Residential Neighborhoods Research Articles

Human-Scale Greenery in the Window View

In recent decades, the quality of life in cities has declined due to rapid growth. The global ecological crisis and climate change are leading to pollution and overheating of the environment, resulting in deteriorating health conditions and social segregation. The fact is that greenery in urban environments significantly improves people’s well-being, health, and satisfaction. The research presented in this paper was focused on the issue of greenery in residential neighborhoods, which has many positive effects in addition to the health benefits. The purpose of the article is to check whether greenery also has an artistic effect in addition to environmental benefits. In the research, the importance of greenery was highlighted by examining two residential neighborhoods in the urban environment of the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Elements of greenery were analyzed from the perspective of “human scale”, which refers to the size, texture, and arrangement of physical elements that correspond to human size and proportions. There were seven indicators highlighted that were used to verify the human scale: area connectivity, readability, and completeness of the ambience; transparency of tree canopies, and perception of artistic composition principles. The results show that the presence of greenery in residential neighborhoods is an important element of the human scale.

Layout Optimization of Residential Buildings to Improve the Outdoor Microclimate of Neighborhoods Along an Urban Bay: A Case Study of Shantou’s Inner Bay, China

In summer, the urban heat island effect causes unbearable warmth in Shantou City, especially in the urban areas along the Inner Bay with densely populated neighborhoods. An investigation of the layout patterns of 100 residential neighborhoods along Shantou’s Inner Bay was conducted, leading to the establishment of four types and nine sub-types of idealized residential neighborhood models. Their wind speed, relative humidity, and air temperature were simulated in the ENVI-met software (version No.5.0.1). The simulation results show that high-rise buildings in the front areas play a decisive role in the overall microclimate environment. Accordingly, three principal drawbacks regarding neighborhood layout for thermal climate adaptation were extracted. Furthermore, by comparing the simulation results before and after modifying the layout of high-rise buildings, three spatial strategies to strengthen the humidification and cooling effect of sea–land breezes to optimize the outdoor microclimatic environment of neighborhoods were proposed, and these strategies were subsequently verified in the Golden-Harbor neighborhood.

Can Improved Environments Alone Ensure Well-Being for Older Adults? Exploring Aging in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods

The concept of aging in place has gained prominence in urban planning, yet few studies have specifically examined the impact of neighborhood environments on the subjective well-being (SWB) of older adults in disadvantaged areas. This study addresses this gap by comparing the SWB of residents in four low socioeconomic neighborhoods in Xi’an, China—two urban renewal areas with improved environments and two traditional neighborhoods with poor conditions. Using surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis, our study uncovers significant insights into the relationship between the built environment and SWB. Surprisingly, residents in urban renewal neighborhoods with better physical environments report lower residential satisfaction and a diminished sense of community. Our findings further suggest that perceptions of the built environment might have a greater influence on older adults’ well-being than objective conditions. In particular, perceived living convenience and affordability are two factors significantly associated with the SWB of older adults in these disadvantaged neighborhoods. These results emphasize the need for planning strategies that integrate both “hard” physical improvements and “soft” measures that enhance social connections, psychological experiences, and neighborhood identity. Additionally, our research reveals that the built environment factors influencing SWB are consistent across age groups, underscoring the potential benefits of developing age-friendly communities that serve all generations. The implications of this study provide valuable guidance for urban planners and policymakers in creating neighborhoods that effectively promote the well-being of older adults.

From the perspective of children and parents: What makes communal open spaces in multi-story residential neighborhoods child-friendly?

An increasing number of children live in apartments due to global trends in urbanization. However, little attention has been paid to the communal open spaces that are appropriate and attractive to children. This study aims to identify characteristics that significantly impact the quality of child-friendly communal open spaces within multi-story residential neighborhoods. The paper first reviewed the relevant literature to develop a conceptual framework. The measurements for the framework factors were then calculated through two online questionnaires seeking the perspectives of children and parents. Participants consist of 441 children aged 6–12 years and 576 parents. Both groups were living in 3 to 9-story residential buildings in Sanandaj, Iran. The findings show the four most significant factors for a child-friendly communal open space: “connection with nature”, “spatial flexibility”, “social networking”, and “safety/security”, in this order. Water play is the most significant indicator of child-friendliness followed by the provision of a variety of play equipment and natural environments. The most significant safety indicators for children are the availability of an outdoor shelter and soft surface materials. While children prefer free space for self-directed activities, parents ranked formal sports fields higher. We suggest biophilic design and participatory design that involves children and parents.

The Effects of The Corona Pandemic on Urban Planning and The Future of Yemeni Cities: A Case Study of Thamar

This study aims to explore the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on urban planning and the future of Yemeni cities, focusing on the factors that make cities more vulnerable to the spread of the virus, such as population density and social interactions. The study also discussed the measures taken by cities to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, reviewed the experiences of some countries in the post-pandemic phase, and conducted a case study in the Yemeni city of Thamar and its impact on the Coronavirus and its visions for future urban planning. The study used the inductive approach and the analytical approach, given the nature of the study and its suitability to explore and understand complex phenomena related to the Corona pandemic and urban planning. The Corona pandemic revealed the crucial role of urban planning in confronting health crises, in general, and the pandemic contributed to the necessity of rethinking the modern human lifestyle and well-being. The COVID-19 crisis has provided an excellent opportunity for planners and policymakers to take transformative action towards creating more just, resilient, and sustainable cities and the need to expand pedestrian areas, create safe green areas, provide public open spaces within cities, and provide residential neighborhoods with green, recreational spaces and parks available to all. This study highlights the importance of urban planning in light of health crises. It provides insights on enhancing the resilience of cities in general and Yemeni cities in particular and their sustainability in the future.

Residential instability, neighborhood deprivation, and outcomes for children

BackgroundResidential instability and neighborhood conditions may shape children’s health and development, but it is unclear whether all residential moves are equally destabilizing, and the extent to which moving to neighborhoods with different conditions can improve children’s outcomes. Most studies estimating causal effects of these factors on children’s health or development use smaller, geographically constrained, urban cohorts.ObjectiveIn a racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse statewide cohort including urban and rural communities, we investigate effects of residential instability, neighborhood deprivation, and their intersection on childhood educational outcomes.MethodsWe construct a statewide dataset that links North Carolina birth records (2002–2005) with lead testing data (2003–2015) and 4th grade standardized test scores (2013–2016). A composite census tract-level neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) is linked with individuals based on residence at birth, lead testing, and 4th grade. Outcomes of interest are 4th grade test scores in reading and mathematics. We use multinomial propensity scores to estimate effects of residential instability and neighborhood deprivation on test scores.ResultsChildren who moved between only high deprivation neighborhoods had lower reading test scores (-0.29 [95% CI: -0.59, -0.015]) compared to children who resided in high deprivation neighborhoods but did not move. Children who resided in a high deprivation neighborhood at birth and subsequently moved to a low deprivation neighborhood(s) had higher test scores compared to those who moved between only high deprivation neighborhoods (1.59 [0.90, 2.28]). Additionally, children who move from high to low deprivation neighborhoods earlier had larger improvements.ConclusionBeing residentially stable, even while residing in a high deprivation neighborhood, is associated with improved educational outcomes. However, there is also a larger positive effect of moving from high to low deprivation neighborhoods. Our findings have important implications, particularly given the increasing segregation of neighborhoods by socioeconomic status and the housing affordability crisis in the United States. Partnerships between housing programs, early childhood education and services, and health care providers, which address evictions and broader issues, may help address health inequalities rooted in childhood exposures and experiences.

Collective residential neighbourhoods in Algeria: between reality and planning. A case study of the 800 Housing Units neighbourhood in Batna City

The housing problem, or housing crisis, affecting most Algerian cities has compelled political and executive authorities at all levels (central, regional, and local) to adopt numerous housing policies aimed at reducing the significant gap between the two sides of the housing equation (high demand – low supply). Additionally, the challenge of providing housing units to realize all planned housing projects troubles local officials. Therefore, there has been a trend towards prioritizing collective housing projects to rationalize property consumption and enhance the real estate portfolio of local communities. Batna city has had its share of these collective housing programs, and our research paper focused on its deteriorating reality due to numerous changes affecting both the built and unbuilt environment. This has led to a decline in the quality of life in these neighbourhoods, prompting the intervention of relevant authorities to launch ‘urban improvement’ projects to rectify the imbalances recorded in the urban aspect of most collective residential neighbourhoods, including the 800 Housing Units neighbourhood (800-Unit Neighbourhood) as a good example. The process has been initiated to stop the aforementioned area from a deteriorating and elevate it from poor condition to a better, if not ideal, situation. In conclusion, we recommend that urban laws be activated to halt any illegal alterations or modifications, and above all, that design aspect of collective housing units during the planning phase be considered to align with residents’ preferences before the latter occupy them and make changes, thereby avoiding visual pollution with urban concepts.

Influence of Socioeconomic Status on the Retail Food Environment in Alicante.

Unhealthy dietary habits are associated with chronic non-communicable diseases and may contribute to increased mortality in all countries of the world. Food environments determine the accessibility, availability, and promotion of food, thus playing an important role in people's diets, but they are context-dependent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability and accessibility of food in food outlets in different neighborhoods of the city of Alicante. Cross-sectional study. Trained researchers conducted food store audits using the validated Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in Stores for Mediterranean contexts (NEMS-S-MED) tool. Data were collected from food stores within a socioeconomically diverse sample in Alicante (n = 63). We compared the availability and affordability of "healthier-less healthy" food pairs, scores between food store types (supermarkets, specialized, convenience stores, and others), and socioeconomic levels in Alicante in 2022. The present study highlights that the food stores with the greatest availability and accessibility to healthy foods are supermarkets, as opposed to specialized stores and convenience stores. In addition, differences were found in the accessibility and availability of healthy foods by neighborhoods with different income levels, being more accessible in the residential neighborhood with the highest income level. Tourism could explain the differences in the food retail environment, with a high-income neighborhood showing similar results to low-income neighborhoods. The results obtained invite reflection on the development and adoption of policy strategies that promote the availability and accessibility of healthy food in the most disadvantaged areas.

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION IN THE DEFENSE OF SUSTAINABLE CITIES

This article reflects on the management of a neighborhood residents' association located in a large city in the state of São Paulo. This study makes an important contribution to the debate on popular participation in city planning as a management strategy to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 11, which states: "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable." The methodology developed was bibliographic and field research with a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interview techniques and observation. The data collected in the interviews were analyzed from a theoretical-critical perspective that ensures a reading of social reality and favors the understanding of social relations in their essence, that is, beyond what is presented in the appearance of facts. The study brought indicators that, although residents' associations are privileged spaces for popular participation, in the institution investigated, no practice of protagonism of residents in social mobilization and participation in collective affairs was observed. It is clear that the residents' association is unable to perform its political functions, much less facilitate the population's approach to municipal management, aiming at participation in the elaboration of public policies and sustainable local development.

CCC2023_possibilities of obtaining energy from aerodynamic phenomena occurring in selected housing estates in Warsaw, Poland

The study uses wind tunnel experiments to explore the potential for harnessing wind energy from aerodynamic phenomena in selected housing estates in Warsaw, Poland. Aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the European ‘Fit for 55’ resolution, our research focuses on the energy recovery capabilities of large-panel technology buildings established in the latter half of the twentieth century. We aim to provide a roadmap for integrating wind energy solutions into urban planning and design by analyzing the aerodynamic effects within urban environments. Our methodology includes qualitative assessments of wind patterns around residential neighbourhoods and their impact on potential wind energy utilization. Results indicate that specific urban configurations can significantly enhance the efficiency of wind energy harvesting, offering a promising avenue for sustainable urban development. This study contributes to the growing field of renewable energy research by highlighting the untapped potential of urban wind resources and proposing design considerations for future architectural projects.

Investigating the role of brand love on brand advocacy in the local eco hijab fashion industry

Purpose The study analyzes brand love in local eco-hijab fashion (LEHF) by discussing the value of collectivism, fashion consciousness, environmental value, religiosity and brand advocacy. LEHF becomes the trend pursued by consumers, so this can create market opportunities to optimize marketing strategies. The focus on LEHF in a sustainable fashion would allow local businesses to develop local values-based companies. This study uses the value attitude-behavior model to analyze data. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a quantitative survey to obtain data. The questionnaire is spread to 300 respondents with a purposive sampling approach, especially respondents who have worn LEHF. Findings This study shows that collectivism values, fashion consciousness, environmental values and religiosity influence brand love, while brand love influences brand advocacy related to LEHF. On the other hand, consumers are the target market with a fashion consciousness to follow the trend of hijab clothes. This also shows they wear clothes to fulfill religious values while prioritizing the latest styles. Research limitations/implications Since this study focuses on LEHF, this product is only relevant to hijab fashion. This takes into account the potential of Muslim-dominated Indonesian society. The fashion category can be enlarged to include more local products in future studies. A large selection of goods may promote greater use of regional interests. Practical implications For business actors, particularly micro and medium firms that are just starting to grow to support the local hijab fashion industry company, this research has managerial implications. This presents a chance for business actors to improve the local economy and opens doors for establishing more employment possibilities. The growth of the regional hijab fashion market offers an opportunity to satisfy the demands of customers who favor regional goods. Brand love in LEHF may foster business revenue growth and help local firms compete favorably with international brands. Marketers for LEHF are anticipated to intensify their efforts to advance socialism, the environment and fashion sensibility. Additionally, LEHF marketers emphasize the importance of religiosity when promoting their products to the target population. Marketers are also aware that the study’s environment is Indonesia, which has 90% Muslim population. Marketers have an excellent opportunity to maximize this scenario. Social implications This study also had social implications. The goal of producing locally made eco-hijabs is to benefit nearby communities and the environment. This aligns with the more general objectives of ethical and sustainable fashion. Sustainable methods are used in production, such as using eco-friendly colors, water conservation and waste reduction. Sustainable manufacturing methods are designed to reduce their adverse effects on the environment and encourage ethical production. Empowerment and community engagement may be involved in the manufacturing of locally-made eco-hijabs. This can entail educating and hiring regional craftspeople or incorporating neighborhood residents in manufacturing. Originality/value The study focuses on religiosity and environmental value to further analyze its influence on LEHF. The context of the products analyzed in this study is LEHF, which prioritized local production and strengthened local wisdom through pro-environment. The study used the VAB (value, attitude, behavior) model to analyze the concept.

Optimal Design of an Off-Grid Solar Energy System Integrated with a Diesel Generator for Urban Areas in Pakistan

The growing energy demand in Pakistan, coupled with the challenges posed by reliance on imported fossil fuels, necessitates the exploration of alternative energy solutions. This study presents the design and techno-economic analysis of an off-grid hybrid energy system tailored for a residential neighborhood in Karachi, Pakistan. The system integrates individual solar energy solutions for seven housles, supplemented by a shared diesel generator to ensure a reliable power supply, particularly during load-shedding and grid outages. The study utilizes HOMER Pro software to model and optimize various configurations, taking into account local solar insolation levels and seasonal variability in energy demands. The optimized system includes photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery storage, and a shared diesel generator with individual connections and meters, with each house receiving a customized solution based on its specific energy requirements, ranging from 15 kWh/day to 45 kWh/day. The shared diesel generator is designed to reduce the need for large battery banks, thereby minimizing both capital and operational costs. The results demonstrate a cost-effective solution with a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of $0.2959/kWh and a Net Present Cost (NPC) of $15,562.55 over a 25-year period. This research highlights the potential for implementing such systems in urban areas of Pakistan, offering a sustainable, reliable, and economically viable alternative to conventional energy sources.

Youth Engagement in Water Quality Monitoring: Uncovering Ecosystem Benefits and Challenges

A youth-centric participatory mapping approach was employed to monitor the lower Mill Creek, an urban waterway located in Cincinnati, Ohio, by collecting geospatial data points on surface water quality and ecological assets. Utilizing the ArcGIS Field Maps application, a digital survey-based tool was developed to identify key areas related to ecological assets and urban water management challenges. The purpose of this citizen science approach was to allow researchers to capture and understand community perspectives and insights while engaging in scientific research that focuses on identifying geographic vulnerability areas and ecological assets. The primary objective was to empower local community groups and residents in an environmental justice neighborhood to understand the current opportunities and constraints of the adjacent waterbody, enabling informed decision-making for future planning initiatives that benefit both conservation and remediation efforts aligned with local values and needs. A youth-centric participatory mapping approach was employed to monitor the lower Mill Creek, an urban waterway in Cincinnati, Ohio, through the collection of geospatial data on surface water quality and ecological assets. The findings, based on hotspot analysis, revealed significant spatial clustering of heavy debris near the barrier dam and the lower portion of Mill Creek, where it converges with the Ohio River. This accumulation is attributed to the structural features of the barrier dam’s inner flood catchment area, which traps debris during rainfall events. Although no areas showed spatial significance for perceived ecological services, students identified specific areas with esthetic and biodiversity value, particularly at Mill Creek’s confluence with the Ohio River and along the northern stretch of the stream corridor. These findings provide valuable insights for guiding future conservation and remediation efforts that reflect both community values and environmental priorities.

Communication Approches in Enhancing The Effectiveness of Community Fund Collection in The RW 006, Kelurahan Cipinang Cempedak, East Jakarta

This study investigates the effectiveness of communication strategies in enhancing community fund collection in RW 006, Kelurahan Cipinang Cempedak, East Jakarta, through the lens of Social Capital Theory and Communication Theory. By addressing socio-economic disparities and digital literacy issues, the research aims to provide actionable insights for local authorities. A mixed-method approach, combining qualitative interviews with Neighborhood Association leaders and residents, as well as observations of community meetings, was employed. The analysis reveals that a hybrid communication strategy, integrating traditional meetings and digital platforms like WhatsApp, significantly enhances community engagement and fund collection. However, digital literacy and socio-economic disparities present significant barriers. Transparent reporting and regular updates are essential for building trust and encouraging participation. The findings underscore the importance of inclusive communication strategies that address both digital literacy and socio-economic challenges, thereby fostering community participation and optimizing fund collection efforts in urban neighborhoods.

The lasting impact of historical residential security maps on experienced segregation

AbstractWe study the impact of 1930s Residential Security maps on experienced segregation as measured by geolocation data. We compare adjacent neighborhoods with different creditworthiness grades. Using a sample of neighborhood boundaries, which, based on estimated propensity scores, were likely drawn for idiosyncratic reasons, residents of neighborhoods on the lower graded side of the boundary are more likely to visit other historically lower graded destination neighborhoods and neighborhoods that currently tend to have lower household income and lower educational attainment. Disparities in visits are not driven by work commutes, very local visits, or differences in income.

Association Between Racial Marginalization with Direct Healthcare Expenditure, Time at Home and Rehabilitation Access Following Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

To determine the association between residence in racialized neighborhoods with direct healthcare expenditure and days at home (DAH) after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Differences in ethno-racial background have been associated with health outcome disparities. Much of this prior research was conducted in settings without universal healthcare coverage. The influence of ethno-racial background on health outcomes after TBI in universal healthcare settings remains unclear. This retrospective multicenter cohort study utilized linked administrative health data to identify adults sustaining moderate to severe TBI between 2009-2021. The primary exposure was an area-level index corresponding to the degree of racialized and immigrant populations within neighborhoods of residence (Q1-least racialized; Q5-most racialized). Co-primary outcomes were direct healthcare expenditure and DAH365days after injury. Secondary outcomes included discharge to rehabilitation and functional independence measure (FIM) scores at rehabilitation discharge. 6,188 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients in the most racialized neighborhoods incurred higher crude and adjusted direct healthcare costs compared to those in the least racialized neighborhoods. This effect was driven predominantly by physician claims and acute care costs. There were no significant differences in crude or adjusted DAH across quintiles. Access to rehabilitation and discharge FIM scores were comparable for patients residing different racialized neighborhood quintiles. Despite differences in healthcare expenditure, this study found similar home time, access to rehab and discharge FIM scores for TBI patients according to racialized neighborhood residence. Recognizing the limitations of area-level indices, our findings suggest equitable care delivery in a publicly funded universal care environment.

Implementing Parks in Mosul City-(Residential Neighbourhood Level)

Implementing Parks in Mosul City-(Residential Neighbourhood Level)

First Isolation and Characterization of Feline Panleukopenia Virus From Wild Raccoon Dogs in the Residential Area of Shanghai, China.

Carnivore parvovirus is commonly detected in canines and felines and results in a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, with a high lethality rate. In recent years, the gradual restoration of urban ecosystems coupled with a lack of natural predators means that wild raccoon dogs have gradually entered residential neighbourhoods in Shanghai, and the carnivore parvovirus carried by such canines may seriously affect their health and that of dogs and cats in these neighbourhoods. Therefore, it is essential to monitor wild raccoon dogs for carnivore parvovirus. The wild raccoon samples were collected from the residential area of Shanghai and screened for parvovirus, followed by virus isolation and sequence comparison analysis. In this study, three strains of parvovirus, YSH1-2022, YSH2-2022 and GSW1-2023, were isolated from anal and pharyngeal swab mixtures of 42 live raccoon dogs and two dead raccoon dogs in Shanghai, China. After alignment, it was found that the three strains of parvovirus were all located in the same branch as feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), and the three VP2 genes had 100% homology with FPV VP2 genes isolated from Shanghai and Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. The homology of the three NS1 genes with FPV NS1 isolated from Shanghai and other places was 99.9%-100%. This is the first report of FPV isolated from raccoon dogs. In this study, the host range and risk of infection of parvovirus were evaluated, providing data to support wildlife management and policy formulation in Shanghai.

Towards urban LCA: examining densification alternatives for a residential neighbourhood

This paper explores the environmental impacts of retaining or replacing buildings by extending the consequential replacement framework (CRF) for life-cycle assessment (LCA) from individual buildings towards the urban scale. It addresses a gap in previous studies by examining the broader consequences of building-level retention or replacement decisions in the built environment, namely greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from associated infrastructure construction. The case study, which is located in Finland, investigates alternative ways to densify a growing city, some of which can be achieved within the urban structure, while others require greenfield construction elsewhere in the city. The results reveal that refurbishing and extending already existing buildings is worthwhile in terms of GHG emissions, even if some of the additional floor area targeted in densification were to be built on a greenfield site. After 50 years, the accumulated GHG emissions of scenarios that develop existing buildings are 0.2–12% less than those from replacement scenarios, depending on whether the targeted densification is minor or major and the amount of infrastructure construction involved. This is primarily due to the 11–35% smaller upfront embodied GHG emissions of refurbishment compared with new construction—which 50 years do not offset. Policy relevance This paper reinforces the notion from previous research that developing the existing building stock holds major emission-savings potential, even more so than replacement with energy-efficient new build. It highlights the potential contribution of existing building stocks in low-emission city development, even in growing city contexts. The case study results challenge the common belief in urban planning that if replacement involves densification, it must be a more low-emission alternative than retention, and conversely, if retention leads to greenfield construction, it must be higher in emissions than replacement. Low-emission urban planning should base its conclusions on urban LCA. This paper introduces an infrastructure-extended CRF that accounts for building retention and replacement scenarios, ensuring methodological robustness. The approach is essential for policymakers to base their decisions on evidence and prioritise low-emission development alternatives. Which policymakers hold power over such decisions and which instruments are suitable to pursue these goals depend on the context.

Neighborhood Residents in Vulnerable Circumstances: Crisis, Stress, and Coping Mechanisms

The editorial introduces the articles in this thematic issue, which provides a multifaceted analyses on how residents of vulnerable neighbourhoods cope with stressful circumstances and various crises. The aim is to understand daily survival at the neighbourhood level amid rapidly changing conditions. The articles present both quantitative and qualitative analyses that make detailed observations of agency, resilience, and community in diverse sociocultural contexts.