Suburban Zone Research Articles

Rural development: the basis for the realization of agrarian policy

Among the problems currently existing in the regions of Kazakhstan is the increasing outflow of able-bodied population from rural areas and localization in the suburban zone of cities. The aim- is to identify the causes of deterioration of the demographic situation in rural settlements (RS) and to develop recommendations for stabilization of the rural economy in the West Kazakhstan region. Methods - retrospective when obtaining data for past periods of time, comparative analysis - to compare the information obtained, on the basis of economic and statistical method the selection and analysis of statistical indicators of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, used information from scientific institutions, official sources, defined absolute and relative parameters, average values. Results - it is shown that the main factors of degradation of most rural areas of Western Kazakhstan are the lack of a clear vision of the role and place of rural residents and rural areas in the socio-economic development of the republic, weakening of state regulation in the sectors of agriculture. Conclusions - the prospects for building the capacity of rural areas of the West Kazakhstan region is associated with a number of interrelated problems that need to be solved as soon as possible, primarily modernization of social and technical infrastructure, increasing the motivation of the economically active part of the rural population in mastering new knowledge and technologies, which will increase labor income and effective demand of rural residents for goods and services. The study indicates that in rural areas the situation with investment and expansion of small business activities is ambiguous. It is necessary to emphasize the small business entities in the sphere of agrarian production and the formation of social facilities - housing, catering enterprises, social and cultural facilities, education, pre-school education, sports and recreational facilities. This author's position provides for the possibility of forming greater investment attractiveness and attracting extra-budgetary sources of financing. Elimination of environmental barriers will require improvement of the current regulatory and legal framework.

Spatial distribution, source apportionment, and risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl substances in urban soils of a typical densely urbanized and industrialized city, Northeast China

As an important capital city of intensive urbanization and industrialization in Northeast China, Changchun has experienced extremely rapid development, with diverse sectors such as automobile manufacturing, equipment manufacturing, optoelectronics, and pharmaceutical decoration. However, data on the levels and profiles of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in urban soils of Changchun is limited. This study investigated 17 PFASs across various functional zones within the main urban area of Changchun. ∑PFAS concentrations in the soils ranged from 0.236 to 6.483 ng/g, averaging 1.820 ng/g. Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were more prevalent than perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs), and short-chain PFASs (C ≤ 6) were the predominant residues. PFAS concentrations varied across functional zones, with commercial markets exhibiting the highest levels, followed by industrial areas, residential areas, suburban zones, and transportation areas. Molecular diagnostic ratio and PCA-MLR analysis identified industrial production processes of consumer goods and wastewater treatment plants as the primary sources of soil PFAS contamination. There were no obvious health risks of soil ∑PFASs, while soil PFOS and PFHxS may have an impact on the richness and diversity of soil microbial communities in some certain locations. This study provides new data on PFAS residues in soils influenced by diverse contamination sources within a key industrial city in Northeast China, offering valuable insights for prioritizing remediation and restoration efforts.

Suburban Autonomy? The Case of Inter‐Suburban Commuting Outside Prague

AbstractThis paper aims to map daily mobility to work and services within the suburban zone of Prague and to explain temporal changes in the structuration of the suburban zone during the day. This involves the identification of local centres outside Prague's administrative boundaries, defining their catchment areas, and exploring the temporal variability of daily mobility. Using mobile phone data, the paper identifies the main flows of commuting to work and mobility for services or leisure activities. The focus on two distinct timeframes presented in two synthetic maps compares the mobility patterns of these activities. Empirical findings identify 53 local centres of inter‐suburban mobility and delimitate their commuting areas. Noticeable variation in mobility patterns throughout the day was observed. Beyond empirical insights relevant to Prague and similar Central and Eastern European cities, the paper contributes to theoretical knowledge by introducing a hierarchical classification of mobility relationships within metropolitan areas.

Differences in the environmental awareness of the Polish population

Motives: A fundamental tenet of sustainable development (SD) posits that all human endeavors should prioritize ecological safety. This underscores the significance of the knowledge about the ways in which these activities manifest in social attitudes, as an indicator of environmental awareness (EA) levels. Given the relevance of environmental EA, this issue should be examined across diverse communities and social groups, such as urban and rural residents, to catalyze the adoption of SD principles. It is assumed that the concentration of the population and societal structures in urban centers stimulate the development of concepts and solutions that subsequently disseminate to rural areas through urbanization and modernization patterns. Consequently, the potential disparities in EA and pro-environmental behaviors should be analyzed based on community members’ place of residence and economic status. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess differences in EA levels within the Polish population in the context of SD principles, based on demographic and social characteristics, as well as the respondents’ place of residence. Results: The study revealed several connections between attitudes toward sustainability and pro- -environmental activities. The identified attitudes were associated with demographic, economic, and spatial factors. The results indicate that EA levels are relatively high among Polish residents, irrespective of spatial distribution. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of EA-related activities were noted among urban dwellers, particularly the young and well-educated. Interestingly, a similar trend was noted among the residents of suburban zones. In contrast, rural inhabitants exhibited lower levels of EA compared to their urban counterparts.

Transformácia tradičnej ľudovej kultúry v suburbiách Bratislavy a jej postavenie v rámci Bratislavského samosprávneho kraja

The study deals with the transformation of traditional folk culture in the suburban zones and the participation of the municipality in the preservation of a living cultural heritage in its periphery. Settlements around Bratislava try to preserve their genius loci. They find inspiration in local traditional culture that is transformed into new forms and functions. The first part of the study explains the Bratislava Self-Governing Region’s support to the living cultural heritage. The second part focusses on periodic events in the public space, which have the character of festivals and in which the inspiration by the local traditional culture can be clearly identified. The conclusion of the study includes an analysis of these events in terms of cultural policy, participants, current functions and forms, commodification, and the degree to which the authenticity of the tradition is maintained.

Unravelling the paradox of spatial homogeneity: An analysis of land use planning and monofunctional development in Wroclaw, Poland

Processes of urban development progressing across Europe, with built-up areas expanding at a faster rate than the population, especially in the Central and Eastern Europe region. The importance of ensuring a high quality of urban life and effective environmental planning is widely acknowledged for the sustainable development of functional urban areas. While the literature extensively covers the implementation stage of monofunctional development in Polish suburban zones, the origins of spatial homogeneity in planning have received limited attention in research. This paper aims to assess local zoning plans and examine the diversity of urban planning in the subregion of Wroclaw, Poland. Employing exploratory experts interviews and landscape metrics such as Patch Richness Density and Simpson Diversity Index, along with spatial statistics as the Hot Spot tool and Cluster and Outlier analysis, the findings reveal that monofunctional residential development in Polish functional urban areas may result from a complex interplay of various economic, institutional, educational, professional responsibility, and political, social, as well as historical factors on the urban planning stage. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the extent and spatial distribution of planning diversity, opening paths for further discussions on the professional requirements of urban planners.

Expansion of the process of the mammary glands of cats in the conditions of the city of Lviv and the suburban zone of the regional center

Expansion of the process of the mammary glands of cats in the conditions of the city of Lviv and the suburban zone of the regional center

Basic principles of urban transformation of the suburban zone of a megapolis greater samara. Part 1

The contradictions that exist today between a reasonable balance of planning, communication, industrial, environmental processes and the organization of the urban planning structure of a megapolis are formed in the orbit of current challenges for Russia. The author examines new concepts aimed at creating international transport and logistics corridors and scientific and production clusters in accordance with the strategy of neo-industrialization and the draft Urban Planning Doctrine of Russia developed by the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences. Using the example of the Volga region megapolis Greater Samara, the following are considered: the basic urban planning principles for regulating the transformation of the suburbs of the megapolis; spatial structure of multihub systems. Promising models of the supporting framework of territories with scientific and practical organization of space are proposed, considered according to the spheres of their action: architectural, urban planning, management, environmental, economic. The author relies on the scientific works of architects, urban planners, economic geographers, urban ecologists and other specialists studying urban processes.

ПРИРОДНЫЕ ПРЕДПОСЫЛКИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ РЕКРЕАЦИОННОГО КОМПЛЕКСА НА ТЕРРИТОРИИ ПРИГОРОДНОЙ ЗОНЫ Г. ТАМБОВА

The article considers the recreational potential of the territory of the suburban zone of the city of Tambov, as well as a set of natural factors and properties of this geographical environment, favorable for the formation and development of recreational complex. The physical and geographical position, natural conditions, relief, hydrography, climate and vegetation cover of the territory are analyzed, and natural resources for recreation and tourism are estimated. The main directions and opportunities for the development of the recreational complex, including the organization of ecological trails, the creation of recreation areas, the development of sports tourism and infrastructure have been identified.

RELATIONS BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL AND NON-AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ON FARMS LOCATED IN THE KRAKOW METROPOLITAN AREA

The aim of the article is to assess the impact of non-agricultural activities conducted by a farmer on his agricultural activity. The subject of the research were various forms of economic activity developed on agricultural farms located in communes in the urbanized area of the Krakow Metropolitan Area. Field research was conducted in 2020-2022 among entrepreneurs and municipal councilors of randomly selected 21 territorial units. As a result of increasing urbanization and increasingly stronger suburbanization, contemporary transformations of urban spaces have changed the relationship between metropolitan cores and their surroundings. The transfer of metropolitan functions to the suburban zone is increasingly changing the conditions and possibilities of shaping spatial systems, including rural areas. Owners of farms located in the zones of direct influence of large cities attempt to de-agriculturalize their business or make efforts to diversify it. The relationship between agriculture and non-agricultural economic activity in entities operating in the metropolitan area is thought-provoking. The research results have shown that in most cases, non-agricultural activities have a destructive impact on the agricultural production of farms located in Krakow’s impact zones.

Species richness patterns and community structure of land snail communities along an urban-rural gradient in river floodplains

Urbanisation is widely considered as having a large impact on most native species. However, the species response to urbanisation varies among taxonomic groups, and its generalisation might lead to contradictory or incorrect management decisions in urban planning. Land snails, as an understudied group in this sense, are good subjects to study the impact of urbanisation due to their low dispersal capabilities and mobility. The study aimed to determine how land snail diversity patterns and community structure are influenced by urbanisation through an urban-to-rural gradient. A total of 59 terrestrial gastropod species and more than 4600 individuals were recorded at 24 alluvial sites distributed along an urban-to-rural gradient in three Slovak cities (Bratislava, Zvolen and Prešov). Most species belonged to euryecious, hygrophilous and forest specialist ecological groups; seven species were non-native to Slovakia. The results clearly highlight the negative effect of densely built areas on land snail community structure, since the proportion of indigenous and specialist species decreased progressively towards urban sites. The highest mean number of species was found in suburban zones and the lowest in urban zones, suggesting that most species favour intermediate levels of urbanisation. Some species (e.g. Arion vulgaris) were evenly distributed along the urbanisation gradient, supporting the importance of river floodplains as bio-corridors for the dispersal of gastropods.

Mobile data for studying public space, and trips in Mexico City: a study case of six suburban zones

Abstract This study uses anonymized GPS traces to explore travel patterns within six suburban zones and a central area in Mexico City. The descriptive analysis presented in this paper profiles trips by distance and investigates their distribution within each zone. It examines the prevalence of local trips, walkability, and the availability and spread of entertainment sites within 15-min isochrones accessible by foot, bicycle, transit, and private vehicle. Notably, the central zone boasts diverse entertainment offerings, commendable walkability, and a substantial proportion of short and long trips. It is found that GPS traces are within their home. However, the share of long trips for the inhabitants of central zones is considerably more significant than that for the suburbs. The study highlights suburban zones that could benefit from governmental intervention to enhance transportation and pedestrian conditions. Additionally, it identifies other suburban zones that resemble the central areas in terms of walkability, trip distribution by distances, and the accessibility of entertainment places.

Innovative pro-environmental technologies and the model of public management in suburban zones in Poland

Innovative pro-environmental technologies and the model of public management in suburban zones in Poland

Polish-Romanian Joint Research Projects with a Focus on Internal Peripheries in Poland and Romania – Role of Endogenous and Exogenous Factors in Their Development Processes

Scientific collaboration between Polish and Romanian geographers is based on a very good and long tradition. It was long developed between human and physical geographers alike. The common bilateral projects had in view aspects related to the impact of natural and human process on the planning of mountain and hilly areas, the social-economic transformations in the Romanian and Polish suburban zones, the regional development in Central and Eastern Europe, the socio-economic development of rural areas in Poland and Romania. The last bilateral project on Internal peripheries in Polish and Romanian regions – role of endogenous and exogenous factors in their development processes, coordinated by Prof. Konrad Czapiewski from the Polish side, had as main research findings identifying common solutions serving the practical problems connected with the economic and social development of the internal peripheries in both countries.

ECOLOGICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH ON AIR POLLUTION OF UKRAINIANS

The possibilities of human impact on nature are constantly growing and have already reached a level where humans can devastate the planet, destroy all living beings, and completely alter the climate. High levels of pollution are characteristic of areas around regional centers in Ukraine, especially in the suburban zone of industrially developed Kyiv. The higher the pollution level, the greater the risk to the health of the population and the state of the environment. Long-term pollution of the atmospheric air with sulfur dioxide, carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, and other harmful substances negatively affects human health. This can result in an increase in overall morbidity caused by damage to specific organs and body systems, such as respiratory diseases (pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and other non-specific lung diseases) and cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, myocardial infarction, chronic diseases, etc.). The purpose of the article is to identify negative factors that affect the worsening of the environmental situation in the country and individual regions. The main task of my work is the analysis of negative changes in the ecological state of Boyarka and advocacy of possible ways to improve the ecological situation in the city. This study also shows the importance of chemistry as a science in the understanding and development of current environmental problems of our time. On the basis of a systemic approach, the tasks of creating ecologically safe living conditions for the population of suburban areas of the city were solved by conducting noise protection measures. Experimental studies were carried out using modern acoustic measuring devices "Octava-101" and "Ekofizika-Octava". Data processing involved the use of mathematical statistical methods. Mathematical and statistical methods were used to assess the reliability of experimental results. The main results of the article were the measures (economic, legal, urban planning, etc.) to solve the environmental problems of the city of Boyarka.

Introducing shared, electric, autonomous vehicles (SAEVs) in sub-urban zones: Simulating the case of Vienna

Shared, autonomous electric vehicles (SAEVs) are expected to enter the market in the coming decades. Using MATSim, we simulate a use case where SAEVs are introduced in multiple suburban zones at the outskirts of Vienna (Austria), which are characterized by relatively low population density, but have access to at least one rail-based public transport stop. For all combinations of different fleet sizes and fare levels, we find that a relatively small share of car trips by residents of these zones (7%–14%) are replaced by SAEVs, generating CO2 emissions reductions of 5%–11%. Moreover, 23%–35% of trips previously undertaken by foot or bicycle are replaced by SAEVs, as well as 10%–20% of public transport trips. The potential of SAEVs to reduce the use and ownership of private vehicles in suburban areas therefore seems to be rather limited, which is also reflected in our finding that one SAEV usually replaces only 2–4 private vehicles. The potential becomes somewhat larger when the usage and ownership of private cars is assumed to become more expensive, leading to 17%–20% of car trips being replaced by SAEVs and generating CO2 emissions reductions of up to 32%.

Deconcentration of Industrial Activity as a Constituent of Sustainable Urban Development in a Post-Socialist City: A Case Study of Wroclaw, Poland

The transformative period following 1989 ushered in significant political and economic changes across Central and Eastern Europe. Among the profound consequences of these shifts were the initiation of suburbanization processes and the uncontrolled expansion of suburbs, particularly around major cities in the region. Suburban zones experienced extensive spatial and functional alterations, while agglomeration centers, the cities themselves, underwent noteworthy transformations. The interplay of land rent dynamics contributed to the reconfiguration of functions within cities, intensifying land use. The aim of this study is to explain the spatial processes of industrial deconcentration within a post-socialist CEE city, using Wroclaw, Poland, as a case study. Employing GIS software, we examine both the spatial patterns and localization of industrial activity within the Wroclaw agglomeration. The research highlights that the peak of industrial deconcentration in the city transpired during the 1990s. Presently, the suburban zone has assumed an increasingly predominant role in the industrial activities within the agglomeration, aligning with the imperatives of sustainable development policies.

Urban planning regulation of the suburban zone of Ekaterinburg

The article outlines the prerequisites for and the concept of modern urban planning regulation of suburban zones around large cities withinin agglomeration settlement systems, where "smart" management of area development is needed on the basis of an algorithm using software methods. The regulation concept was tested with reference to architectural and planning development of the suburban zone around the city of Ekaterinburg. A new approach to the design of settlement systems has been developed based on "smart urban planning" principles. Methodological foundations of architectural design and planning of suburban zones are formulated.

Urban environment, drought events and climate change strongly affect the growth of common urban tree species in a temperate city

Trees’ ecosystem services help reducing the urban heat island intensity, but are most effective when trees are big and healthy. During the last decades, the frequency of heat waves and drought events in Central Europe has increased, exposing urban trees to even greater stress under already challenging urban growth conditions. To understand the extent to which the urban environment affects tree growth and how trees respond to drought, dendrochronological analyses were conducted on 176 urban trees of six commonly planted tree species: Tilia cordata, Acer platanoides, Robinia pseudoacacia, Platanus x acerifolia, Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur growing within the temperate city of Munich, Germany. The impacts of climate change were studied comparing tree growth between the periods 1980–1999 and 2000–2019, as well as the effect of the urban heat island intensity, comparing urban and suburban zones. Additionally, a drought-tolerance analysis was conducted to investigate the recovery following different dry years. Species-specific trends showed the highest average basal area increment (BAI) for P. x acerifolia (44.9 cm²/year) and the lowest for T. cordata (18.4 cm²/year). In terms of the urbanisation impact on growth, significantly higher BAI was recorded for A. platanoides and T. cordata in the suburban areas, in contrast to F. sylvatica. Analysing the complete sample, the results showed growth reduction since the year 2000 (−28%). Higher drought tolerance was found for R. pseudoacacia, P. x acerifolia and Q. robur. Accumulated drought stress showed significant negative responses for A. platanoides and T. cordata. With the predicted climate change scenarios, the present study can deepen the knowledge about drought tolerance of urban trees in temperate climate and improve species selection. In particular, R. pseudoacacia and P. x acerifolia could be further planted in cities as were less affected by high urbanisation degree and grew the most despite drought and climate change conditions.

Invasion Levels of Alien Plants in Various Habitat Types in the Middle Urals

The purpose of the study was to estimate invasion levels of alien plants in various natural and anthropogenic habitats of the Middle Urals in two urbanization manifestation variants: (1) within the boundaries of a large city; and (2) in suburban areas. In total, 965 geobotanical releves produced in natural (bogs, floodplains, petrophytic areas, meadows, and forests) and anthropogenic (wastelands, public gardens, and residential areas) habitats were analyzed. Natural habitats were surveyed within the boundaries of a large city and in its suburban zone (at distances of 30–40 km from the city). Invasion levels were determined based on the number and proportion of alien (adventitious) species in the description. Both in suburban and urban conditions, the lowest numbers of alien species were recorded in bog habitats (on average, 0–0.6 species per description); while the largest numbers, in anthropogenic habitats (on average, 9.8–17.6 species per description). Outside the city, average numbers of alien species in natural habitats (except for bogs) varied in the range of 1.0–2.8 species per description; within the city, 3.8–6.2 species per description. In natural habitats (except for bogs), average shares of alien species varied in the range of 1.8–5.6% outside the city and in the range of 8.1–16.2% within the city; in anthropogenic habitats, they varied in the range of 22.8–32.8%. Suburban and urban wastelands did not differ in numbers and proportions of alien species (10.3 and 12.9 species per description and 25.3 and 30.2%, respectively). Invasion levels identified in suburban areas are consistent with those recorded in Europe.