Role Of Built Environment Research Articles

The Role of Built Environment on Pedestrian Safety and Pedestrian Activity at Urban Signalized Intersections

The Role of Built Environment on Pedestrian Safety and Pedestrian Activity at Urban Signalized Intersections

Role of Built Environments on Physical Activity and Health Promotion: A Review and Policy Insights.

As urbanization and motorization continue worldwide, various health issues have emerged as a burden between individuals, families and governments at all levels. Under the prevalence of chronic disease, this review synthesizes research on the impact of the various built environments on the multiple health outcomes from a methodological and mechanistic perspective. Besides, it attempts to provide useful planning and policy implications to promote physical activity and health benefits. The finds show that: (1) Current literature has used a variety of dataset, methods, and models to examine the built environment–health benefit connections from the perspective of physical activity; (2) The prevalence of chronic diseases is inextricably linked to the built environment, and policy interventions related to physical activity and physical and mental wellbeing of urban residents should be emphasized; (3) The impact of the built environment on health is manifested in the way various elements of the physical environment guide the lifestyle of residents, thereby influencing physical activity and travel; (4) Given the changes that have occurred in the built environment during the current urban expansion, the link between urban planning and the public health sector should be strengthened in the future, and the relevant authorities should actively pursue policies that promote urban public health in order to improve the health of residents. Finally, it proposes potential policy insights for urban planning and development toward a healthier city and society.

Role of built-environment, lifestyle, attitude and behavioral factors on mode choice- case of grocery shopping in Tehran

Although previous studies show that attitudes (personal preference) play an essential role in mode choice, few studies investigate the effect of heterogeneity of these factors in mode choice of grocery shopping. This research investigates the role of socioeconomic, built-environment, lifestyle, attitude, and behavioral variables on taste variation of individuals in mode choice of grocery shopping trips. 398 individuals are surveyed in chain grocery stores of Tehran in May 2016 and factor analysis is used to identify latent variable such as safety, pedestrian-oriented, mode flexibility. Furthermore, a mixed logit (MXL) model is employed to test heterogeneity among individuals. Results of MXL model show that several socioeconomic, mode attributes and attitude variables have significant effects on mode choice for grocery shopping activities. Besides, male variable in bus mode and travel time in walking mode is heterogeneous variables among parameters with random normal distribution coefficient for grocery shopping destinations. Moreover, the results of the random coefficient analysis show that the existence of a shopping center in the CBD without parking spaces for bus mode and household car ownership (two or more) for walking mode are the primary sources of heterogeneity of grocery shopping trips. Findings suggest that considering policies like parking management, especially in CBD and development of public transit stations, based consistent with the development of pedestrian facilities, increase the likelihood of using transit. Also, policies like optimal grocery shopping malls sitting in all areas of the city increase the likelihood of using walking mode.

The Role of Built Environment in Collective Learning: The Case of Rumah Sahabat Salman

The built environment relates to the important value of an environment as part of the learning process. Collective learning refers to the process of knowledge creation that continue through the association movement among human actors and technical object. By taking the case of Rumah Sahabat (RuSa) program, this paper maps and identifies the role of built environment in collective learning using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) approach. RuSa is a program of Salman ITB mosque to train students as cadres by facilitating them rent houses in the nearby settlement. Students, in turn, have to serve and deliver Islamic values to the local communities. The assembly of RuSa program is mapped into three moments: RuSa trainees teach Quran to the children in the local mosque; children bring home the homework and discuss them with their parents; RuSa trainees and local citizens developed the “Reading Terrace” in community main hall. The research result shows that the socio-technical approach can guide the development of built environment to improve and sustain the learning since it depends on human and non-human actors involved.

What Determines the Psychological Well-Being during Commute in Xi’an: The Role of Built Environment, Travel Attitude, and Travel Characteristics

The commute well-being (CWB) has been associated with the mental health and depends on the positive or negative emotions that occur during the daily commute. This paper analyzes the influencing factors and discusses the structural relationship between CWB and influencing factors, based on our evaluation of the results for daily CWB between different travel modes. We based our analyses on a CWB survey conducted in the central city proper of Xi’an. In contrast to previous studies, this paper investigates two commuting phases, in the morning and evening, to better analyze daily CWB. To conduct a more comprehensive analysis, in addition to considering multi-stage combined travel, the subjective and objective aspects of factors influencing CWB were deepened and expanded. The measurement was based on the Satisfaction with Travel Scale, which was developed based on a method for measuring subjective well-being. The average CWB level of each model was compared by analyzing the variances. The influencing factors were determined by stepwise regression, and the influence mechanism was analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM). The results indicate that CWB in Xi’an was highest for walking, which was followed, in order, by motorcycle, electric bicycle, staff shuttle bus, bicycle, metro, car, taxi, and bus. The result reflects that commuting by bus is associated with more negative emotions in Xi’an. The results of SEM indicate that the built environment does not directly affect CWB, but it will act on CWB by affecting other factors. The travel attitude, commute mode choice, and other travel characteristics affect each other and affect CWB directly and indirectly. Other travel characteristics has the largest total effect on CWB, and the travel attitudes have the largest direct effect. Without considering the travel attitude, reducing traffic congestion, commuting time, and transfer times can significantly improve CWB and reduce negative emotions in the future in Xi’an.

The Role of Built Environment's Physical Urban Form in Supporting Rapid Tsunami Evacuations: Using Computer-Based Models and Real-World Data as Examination Tools

Cities are increasingly becoming hot-spots for nature-originated disasters. While the role of the urban built environment in fostering disaster resilience has been recognized for some time, it has been difficult to translate this potential into practice. This is especially challenging in the case of rapid onset crises such as near-field tsunamis when appropriate urban forms have to support the populations’ ability to autonomously carry out safe and timely responses. In this respect, much of current research remains focused on large-scale elements of urban configuration (streets, squares, parks, etc.) through which people move during an emergency. In contrast, the critical micro-scale of evacuees’ experiences within the built environment is not commonly examined. This paper addresses this shortfall through a macro- and micro-scale analysis of a near-field tsunami scenario affecting the city of Vina del Mar, Chile, including a mixed-methods approach that combines computer-based models and fieldwork. The results show significant macro-scale tsunami vulnerability throughout major areas of the city, which nonetheless could be mitigated by existing nearby high ground and an urban form that allows short evacuation times. However, micro-scale outcomes show comparatively deficient spatial conditions that during an emergency might lead to dangerous outcomes including bottlenecks, falls and panic. Vertical evacuation, in turn, is confirmed as a suitable option for reducing vulnerability, but further examination of each shelter’s characteristics is required.

The Role of Built Environments on Children’s Sedentary Behavior: A Social Ecological Perspective

The purpose of this paper is to examine relevant literature that demonstrates the interactions among built environments and children’s sedentary behaviors from a social ecological perspective. An overview of the existing body of knowledge relating to children’s sedentary behavior will be shared. A social ecological theoretical framework will be used to investigate how built environments in home, school, and neighborhood settings may impact children’ sedentary behaviors. Finally, a synthesis of emerging research and implications for practice along with recommendations will be highlighted to demonstrate how children’s sedentary behaviors can be altered by modifying built environments in home, school, and neighborhood settings.

Reverse Flow: The Role of Built Environments in Shaping Disaster.

In contrast to approaches that examine the impacts of human-built efforts to ameliorate calamitous natural events, this essay argues that a wide array of large structures shape the outcomes of these events. Further, significant human artifacts can succeed in their function vis-à-vis one set of natural events, but can have unanticipated, even reverse effects when natural forces exceed planned expectations. Risk assessments do not normally consider such side effects, suffering from an agnotological narrowing of focus. The historian's emphasis on temporal contextualization and contingency has important implications for policy and assessment of risk.

Role of Built Environment on Factors Affecting Outdoor Thermal Comfort - A Case of T. Nagar, Chennai, India

Background: Urban morphology plays a critical role in controlling the factors that influence outdoor thermal comfort. This research aims to quantify the impact of urban growth pattern characterized by orientation, ground cover, street geometry etc. on variations in climate parameters. Methods/Analysis: Air temperature and relative humidity data were recorded in nine different locations of the study area (T Nagar, Chennai, India) characterized by different urban morphology on a typical winter day. The data collected were simulated using Rayman Pro to analyze the impact of sky view factor, height to width ratio on thermal comfort parameters. Also the relationship between the spatial distribution of the recorded values and urban morphology were analyzed. Findings: The results of the study establish a clear relationship between urban character and microclimate modifications. The distribution curve of air temperature and humidity establish high thermal stress during day time in high activity zone due to anthropogenic heat and hard surfaces. The isotherms clearly reinforce the presence of urban heat island effect in dense areas during night time attributed to lesser opportunity for re-radiation. Further wider streets show high difference in the diurnal temperature which in turn create cool pockets. The role of urban parks and vegetation in improving the comfort conditions are clearly evident in the study. Applications/Improvements: The study can be applied on the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) map of tropical city ofChennai. This will help in establishing a new development control rules for the city which will be responsive to the Micro Climate.

Microclimatic Conditions of an Urban Square: Role of Built Environment and Geometry

Abstract Geometry plays a dominant role in thermal situations within city structures. This study aims to seek how this role affects thermal comfort of the visitors in an urban square. Computer simulations were performed along with physical measurements in an urban square during peak hot conditions of summer in Isfahan, Iran. In addition to the influence of built environment inside the square, the results confirmed the role of geometry on thermal conditions. The amelioration effect for the aspect ratio was higher than that of the orientation. Findings are useful for urban design strategies dealing with thermal comfort.

Role of Built Environments in Physical Activity, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Disease

Role of Built Environments in Physical Activity, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Disease

The Role of Built Environments in Physical Activity, Eating, and Obesity in Childhood

Over the past forty years various changes in the U.S. "built environment" have promoted sedentary lifestyles and less healthful diets. James Sallis and Karen Glanz investigate whether these changes have had a direct effect on childhood obesity and whether improvements to encourage more physical activity and more healthful diets are likely to lower rates of childhood obesity. Researchers, say Sallis and Glanz, have found many links between the built environment and children's physical activity, but they have yet to find conclusive evidence that aspects of the built environment promote obesity. For example, certain development patterns, such as a lack of sidewalks, long distances to schools, and the need to cross busy streets, discourage walking and biking to school. Eliminating such barriers can increase rates of active commuting. But researchers cannot yet prove that more active commuting would reduce rates of obesity. Sallis and Glanz note that recent changes in the nutrition environment, including greater reliance on convenience foods and fast foods, a lack of access to fruits and vegetables, and expanding portion sizes, are also widely believed to contribute to the epidemic of childhood obesity. But again, conclusive evidence that changes in the nutrition environment will reduce rates of obesity does not yet exist. Research into the link between the built environment and childhood obesity is still in its infancy. Analysts do not know whether changes in the built environment have increased rates of obesity or whether improvements to the built environment will decrease them. Nevertheless, say Sallis and Glanz, the policy implications are clear. People who have access to safe places to be active, neighborhoods that are walkable, and local markets that offer healthful food are likely to be more active and to eat more healthful food-two types of behavior that can lead to good health and may help avoid obesity.