Urban Design Strategies Research Articles

Examining urban design strategies in historic districts: a systematic literature review

The global community faces the challenge of balancing the conservation of historic districts with urbanisation demands. This systematic literature review explores innovative strategies for conserving and revitalising historic districts within urban design. An analysis of literature from the Scopus database highlights this as a prominent research area, supported by international reviews emphasising the critical role of urban design strategies. The findings indicate that urban designers can utilise modern geographic information technology, spatial analysis, data support, community engagement, and transdisciplinary knowledge to regenerate historic districts effectively. However, there is a notable lack of systematic, in-depth empirical research, with a predominance of conservative and repetitive descriptive case studies. Although these studies logically explore the significance of historic districts, there is an urgent need for innovative research on urban design methodologies. This study aims to identify research gaps through a comparative analysis of international findings, offering new perspectives and theoretical support for the sustainable development of historic districts.

Assessing thermal comfort for the elderly in historical districts and proposing adaptive urban design strategies: A case study in Zhenjiang, China

Assessing thermal comfort for the elderly in historical districts and proposing adaptive urban design strategies: A case study in Zhenjiang, China

Quality function deployment approach to urban ecological public art design centred on resident needs

To improve the quality management of urban ecological public art design and the service centered on residents’ needs. Our study introduces a new Quality Function Deployment (QFD)decision-making model called Kano-FAHP-QFD, which applies to urban ecological public art design. Specifically, a new QFD framework is proposed, combining the Kano model and Fuzzy AHP (FAHP). This paper well explains the importance of ranking urban residents’ needs and the impacts of the new framework in defining the quality management of urban ecological public art design and the satisfaction of urban residents, while using the framework as a set of prioritized strategies in urban renewal to guide the design and planning of urban ecological public art. The author combined these three approaches to more accurately capture and address their respective issues and thus better understand the residents’ needs for urban ecological public art design. In essence, this study investigates how urban ecological public art can be designed and planned in urban renewal through a novel QFD algorithm for urban ecological public art design, with application case validation. Thus, the method keeps the satisfaction of urban residents in line with the positioning and strategies of urban ecological public art design, which is dedicated to enhancing urban vitality, promoting urban renaissance, and sustainable development. It also provides new research ideas for the development of urban ecological public art design in the future.

Key Factors Influencing Urban Regenerative Strategies in Public Open Spaces: A Case-Study in Lhasa

Abstract In the last decades, significant efforts have been made in urban construction to achieve rapid economic development. However, with climate change on the agenda, there is a growing recognition of the importance of urban sustainable development and of its potential impacts on residents. Reflection reveals that many policies, measures, and tools are inadequate; therefore, public open spaces are regarded as a potential target of urban regeneration strategies. This study explores users’ perceptions of public open spaces through participatory methods. The developed methodology is applied to specific areas of Lhasa, the major city of the Tibet region, which was selected as a test-bed site. The survey involved a selected pool of participants and emphasized the coverage of different types of public open spaces. Investigate factors including personal background, overall satisfaction, user evaluation, usage preference, and willingness to change, analyze key factors based on quantitative survey results. Subsequently, identify the key regenerative design elements that require highlighting. The findings indicate that comfort and safety are emphasized by users of all types of public open spaces. Additionally, their initial impression upon entering a space significantly influences their overall satisfaction with it. Besides, although individual background differences play a role, they are not sufficient to significantly influence the user’s evaluation of the space. However, variations in the purpose of space use result in differences in user evaluations and needs, impacting their attitudes based on the type of space. Finally, urban regeneration design strategies are proposed for various types of public open spaces and users.

DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR THE URBAN INTERPRETATION OF COURTYARD SPACES IN HISTORIC CITIES: DESIGN AND SOCIAL ASPECTS

The shift in the urban paradigm during the 20th century led to a significant reconsideration of the living space of city residents. The principles of the modernist worldview, which acquired the nature of a universal urban design strategy in the Athens Charter of 1931, initiated a negative attitude towards the block development that had prevailed before. The courtyard spaces inherent in it started to be perceived as insufficient, and their original concept as places of recreation and social interaction was redefined. As a result, the internal environments of blocks were spontaneously used by residents for various purposes, leading to their degradation and chaos. This was particularly relevant to Ukrainian cities, where the population of historic centres was densifying, with an increased impact on all types of spaces. The crisis of modernist urban design and the expansion of postmodern values have returned attention to historical heritage as an auxiliary source of shaping and removed the intensity of the confrontation between the ‘contemporary’ modernist worldview and the ‘historical’ one. Subsequently, urban concepts have absorbed many ideas related to the environmental discourse, inclusiveness, barrier-free accessibility, pedestrian accessibility, and density. All of this has significantly changed the understanding of approaches and principles of interpretation of historic urban spaces, including residential courtyards. The article considers promising urban design strategies that can be used for the contemporary interpretation of courtyard environments, primarily focused on design and social aspects. This is due to the methodological structure, which is based on a dual understanding of the priorities of this process. On the one hand, courtyard spaces are perceived as places of recreation and greening, and on the other hand, as environments for socialising and community bonding. In this regard, four urban design strategies have been identified that may form the basis of certain areas of urban design in the future: a) functional universalisation; b) spatial diversification; c) communicative adaptability; d) variable accessibility. The first strategy refers to the integration of courtyard spaces into measures to introduce walkability and optimal density. In this case, we are dealing with introducing a number of functions into courtyard spaces that were typical of external street areas, but aimed at the nearest residents. The second strategy is aimed at returning to the ideology of green oases and recreational areas, with further expansion of spatial elements through vertical development. The strategy of communicative adaptability is related to the development of courtyards as places of gathering and solidarity of the resident’s community. The last strategy is related to the proposal to provide access to the courtyards to external visitors at certain times.

Interactive contact interface elements and correlations with social behavior in historic commercial streets: a study of Qushuiting Street, Jinan

ABSTRACT As China transitions from rapid urbanization to prioritizing high-quality development, creating sociable streets has become essential. These are spaces designed to encourage interactions among people and their environment, which is crucial for the revitalization of historic districts. This study examines the relationship between “sociability” and interactive elements within historic commercial streets, focusing on identifying key “interface factors” that influence social dynamics. Jinan’s Qushuiting Street was selected as the subject of this study. Survey and behavioral mapping methods were employed to assess interactive contact interface as independent variables, including façade opening, D/H, structural shelter, plant shelter, commercial overflow, seating overflow, and social nexus points. SPSS was employed for multiple regression analysis to examine the correlations between these interface variables and the dependent variable, the sociability index. The findings indicate strong positive correlations between sociability and commercial overflow, seating overflow, and social nexus points. Additionally, plant shelter and structural shelter show a certain positive correlation with the sociability index. This research quantitatively evaluates the sociability of historic commercial streets and identifies key contributing factors, providing scientific guidelines for enhancing street vitality, increasing social interactivity, and securing effective urban and street design strategies.

People, Places, and Perceptions: Assessing Spatial Quality Attributes of Urban Third-place With Projective Survey

Urban third places, such as cafes, parks, and plazas, are integral to the social fabric of urban environments, providing spaces for informal social interaction outside of home and work. This study explores the spatial quality attributes that define these third places and their influence on user perceptions and experiences. By employing a projective survey, a qualitative research method utilizing ambiguous stimuli to reveal deeper user sentiments, the research identifies key characteristics that contribute to the desirability of these spaces. Findings highlight the significance of physical, functional, and social dimensions, including furniture design, spatial layout, and opportunities for social interaction. These attributes are shown to vary significantly across different age groups, with notable differences in preferences between younger and older participants. The study's insights inform urban designers and architects on creating inclusive, vibrant third places that enhance urban livability and economic vitality. The research underscores the need for a human-centric approach in urban design, emphasizing the importance of accommodating diverse user needs and preferences to foster a sense of community and well-being in urban settings. By understanding the nuanced relationships between spatial attributes and user perceptions, the study contributes to the development of more effective urban design strategies.

An Analytical Study of Urban Tissue Design Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.

An Analytical Study of Urban Tissue Design Strategies for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.

Resilience to climate change by improving air circulation efficiency and pollutant dispersion in cities: A 3D-UFO approach to urban block design

Urbanization presents significant challenges to air quality and climate resilience, necessitating pioneering urban design solutions to enhance air circulation and mitigate pollutants. This urgency intensifies in densely populated and rapidly evolving regions like Wuhan, China, where effective strategies are crucial for sustainable development. This study introduces an innovative 3D Urban Form Optimization (3D-UFO) methodology aimed at advancing urban block design configurations to improve urbanization quality. The 3D-UFO approach systematically addresses the multifaceted challenges of climate change and air quality degradation in rapidly urbanizing areas. Integrating GIS-based analysis for comprehensive Land-Use and Land-Cover Change (LULCC) evaluation with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), our approach employs systematic exploration guided by established urban airflow study protocols. Robust metrics—Airspeed-Ratio (ASR) and Average-Age-of-Local-Air (ALA)—quantify the impact of diverse urban block design strategies on air-circulation efficiency and pollutant dispersion. Analysis across various urban scenarios, yielded by the proposed 3D-UFO approach, reveal significant variations in air-circulation efficiency at street and building levels (SBLs). Optimal urban air circulation achieves efficiency levels of 50–70 % when airflow aligns orthogonally across and parallel to streets. Adjusting street-level building heights, especially incorporating taller structures, boosts ventilation efficiency by 20–30 %, which is crucial for improving airflow dynamics in urban settings. Higher Height-to-Width (H/W) ratios (>5.5) yield a 218.5 % increase in ventilation in specific urban layouts. Notably, the synergy of street-aspect-ratio and building-height-ratio adjustments significantly enhance ASR and ALA, providing a quantitative foundation for sustainable urban development. This 3D-UFO methodology, fusing LULCC analysis, CFD simulations, and systematic exploration, emerge as a valuable framework for urban planners and designers. The study offers informed insights into urban sustainability challenges, demonstrating advancements in addressing environmental concerns and improving living conditions within densely populated environments.

Role of Urban Trees in Enhancing the Thermal Comfort of Rapidly Urbanizing Cities: An Analysis of Tropical Asian Tree Species Based on Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET)

AbstractBackgroundThermal comfort significantly influences well-being, productivity, and living conditions in outdoor environments, particularly in rapidly urbanizing, warm, humid tropical climates. This study assessed the influence of 5 five common urban tree species (Cassia fistula,Tectona grandis,Plumeria obtusa,Mangifera indica, andTerminalia catappa) on outdoor thermal comfort, using the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) index in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as a case study for a tropical humid city.MethodsField data collection encompassed measuring air and surface temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity, solar radiation, cloud cover, and sky view factor under tree canopies and adjacent exposed areas. The RayMan model was employed to estimate PET in both areas.ResultsOur findings indicated that PET was consistently higher in exposed areas compared to under the tree canopy, with an average difference of 5.61 °C. Among tree parameters, sky view factor (SVF) demonstrated the most significant correlation with thermal comfort, followed by crown diameter and tree height. Furthermore, notable variations in thermal comfort were observed among tree species, withTerminalia catappaoutperformingPlumeria obtusa, particularly on sunny days.ConclusionRegression analysis highlighted the importance of integrating trees with large crowns and low SVF to create thermally comfortable outdoor spaces. Consequently,Terminalia catappaemerged as the most suitable tree species for enhancing thermal comfort in Colombo’s outdoor urban areas out of the 5 selected species. These insights will aid in selecting appropriate tree species and parameters, fostering improved outdoor thermal comfort in tropical humid cities, and facilitating sustainable urban planning and design strategies.

Research on the Spatiotemporal Pattern and Influencing Mechanism of Coastal Urban Vitality: A Case Study of Bayuquan

Enhancing the spatial vitality of coastal cities is beneficial for the sustainable development of urban construction. However, how to fully utilize coastal resources and boost urban vitality is an important issue. This study takes the coastal city of Bayuquan in China’s cold region as an example. Firstly, we conducted field investigations and data mining in Bayuquan, utilizing Baidu heat map data to measure the spatial–temporal vitality of different areas in Bayuquan. Secondly, we used Moran’s I test to examine the spatial autocorrelation of coastal spatial vitality. Lastly, with the help of the OLS and GWR models, we explored the factors influencing spatial vitality and the urban built environment. The research findings indicate the following: (1) There are spatial–temporal differences in the vitality of different areas in Bayuquan, heavily influenced by the tourist season. (2) The OLS results show that the impact of the built environment on spatial vitality exhibits spatial heterogeneity during different tourist seasons. However, we found no spatial heterogeneity in the influencing factors in the harbor district. (3) The harbor district and the tourism-driven district re quire differentiated construction guidance. Facility functions and block morphology mainly influence the vitality of the harbor district, while the vitality of the tourism-driven district is primarily affected by its aesthetic characteristics. This study can propose differentiated regional construction guidance and specific feasible coastal urban design strategies for seasonally influenced coastal city construction. It holds significant implications for improving urban living quality and is vital to urban decision-makers, planners, and stakeholders.

Analysis of the Urban Form of Bechar through the Attributes of Space Syntax “for a More Sustainable City”

Located in the vast Algerian Sahara, Bechar has experienced over the years uncontrolled urban growth. It has evolved from a simple oasis and ksar (traditional settlement) to a city with a contrasting center and segregated outskirts. This growth has led to significant urban fragmentation that affected residents’ quality of life. This research uses space syntax theory to analyze Bechar’s urban configurations and their impact on functionality and sustainability. The study examines integration, connectivity, control, and intelligibility through axial maps and syntactic measures. Findings reveal that areas with high integration show better accessibility and reduced vehicle reliance, while segregated areas face accessibility challenges and limited services. Global integration values range from −1 to 1.192, averaging at 0.767, which indicates different accessibility among neighborhoods. These insights are crucial to identify areas where sustainable urban planning can mitigate adverse effects and enhance city efficiency. We created an axial map using DepthmapX v0.8.0 software and a modified digital QGIS map to collect data and measure Bechar’s urban properties. The methodology we used translates social behaviors into spatial representations, generating interpretative models for social and spatial phenomena. This article provides valuable information on the infrastructure and service needs, guiding strategic resource allocation. The proposed urban design strategies include urban canopies and optimized building ratios to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. To conclude, we recommend practical solutions to enhance the sustainability and functioning of urban areas similar to Bechar.

Urban Landscape Design Strategies Based on Cultural Heritage Protection

The article's focus is on the urban landscape design strategy based on cultural heritage protection. It introduces the importance of cultural heritage protection and discusses its significance and the relationship between urban landscape design. It also examines relevant cases of urban landscape design based on cultural heritage protection in China and abroad. Finally, it puts forward a strategy for strengthening historical protection. The article also promotes social participation and highlights the innovation of the three urban landscape design strategies. It combines this with the application of the Wuhu ancient city urban landscape example in the hope that it will provide a reference and reference for the cultural heritage protection of the city landscape.

Optimizing placement of bioretention systems in the US Puget Sound region

AbstractThe Puget Sound Basin, US Pacific Northwest, is experiencing rapid population and urban growth. This growth adversely impacts local ecosystems, especially the spawning and rearing habitat for several salmonid species. Sustainable urban design strategies such as green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) are required in the region to manage stormwater onsite when new development occurs. However, the effectiveness of any GSI depends on its location relative to where stormwater is produced. This study aimed to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS)‐based framework for the optimal placement of GSI, specifically bioretention systems. We computed the Hydrologic Sensitivity Index (λHSI, indicating runoff generation potential at a landscape location) for the lower Puyallup River Watershed study area. The index and federal and state feasibility criteria were used to identify suitable sites for bioretention systems. The suitability of identified sites was verified through ground‐truthing, including soil sampling and infiltration testing. We found that 2.5% of the watershed area was suitable for bioretention, concentrated in the center and north of the study watershed. The method described in this study can be readily applied to watersheds for which spatial data (topography, soil, and land use) are available. We recommend choosing locations with high λHSI when resources are limited since these locations contribute most to runoff generation and urban flooding.

Urbanization and Its Influence on Public Health in Southeast Asia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the urbanization and its influence on public health in Southeast Asia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Urbanization in Southeast Asia significantly impacts public health through strained healthcare infrastructure, environmental health risks like pollution and inadequate sanitation, and increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases due to urban lifestyles. Infectious disease transmission is amplified in densely populated urban areas, exacerbated by social determinants of health disparities. Effective urban health policies and integrated planning are essential to mitigate these challenges, promoting sustainable development and equitable healthcare access across the region. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Urbanization theory, social determinants of health theory & ecological systems theory may be used to anchor future studies on urbanization and its influence on public health in Southeast Asia. Initiatives should focus on promoting healthy urban environments through sustainable urban planning and design strategies. Policymakers should prioritize the integration of health considerations into urban planning policies and initiatives.

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

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

Embracing throwntogetherness: Unravelling the relational dynamics of borderlands in divided cities

This research delves into the relational character of borderlands examining the nuanced concept of throwntogetherness within contested cities. Whilst prevailing literature often characterises walls and borders as static entities, this study proposes a paradigm shift, advocating for the recognition of borderlands as complex and relational networks. Using a mixed-method research approach, the study examines the profound ramifications of divisions, addresses socio-spatial imbalances, and hidden interconnected human experiences within divided landscapes. Through a comprehensive analysis of the city of Belfast, this research uncovers three interrelated patterns that reflect the spectrum of in-betweenness within interface areas encompassing separation, openness, and seclusion. These patterns extend beyond local geography, revealing broader socio-spatial phenomena. The findings highlight interfaces as junctions of both connection and division, prompting inquiries into effective urban planning and design strategies that foster meaningful relationships and cohesive urban dynamics. By dissecting socio-spatial dynamics that exist in these contested environments, this research unveils the array of tensions and synergies embedded in throwntogetherness, intricately woven into the urban fabric of divided cities.

Discovering urban block typologies in Seoul: Combining planning knowledge and unsupervised machine learning

Urban blocks are fundamental elements of urban form and play an important role in urban development. Identification of their typologies has been a long-standing challenge in urban planning and design. Traditionally, expert-based classification has been used, but recent studies have shifted towards data-driven clustering to achieve better results. However, most studies tend to use only one of these approaches and few integrate both. To address this gap, this study proposes a framework that combines planning knowledge and machine learning to identify urban block typologies in complex urban environments. The framework first classifies blocks based on their size types according to planning regulations and development types. Then, a combined hierarchical and Gaussian mixture model is used to discover clusters with complex feature data distributions. These clusters are translated into block typologies using a semantic naming system and illustrated with representative blocks. Finally, the validity of the results is tested by comparing them with other building features, such as building age. The proposed integrated framework was applied to Seoul, resulting in the discovery of 27 residential block typologies across the entire city. These typologies show significant correlations with the average building age in the blocks. The application of expert knowledge in the clustering method demonstrates higher accuracy compared to conventional clustering approaches. Overall, this framework holds significant potential for discovering urban block typologies that are consistent with planning domain knowledge and provide urban planners and designers with valuable insights into the characteristics of urban block typologies, thereby helping decision-making regarding zoning regulations, urban design, and urban development strategies.

Investigating crop performance on urban green roofs using hyperspectral data

This study explores the dynamic relationship between crop plant performance and variety of treatment effects (water levels, diversity, and Sedum) on extensive urban green roofs. Green roofs have gained recognition as a sustainable urban design strategy, offering benefits such as stormwater management, energy efficient, and improved aesthetic enhancements. However, environmental stressors can challenge plant growth and performance on these emerging extensive green roofs. To help cope with these stressors, certain planting techniques have been implemented on green roofs such as plants grown with Sedum and increasing diversity types. However, monitoring the effects of these treatments in a rapid, timely manner are still in its infancy. To monitor plant health (specifically bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)) on green roofs, this study utilizes hyperspectral remote sensing technology using two crucial optical parameters: red edge point (REP) and red well point (RWP) to offer new valuable insights into monitoring plant health on green roofs. The results found that both REP and RWP information can detect significant differences between the treatment effects of water treatment (high and low) (p = 0.006, p = 0.001) and plants with or without existence of Sedum (Crassulaceae) (p = 0.01, p = 0.07) but could not find significant difference in diversity effects (single crop or multiple crops) (p = 0.20, p = 0.45). The results of REP and RWP was also able to find that plants with Sedum under low watering treatments showed worse plant performance than plants without Sedum under low watering treatments (p = 0.006, p = 0.006). This provides insights that remote sensing technology can detect that there may have been a competition of resources under low watering treatments and that that REP and RWP has the potential for a future sophisticated green roof monitoring platform.

Unlocking Urban Accessibility: Proximity Analysis in Bangkok, Thailand’s Mega City

Accessibility serves as the fundamental link for mode shifts, enabling access to activity areas and facilitating connections to other forms of travel. However, navigating the transportation network in urban areas of Bangkok, Thailand, reveals persistent inconveniences, discomfort, and safety concerns, thereby failing to adequately meet the needs of users. This study aims to examine urban accessibility, focusing on multi-travel connections to amenities and public transport. It focuses on understanding how the level of engagement of road users in social activities contributes to well-being by addressing proximity access through a multidisciplinary approach aimed at enhancing accessibility and integrating the built environment. The comprehensive and inclusive Accessibility by Proximity Index (API) is proposed as a tool to evaluate the level of access to essential services and activities for residents. Additionally, this study acknowledges the impact of the physical and utilization characteristics of urban space and active trajectories by considering various travel needs and daily route patterns. Consequently, the API can inform the development of planning and urban design strategies aimed at enhancing walkability and cycling as non-motorization infrastructures, thereby improving accessibility through active modes of transportation. It was observed that areas with a higher concentration of urban amenities exhibit greater accessibility by walking, cycling, and public transport, particularly in inner-city areas. Thus, envisioning a more sustainable and inclusive city with adequate development of public transportation access is essential in urban areas, prompting policy-level initiatives to enhance the environment and elevate the overall commuting experience.