations for educators to advance the postsecondary planning needs of multiple marginalized students and their parents.

Predicting air quality trends in Malaysia’s largest cities: the role of urban population dynamics and COVID-19 effects

This paper aims to explore the relationship between the Air Quality Index (AQI), COVID-19 incidence rates, and population density within Malaysia’s ten most populous cities from January 2018 to December 2021. Data were sourced from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the World Air Quality Index Project, and Our World in Statistics. The methodology integrated population-based city classification and AQI assessment, cluster analysis through SPSS, and Generalized Additive Mixed Model (GAMM) analysis using R Studio despite encountering a data gap in AQI for five months in 2019. Cities were organized into three clusters based on their AQI: Cluster One included Ipoh, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka, Cluster Two comprised Kuantan, Seremban, Johor Bahru, and Kota Bharu, Cluster Three featured Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. GAMM analysis revealed prediction accuracies for AQI variations of 58%, 60%, and 41% for the respective clusters, indicating a notable impact of population density on air quality. AQI variations remained unaffected by COVID-19, with a forecasted improvement in air quality across all clusters. The paper presents novel insights into the negligible impact of COVID-19 on AQI variations and underscores the predictive power of population dynamics on urban air quality, offering valuable perspectives for environmental and urban planning.

Construction of a Spatial Equalization Assessment System for Medical Facilities

The spatial equalization of medical facilities can alleviate the wastage of medical resources and improve the efficiency of medical services. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out spatially balanced planning and assessment of medical facilities in cities. Existing studies on the balanced planning, design, and evaluation of medical facilities have been conducted from the perspective of hospital buildings in terms of spatial utilization efficiency, service satisfaction, and their physical environment on one hand, and from the perspective of regional planning of medical facilities in terms of spatial accessibility to medical facilities and the suitability of medical facilities to the social environment on the other hand. This study hopes to break down the boundaries of each perspective and effectively integrate the architecture, planning, and social well-being of medical facilities, taking spatial equilibrium as the core, in order to establish a spatial equilibrium system for medical facilities and achieve a spatial equilibrium-based assessment of the current state of medical facilities. First, the factors influencing the spatial equilibrium of hospital buildings with the support of the system and environment of hospital buildings are determined. Second, the indicators of the spatial equilibrium of hospital buildings are extracted through the consideration of influencing factors, and the indicator weights are determined by discussing the degree to which they contribute to the influence of the operation of hospital building spatial equilibrium systems, thus forming a system of equilibrium indicators for hospital buildings. Finally, a spatial equilibrium evaluation model for hospital buildings is established to assess the effects of equilibrium. The results obtained in this study provide insights into the regional planning of medical facilities and the design of hospital buildings.

Towards a socially sustainable built environment: a comparative assessment of urban neighbourhoods in Istanbul

PurposeIntegrating and advancing social sustainability is foundational to achieving the urban sustainable development goals. Given the rapid transformation of cities in the Mediterranean region, this study sought to assess residents' evaluation of social sustainability in two socio-spatially diverse neighbourhoods of metropolitan Istanbul.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey, adapted from an empirically well-tested and robust social sustainability framework, was used to collect data from 197 residents from Balat and Rasimpasa neighbourhoods in Metropolitan Istanbul. The study then employed quantitative analytical techniques such as independent sample t-tests and Pearson correlation to analyse the sample data.FindingsIn both neighbourhoods, accessibility and participation were ranked the highest and lowest dimensions of social sustainability, respectively. However, the t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the two neighbourhoods regarding social networking and interaction, safety and security and participation. The differences align with emerging studies on urban social sustainability in the Mediterranean and European cities that when considered from urban spatial contexts, significant differences emerge from a social network and safety perspective.Practical implicationsOur study invites urban planners and policy makers attention to and emphasise on lowly evaluated social sustainability dimensions such as participation in their efforts to promote sustainable urban development at the neighbourhood level. We reason that opening the decision-making process to include diverse voices and experiences of residents through participatory workshops might offer opportunities for context-specific, citizen-led urban planning and design strategies that are socially sustainable.Originality/valuePrevious studies have not fully accounted for how various socio-spatial contexts at the neighbourhood level shape differential evaluation of social sustainability. This paper extends the emerging work on urban social sustainability by situating residents’ evaluation of social sustainability indicators across two unique neighbourhoods with gridded and organic spatial characteristics in Istanbul. This paper is an important addition to ongoing work on how spatial organisation of neighbourhoods can influence experiences of social sustainability from an urban planning and design perspective.

Evaluation of renewable energy projects based on sustainability goals using a hybrid pythagorean fuzzy-based decision approach

Due to the growth in energy demand and the need to pay attention to sustainable development, many developing countries face the challenge of making policies for growing sustainable energy. With attention to industrial expansion and population growth, Iran, a developing country, is confronting an energy shortage problem. Despite the appropriate capacity of renewable resources in Iran, due to the lack of proper planning for adopting renewable resources in Iran, these resources have a small share of the energy supply. This study aims to present a decision framework for assessing renewable energies in developing countries, in the case of Iran. In addition to technical aspects, sustainability aspects such as economic, social, and environmental factors are proposed to assess renewable sources in this work. The Best-Worst Method (BWM) and the Interval-Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (IVPF-WASPAS) techniques are suggested to prioritize renewable sources. The findings indicated that solar energy was Iran's most suitable renewable resource. Also, the validation and sensitivity analysis confirmed the findings. This research provides a comprehensive perspective for policy-making and planning of sustainability in the energy industry.

Promoting residents’ happiness through a human-centric approach to tourism city development

PurposeThe study aims to delve into the influence of tourism on the happiness of city residents, grounded in the overarching concept of livability. It posits that prioritizing residents’ happiness is crucial for effectively addressing cities’ challenges in balancing development and distinctiveness. The study pursues three primary objectives: first, establishing a potential correlation between city tourism and residents’ happiness; second, examining the contributing factors to this correlation and third, identifying potential mediators that influence the connection between tourism development and residents’ happiness.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative single-case design and partial least square analysis, the study underscores the intricate nature of various tourism development components. It specifically explores the roles of cognitive flexibility and social comparison in shaping the relationship between city tourism and happiness.FindingsThe findings make a distinctive contribution by revealing that not all tourism domains contribute positively to happiness. Furthermore, it sheds light on how tourism development impacts the emotional and cognitive dimensions of happiness, emphasizing the adverse effects of inequality and feelings of insecurity.Research limitations/implicationsThe study acknowledges certain constraints, including its employment of a cross-sectional design, the issue of generalizability, potential sampling bias and the reliance on subjective measurements when evaluating constructs like happiness and satisfaction with life. Using self-reported data introduces susceptibility to social desirability bias and individual perceptual differences, potentially resulting in measurement inaccuracies. Nevertheless, despite these limitations, the study’s findings offer valuable insights that contribute to both theoretical advancement and the realm of urban management.Practical implicationsThe findings elucidated through the mediation analyses conducted for hypotheses three to seven shed light on the significant roles played by mental adaptation and social comparison mechanisms in shaping individuals’ happiness. These insights substantially enhance our understanding of this field. Particularly, the dimensions of social and environmental impact within tourism appear to counterbalance the positive effects stemming from the economic and cultural aspects. This suggests a scenario where an excessive focus on tourism development could potentially undermine the overall livability of the city. These outcomes further indicate the necessity for proactive interventions by destination managers. Their efforts should be directed toward enhancing the environmental and social domains, aiming to reinvigorate the sense of community among residents, which appears to be gradually waning.Social implicationsThe outcomes of this study emphasize the utmost significance of prioritizing residents’ happiness above mere considerations of economic growth when formulating efficacious strategies for tourism. By concentrating on the happiness of the local population, a harmonious resonance is established with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which advocates for the creation of habitable cities founded upon the principle that “a city that is not good for its citizens is not good for tourists.” This alignment underscores the interconnected nature of residents’ happiness and the sustainable development of tourism. Moreover, residents’ happiness plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenge that cities face in harmonizing growth and their uniqueness, ensuring competitiveness and sustainability.Originality/valueThe research underscores the need for a people-oriented perspective in urban planning and tourism development initiatives. The study identifies diverse factors impacting residents’ happiness in city tourism, highlighting the complex interplay of environmental, cultural and socioeconomic elements. It emphasizes income’s role but underscores nonmaterial factors and individual preferences. Overall, the study offers timely and valuable insights into the intricate connection between tourism development, residents’ happiness, living conditions and human perception, guiding urban planners and stakeholders.

Can English be a national language in Pakistan?

This article argues that English should be considered as a national language in Pakistan in order to make it accessible to ordinary people and remove the negative assumptions attached to it. Using language planning and policy perspective, it suggests that instead of seeing traditional language as a problem, language policy should adopt language as a resource, which should not only be limited to a local or indigenous language(s), but should also be extended to other modern languages, such as English in Pakistan. Such a shift will reduce some of the problems of language planning and policy; it will not only reduce the burden on ordinary students to acquire (a) different second language(s), but will also make knowledge accessible to them through the use of their mother tongue and English. It will also help in reducing social stratification, as currently society is divided into elite and lower classes, with the class structure being perpetuated with the help of varying school systems and differential use of and access to Urdu and English. This study can lead to new debates about the use of English in non-English-speaking societies.