Development Of Towns Research Articles

Why small towns are shrinking: The spatial heterogeneity of small towns shrinkage and the impact of it from the perspective of rural-urban interaction in China.

Small towns play a crucial role in bridging urban and rural territory systems. While numerous studies have identified the characteristics and causes of small town shrinkage (STS), there remains an unexplored perspective on the reasons for their shrinkage from the perspective of the rural-urban relationship. To address this research gap, we investigated the relationship between STS and rural-urban interaction (RUI) in China. We hypothesized that a negative relationship existed between the degree of STS and the intensity of RUI. Using geo-statistical methods, such as the multi-scale geographical weighted regression (MGWR) model, the hypothesis was tested using Henan Province in China as a case study. The results indicated that the phenomenon of STS was observed extensively across the study region, with a 59% geographical overlap between the high-value area of STS and the low-value area of urban-rural interaction. Three distinct sub-types of STS regions were identified: shrinking regions along geographical borders, shrinking regions adjacent to metropolitan areas, and shrinking regions in ecologically fragile areas. The factors influencing STS demonstrated spatial heterogeneity and multi-scale characteristics. The findings will improve our understanding of urban shrinkage from a multi-level perspective and offer policy makers guidance for the sustainable development of small towns based on local conditions.

Spatial Development of Towns and Their Potential in Strengthening Rural-Urban Linkages in Kabupaten Semarang

Contemporary urbanization process in Indonesia has been entering a regional-based process, which is indicated by the expansion of existing cities and the emergence of small towns in hinterland areas. Semarang Regency is a nonurban district that become hinterland area that is affected by urban extension from Semarang City. The urbanization process in Semarang Regency is characterized by the emergence of towns as urban areas on the outskirts of. This research aims to analyze the development of towns in Semarang Regency using GIS assistance and analyzing their potential in strengthening rural-urban linkages. In addition to GIS method, this research employs descriptive qualitative method. Data collected through document and literature review, which is enriched by primary data collection through observation and interviews. The analysis used descriptive qualitative analysis. To strengthen the argument, analysis is assisted by using scalogram, ISM, LQ, and spatial analysis in the form of network analysis. There are many towns developed in Semarang Regency that tend to be concentrated in the north-west area, adjacent to Semarang City. The development of these towns is supported by the development of public service facilities. In addition to be the public service centers, the towns have potential roles as, processing and marketing centers. However, there is only one town, Bandungan, which has the roles as a center for marketing and public services. Therefore, the regency needs to have facilities development in many towns in order to strengthen the towns’ roles in strengthening rural-urban linkages in the region.

Impact of Industrial Development on Land and Spatial Form in Small Industrial Towns in India: A Case of Morbi, Gujarat, India

Studying the interrelationships between industrial development and urban form is key to understanding land development and spatial dynamics in any industrial region. Taking Morbi (Gujarat, India), as a case study, this research examines how the development of the ceramic industry has influenced urban morphology over the years. For this research, a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches has been undertaken, followed by situation assessment through a series of interviews of the local stakeholders. The findings demonstrate that a haphazard and steady increase of industrial units has exerted strong impacts on the urban form of Morbi town. Based on population projections and forecast of land requirements for the horizon year 2031, the study has identified critical urban issues and suggested possible interventions using zoning and proper regulations. Morbi town serves as a case study to understand the linkages of industrial development and urban growth in small industrial towns in India. The study will be useful to supplement decisions regarding spatial planning and advocacy.

Reflection on Guangzhou’s Strategic Spatial Planning: Current Status, Conflicts, and Dilemmas

Strategic spatial planning plays a pivotal role in effectively providing solutions for urban issues. In 2000, Guangzhou took the pioneering step of formulating China’s first strategic spatial plan, known as the Guangzhou Strategic Plan. However, existing research has predominantly focused on the content of the “Guangzhou Strategic Spatial Plan” while lacking attention to its implementation effects. To address this empirical gap, this paper analyzes Guangzhou’s current spatial structure from the perspectives of facilities, population, and industry. The results reveal that: (1) the effectiveness of the “Southern Expansion” strategy outlined in the Guangzhou Strategic Spatial Plan has been limited. It has not achieved the expected results in terms of facility construction, population attraction, industrial clustering, and value-added growth; (2) due to inherent limitations and a lack of planning support, the development of the new town presents a dilemma. Considering the current spatial structure, this paper reflects on the reasons for the failure of Guangzhou’s strategic spatial planning, aiming to provide insights for the implementation of a new round of strategic spatial planning.

Balancing urban expansion with a focus on ecological security: A case study of Zhaotong City, China

The conflict between socio-economic development and ecological environmental protection presents a significant challenge to achieving regional and urban sustainable development. In Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, China, this conflict arises from the interplay between urban expansion and ecological environmental protection land, creating a fundamental tension between built-up and non-built-up ecosystems. This study focuses on investigating the spatial characteristics of expansion, constructing an ecological security pattern based on ecosystem service functions and sensitivity, and utilizing integrated models to simulate urban expansion paths and analyze their formation mechanisms. The results highlight that Zhaotong City has undergone rapid urban expansion, characterized by linear growth surrounding the central city, specifically in the east, north, and west directions. The expansion between urban areas exhibits a discontinuous dotted-star distribution, with concentrated urbanization and a distinct urban boundary observed in Zhaoyang District. In contrast, other areas experience scattered expansion, indicative of random land encroachment. Through simulation, three primary urban expansion axes are identified: the western town sprawl belt, central town development axis, and resource-rich town corridor. Ecological conflicts primarily arise in Zhaoyang District, Zhenxiong County, and Yanjin County. By combining these findings, the study analyzes the scenario pattern of urban expansion evolution in Zhaotong City, revealing a transition from the spreading spillover expansion of a single center (Zhaoyang and Ludian) during the circle expansion phase to a polycentric expansion and spreading spillover pattern centered around Zhaoyang District along three primary axial radial paths. In conclusion, this study contributes to our understanding of the challenges posed by the conflict between socio-economic development and ecological environmental protection in Zhaotong City. The findings underscore the importance of integrating ecological considerations into urban planning processes and highlight the need for sustainable development practices to achieve a harmonious coexistence between urban expansion and ecological security. The insights gained from this research offer guidance for fostering sustainable urban development in Zhaotong City and beyond.

Identification of groundwater potential for urban development using multi-criteria decision-making method of analytical hierarchy process

Detailed knowledge regarding the availability of potential groundwater sources is a prerequisite for the sustainable development of cities and towns in a planned manner. The present study is carried out to identify the potential groundwater sources for the growth of towns and cities around Virudhunagar district, India by integrated geospatial techniques and analytical hierarchy method. The groundwater potential zones are divided into four groups: low, medium, high, and very high. It is obtained that 1.71% and 51.86% fall under the low and medium zones, respectively. The area with high and very high groundwater potential accounts for 45.7% and 0.73% of the total area, respectively. Finally, potential areas identified for groundwater are validated with data on the potential yield of various wells, demonstrating a good correlation. The results of this research will help planners and decision-makers to better plan and develop future cities.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR TERRITORIAL MARKETING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SINGLE-INDUSTRY TOWN OF KHROMTAU

The purpose of the study is to analyze the state of socio-economic development of the city of Khromtau, the only single-industry town with high potential in the Aktobe region, and use marketing opportunities in further developmentMethodology – general scientifi c research methods, such as analysis, comparison, generalization Uniqueness/ value of the study.Originality / value of the research. It can be used in the development of a roadmap for the development of the region, a comprehensive development plan by socio-economic assessment of the pace of development of the monotown Khromtau.Findings. As a result of the study, based on the results of the study of the socio-economic state of the monotown of Khromtau, it was determined that the economic, social sphere, and infrastructure situation are at an average level. Chromite ore mined and exported to Khromtau is competitive in the world due to its rich ore content and has special properties of the hardest chemical element. Chrome ore makes the city of Khromtau a potential monotown for the coming decades. Nevertheless, the production left over from Soviet times and the level of deterioration of some infrastructure facilities in the city remains high. Despite the largescale work in this direction, in general, there are common problems characteristic of single-industry towns in Kazakhstan. The main goal of the development of single-industry towns should be the creation of new industries, improving the level and quality of life of people. Therefore, it is fi rst necessary to create enterprises as a point of growth, and then develop the infrastructure for revenues from these enterprises to the budget. To do this, it is recommended to form the image of a single-industry town.

Thermal performance of cavities in 3DPC building façades

In the quest for sufficient and comfortable housing in South Africa, attention to building orientation and thermal transmittance principles has significantly improved thermal performance in local houses. Thermal simulation and monitoring of houses in the Joe Slovo Phase Three development in Cape Town confirms improved performance by solar radiation blockage and shading. This paper simulates the thermal performance of a housing unit in this development. The house was instrumented with thermocouples, and monitored from March to December 2013 by Sustainable Energy Africa in collaboration with the National Department of Human Settlements. Sustainable Energy Africa reported significant improvement when compared to a nearby traditional Reconstruction and Development Programme house that had been monitored during the same period. With the benefit of the monitored thermal data, complete drawings, and specification details of the Joe Slovo Phase Three unit, the current research modelled and calibrated a simulation model in DesignBuilder. DesignBuilder was selected given its accreditation status for Green Star Rating of buildings in South Africa. An additional motivation for investigating this unit was the availability of recorded weather data from the nearby Cape Town International Airport, captured in the DesignBuilder climate data base for 2013, which was assumed relevant in lieu of complete weather station data measured at the location of the housing unit. The study aimed to simulate the monitored temperatures in the house with acceptable agreement, and to investigate further potential improvement in occupant thermal comfort by alternative 3D-printed concrete walling developed by the authors. Systematic finite element analysis (FEA) iteratively solved cavity radiation and convection in wall cavities to calibrate thermal transmittance parameters for DesignBuilder. The FEA results acceptably simulated temperatures monitored in this physical wall experiment. The calibrated DesignBuilder model simulated the indoor temperatures of the monitored house with acceptable agreement, and predicted significant improvement in occupant thermal comfort if the walls were 3D-printed with a particular cross-sectional design.

Industrial Clusters in Slovakia-Urban Development

For almost three decades, Slovakia has been undergoing reform processes related to restructuring industry and in expectation of the sustainability of the industrial structure with an important link to the landscape. The aim of this article is the presentation of the development models of the industrial clusters in synergy with the economic dimension, landscape, settlement structure, and sustainability. The background of the article is an evaluation of industry and its impact on the landscape between the 19th and 21st centuries. The development of industry influenced the territorial and spatial development of towns and landscapes, forcing a new identity on them. Development mirrored the rate of innovation in the domain of technologies and construction. The issues examined herein required the application of a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including a creative method called SCAMPER. Our scheme and models of industrial parks and cooperation clusters are a result of theoretical and field research and reflect variable mobility and sustainability. The conclusions of the research indicate a turnover in the original order of importance in the industrial activity: environment–man–production. This is the contribution of evolution and the building of eco-friendly industrial structures.

The effect of social service elite groups on long-time residents in peripheral development towns in Israel

The effect of social service elite groups on long-time residents in peripheral development towns in Israel

ANALYSIS OF DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS OF MONOCITIES IN EAST KAZAKHSTAN REGION

The development of single-industry towns has been one of the main problems of Kazakhstan for many years. The depressive state of single-industry towns has worsened. This article is devoted to the development of the demographic potential of single-industry towns in the East Kazakhstan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study used methods of comparison, matching, extrapolation, modeling, and benchmarking. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the demographic indicators of single-industry towns in the East Kazakhstan region of Kazakhstan for 10 years. Based on the analysis carried out, a demographic forecast for the development of single-industry towns until 2030 was calculated. The factors influencing the development of the demographic potential of single-industry towns are determined. The authors attempted to calculate the index of demographic development of single-industry towns for 10 years, which shows the assessment of the settlements under consideration in terms of size and growth rate of demographic indicators and considers the balance of migration. An algorithm of actions for the development of single-industry towns is proposed.

Contemporary concepts of small town development

Motivation: The paradigms of sustainable development and knowledge and innovation-based economy (smart growth) are among the most important signposts for the development of contemporary towns, cities and regions. The growing competitiveness of cities and the high variation and complexity of the urban environment necessitate the search for such a model of a city that will enable its dynamic development in the economic, social and spatial spheres. The implemented development model determines the town’s ability to face the current challenges, such as population changes, increasing and diverse needs of the city’s users, limited natural resources which therefore require protection, a shift in the paradigm of local economy towards circular economy, thereby improving the town’s ability to deal with crisis (urban resilience). As a consequence, there is a growing number of smart cities as well as cities which have adopted another dominant development concept, such as green cities, slow cities.Aim: Purpose of the article is to discuss and compare some of these concepts, namely smart city, slow city, green city (and selected hybrid models), which can be applied in designing a policy for the development of small towns in Poland.Results: The diverse and increasingly varied conditions underlying the development of small towns mean that a local development policy should have a more reactive and scenario-like character. The process of evolution of the existing approaches can be observed, resulting in the hybridization of the development models, where new concepts arise by combining the assumptions of several approaches, for example a smart green city, etc. This process can be seen as the manifestation of improving the level of urban resilience to crises, which increases the chance of small towns to adapt to new conditions.

The vector of the development of territories under the conditions of the new reality (using single-industry towns in the Chelyabinsk Region as an example)

Subject. The article is focused on the processes which accompany the transformation of the model of a monofunctional municipality (whose main feature is industry monospecialisation) into a multifunctional municipality both in relation to its production specialisation and in relation to its non-production and social spheres. According to the authors, this concept determines the change of the paradigm of a single-industry town's development from the model of “town for a factory” (with the limited functionality characteristic of single-industry towns) to the model of “town for the people” (with an expanded set of functions, most particularly social functions). The purpose of the study is to identify new opportunities and prospects for the development of single-industry towns using the multifunctional model for the functioning of regional single-industry municipalities.Methodology. To identify the main problems to focus on, the authors analysed scientific resources dedicated to the topic. As a result, emphasis was placed on the analysis of the peculiarities and risks related to the functioning of single-industry towns due to their limited functions (in the production and social spheres and in the local labour market). For this, single-industry towns were classified into several groups: by population (small towns, towns, cities, large cities); by socio-economic situation (in crisis, at risk, stable); by the type of the backbone enterprise; and by the quality of the urban environment. The goal of the classification was to determine the socio-economic situation in single-industry towns in the Chelyabinsk Region and to perform a comparative analysis. Single-industry towns were positioned within the following coordinates: “the status of towns by population – their socio-economic status”; “the status of towns by population – the quality of the urban environment”. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of the socio-economic situation in single-industry towns in the Chelyabinsk Region, the authors concluded that single-industry towns in the region have different levels of socio-economic development. This is due to their different economic potential, socio-economic situation (stable, at risk, in crisis), the status of the towns in terms of population, and other factors. We believe that the new approach (using the concept of functionality) will allow us, in terms of the methodology, to update and redefine the functions of single-industry towns and to develop a vision for the future town; and in terms of management, to use the development opportunities of single-industry towns by achieving their multifunctionality.

A functional and planning model for the development of the territory of the historic settlement of chistopol

The development of small towns and historic settlements is a priority in Russia's spatial development. Along with the problems that are common to small towns, there are many features that are key to working out strategies of their development. The article presents a comprehensive planning analysis of the small historic town Chistopol located in the Republic of Tatarstan. Proposals are made for the functional-planning model of Chistopol, including economic and zoning (architectural and planning) components of development.

Correction: Shi et al. Dynamic Scenario Simulations of Sustainable Rural and Towns Development in China: The Case of Wujiang District. Sustainability 2023, 15, 8200

In the original publication [...]

Identifying nature-positive futures in new cities: an application of the Urban Nature Futures Framework

AbstractWith the increasing loss of biodiversity due to urbanization, it is essential to examine and re-imagine the place of nature in cities. The opportunity to redesign positive relationships between cities and nature is particularly apparent in the development of new cities—rapidly developing areas observed in many Asian and African countries. As these new cities are built on a perceived tabula rasa, there is a potential to design positive nature futures. This study, therefore, aims to understand how nature is incorporated into existing plans for new cities and identify pro-nature perspectives envisioned within these plans. We use the Urban Nature Futures Framework (UNFF) to conduct a content analysis on the masterplans of new city and town developments within the Jakarta Metropolitan Area (JMA). The UNFF promotes the creation of multiple positive visions of nature in cities by considering three broad nature perspectives: Nature for Nature, Nature for Society, and Nature as Culture, as well as emphasizing equity in these visions. Our findings show that the Nature for Society perspective tends to dominate the design of new cities in the JMA, closely followed by the Nature for Nature perspective embodied by pollution control measures. New cities also emphasise the Nature as Culture perspective through nature stewardship programmes. Based on these results, we exemplify how the UNFF can be used to further integrate nature elements in new cities’ masterplans. We conclude with a discussion of the strengths and limitations of the framework at each stage of the new city development process.

Are New Towns Prone to Urban Heat Island Effect? Implications for Planning Form and Function

New town developments aim to improve spatial layout and quality of human habitats in metropolitan areas. However, due to high-density compact development and inadequate long-term land use planning, new towns are vulnerable to urban heat island effects. This study addresses this concern by analyzing five new towns in Shanghai, using spatial pattern analysis to examine morphological conditions of urban heat island and Point-of-Interest datasets to derive functional characteristics. Geodetector is then used to detect the influence of land use function density on urban heat island. Findings reveal that new towns are more prone to urban heat island effects, with core-type dominant in suburban new towns, loop-type in sprawling new towns, and bridge-type in regional new towns. The study proposed targeted strategies based on morphological characteristics, including greenbelt transformations for core-types and using greenbelts to interrupt bridge-type connections. Findings also reveal strong thermal influence from public services, interactive effects of parks with other functions, and lower thermal influence from mixed education and commercial developments. Similar thermal mechanisms stem from spatial proximity and similar development patterns in new towns. Incorporating these target strategies into planning practice enables urban planners and policymakers to develop effective interventions against urban heat island in new towns.

Post Evaluation of Rural Road Renovation and Upgrading Plans in Low Mountain and Hilly Areas Based on IF-VE Method

Currently, China is vigorously promoting the construction of "Four Good Rural Roads", and the planning and construction layout of urban and rural transportation, especially rural roads, can effectively promote the rapid integration of urban and rural areas and the coordinated development of small towns. However, there are still problems in the current planning and construction of rural roads, such as large inventory, low level, and chaotic layout. Post evaluation of rural road renovation and upgrading, analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of the plan, can provide strong support for the subsequent adjustment of regional comprehensive transportation system construction. Based on various national, provincial, and municipal transportation development guidelines, this article analyzes the factors related to the planning and evaluation of rural roads in low mountain and hilly areas. Based on the IF-VE method formed by intuitionistic fuzzy theory and value engineering theory, a post evaluation study is conducted on a rural road renovation and upgrading project plan. The application results indicate that the indicator system and model constructed in the article have certain feasibility and applicability.

Assessment of the current status of tourism town development targeting the use of natural resources within the biosphere reserve in the town of Odai, Taki County, Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Assessment of the current status of tourism town development targeting the use of natural resources within the biosphere reserve in the town of Odai, Taki County, Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Research on the Cooperative Development Mode of Rural Tourism Resorts — Taking Huangpu River Source Tourism Resort as an Example

The Huangpu River Source Tourism Resort, situated within Anji County, Zhejiang Province, encompasses the administrative boundaries of Baofu Town, Zhangcun Town, and Hanggai Town. With the establishment of the resort's management committee, upper-level planning and coordination have gradually fallen into place, facilitating the full-scale construction of the resort. As a rural-oriented tourism destination aimed at fostering comprehensive development across these three townships, disparities are anticipated in terms of development foundations, tourism competitiveness, and development approaches. The purpose of this paper is to establish an evaluation index system for rural tourism competitiveness within the region. Utilizing factor analysis via the SPSS tool, it seeks to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each town's development factors, thereby evaluating the tourism development foundation and potential across the three towns. This endeavor aims to provide more effective guidance for the scientific construction and management of the Huangpu River Source Tourism Resort in Anji County and to explore a linked development model for the resort.