Urban Elements Research Articles

Investigating the Influence of Architectural Environment in Rehabilitation Facilities on the Psychological Well-being of Military Personnel with PTSD symptoms

This article delves into a crucial aspect of this challenge: how the design and layout of physical spaces affect the mental health and overall quality of life of military personnel displaying symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Veterans who have encountered traumatic and life-threatening situations during their service often grapple with emotions like fear, helplessness, and distress. This group is particularly vulnerable to the effects of PTSD, with a significant portion experiencing these symptoms. Recent studies shifted in focus towards understanding and mitigating triggers for PTSD symptoms underscores the importance of investigating how architectural and urban design elements impact the well-being of these individuals. A review of current literature reveals that while progress has been made in understanding the psychological well-being of veterans and the design of rehabilitation centers, much of this research remains fragmented. Existing data mostly pertains to indirect and general guidelines for architectural design and planning. International literature offers a more extensive body of work, encompassing a wide array of aspects related to the creation of stress-reducing environments. It is imperative to consider how various architectural and urban design elements either exacerbate or alleviate PTSD symptoms. Hence, understanding potential connections between these elements and symptom triggers holds critical significance for veterans' well-being. The primary focus of this study involved conducting semi-structured interviews with veterans experiencing PTSD symptoms to identify and formulate recommendations for the design of the interior and exterior environments within rehabilitation facilities. The questionnaire included questions about architectural features that had either positively or negatively affected the veterans' mental well-being. Notably, most of the recommendations derived from previous research align with the preferences expressed by the veterans, considering specific nuances related to the psychological states of individuals following combat experiences. The results underscore the importance of creating a supportive and empathetic social environment that respects the need for privacy (private spaces), fosters transparency and comprehension of the design logic (open spaces), adheres to insulation and acoustic requirements, and incorporates specific structural and interior features in facilities of this kind. Although the study featured a relatively small sample size, the detailed examination of veterans' preferences and their enthusiastic responses validate the relevance of these recommendations. The imperfections found in existing facilities highlight the ongoing necessity for further exploration, additional interviews, and refined proposals for the renovation and reorganization of rehabilitation institutions serving veterans with PTSD symptoms. In summary, this article investigates how architectural environments impact the mental well-being of military personnel with PTSD symptoms. It takes a unique approach by incorporating veterans' own experiences to create recommendations and approaches for designing rehabilitation centers aimed at providing more effective and compassionate support for veterans. This research contributes to an expanding body of knowledge seeking to enhance the well-being and recovery of veterans with PTSD, ultimately aiming for a more comprehensive understanding of the role of architectural design in mental health support.

Digital Smart Manufacturing Context Urban Street Space Design Landscape Elements Retrofit Analysis

INTRODUCTION: With the growth of the economic level, China's urban residents' urban living standards are also increasingly high, which has produced the story of an urban street space design to improve the requirements. Moreover, with intelligent manufacturing and other computer technology to enhance the efficiency of various industries, smart manufacturing applied to urban spatial design landscapes also has a prototype.
 OBJECTIVES: To improve the level of digitization in China, the application of intelligent manufacturing in urban street space design; to promote the transformation of urban landscape elements, urban modernization will increase the level; to solve the problem of the urban environment improvement and economic development is not synchronized; to promote the modernization of urban development, enhance the level of urban informatization and intelligence.
 METHODS: Firstly establishes the Wells equation of the optimal path of intelligent manufacturing through the technique of theoretical exposition; secondly, analyzes people's demand for urban street space design by using the method of data statistics and analysis; lastly, summarizes the principles to be followed in the creation of urban street space and the construction outlook through case study.
 RESULTS: The Wells equation of the optimal path of smart manufacturing shows that intelligent manufacturing has a significant positive effect on the efficiency of urban street space design; the results of data statistics and analysis show that the current level of urban street space design cannot meet people's growing spiritual and cultural needs; the results of the case study show that the design of urban street space should follow the design principles of safety, closeness to nature, and human-centeredness.
 CONCLUSION: Urban street space design in the context of digital intelligent manufacturing should be done promptly, and the level of urban landscape design should be strengthened to meet people's growing spiritual and cultural needs in the post-New Crown epidemic era.

The museum method of reusing Shanghai waterfront industrial heritage: continuation and reconstruction of urban memory

In the context of transforming traditional labour-intensive industries into the service economy in China, the reuse of industrial heritage as museums has become a trend, for example, along Shanghai waterfronts, gradually fuelling the continuation of urban memory, reshaping urban cultural identity and promoting the development of the waterfront economy. Additionally, the connotation of a museum is continually being expanded from an institution to a method, and the major function is gradually shifting from collection to display. Previous studies on Shanghai waterfront industrial heritage have mostly referred to cultural factors, but these factors are still mainly included in macroscale large waterfront projects or microscale single practical project analyses. Mesoscale typology discussions between the two are rare. Therefore, this paper examines eleven industrial heritage sites that have been repurposed as museums along Shanghai waterfronts to analyse the urban memory elements of industrial heritage and summarise three classes of memory interpretation strategies: translating memory information, renovating memory carriers, and relating memory clues. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the study cases are discussed separately, and the following corresponding recommendations are made: 1) further enrich and balance memory interpretation strategies; 2) enhance the rationality, service, and tolerance of the “exhibition + ” mode; and 3) improve local laws and regulations related to the protection and utilisation of industrial heritage to provide references for similar reuse designs.

How Should Soundscape Optimization from Perceived Soundscape Elements in Urban Forests by the Riverside Be Performed?

Urban forests by the riverside are important habitats for various animals and contribute various soundscapes for citizens. Unfortunately, urban forests are exposed to the influence of riverside traffic noises from freeways. This study aims to explore the spatial and temporal variation of soundscape, conduct soundscape optimization for multiple parameters, and find a balance and its interval of soundscape elements through optimizing a soundscape map. Questionnaires and measuring equipment were used to gather soundscape information in an urban forested area in Fuzhou, China. Diurnal variations and soundscape mapping were used to analyze spatial and psychophysical relationships between soundscape drivers. We then conducted optimization for a soundscape map, which included normalization, critical value determination, target interval of optimal SPL determination, and modification of SPL and mapping. Our findings suggest that biological activities and natural phenomena are potential drivers for diurnal variation of soundscapes, especially tidal phenomena contributing water and shipping soundscapes. Our results also suggest that all the high values of perceived soundscapes were found at the southwest corner of the study area, which includes both riverside and urban forest elements. Furthermore, we suggest combining both optimal soundscape and SPL correction maps to aid in sustainable design in urban forests. This can contribute to the understanding and methodology of soundscape map optimization in urban forests when proposing suitable design plans and conservation of territorial sound.

Analysis of Thermal Characteristics of Urban Streets Using Thermal Imaging Camera : Case Study of Commercial Streets in Banjarbaru

Continuous urban growth and global warming over the past few decades have led to the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which has become a serious threat to urban residents. Impervious surfaces, low-albedo buildings, and lack of vegetated areas are the main causes of poor urban thermal environments, especially during summer. Several previous studies only focused on the thermal characteristics of each building unit that influence pedestrian thermal comfort. The aim of this research is to analyze the thermal characteristics of various physical elements on urban roads using thermal imaging cameras, and present a conceptual model of improved road shapes and materials for buildings and pavements with respect to the thermal environment in cities to improve the thermal comfort of outdoor pedestrians room. This study examines the road-scale thermal environment of two main commercial roads: A. Yani street km.33-37 and Panglima Batur street, in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan. This study conducted field measurements both during the day and at night in July 2023 to investigate changes in urban surface temperatures over time. The results show that trees are the most effective mitigation element for reducing surface temperatures. With regard to the type of building use, the highest surface temperature is near asphalt shophouses with minimal trees along the road. Glass building facades and dark-colored or partially metal-covered walls contribute to high surface temperatures. Likewise, the temperature of cast concrete in parking areas and sidewalks on urban streets is also very high during the day. The thermal characteristics of various urban road elements should be considered to reduce surface temperatures and reduce the urban heat island effect.

Evaluating Walkability in Budapest through Space Syntax Analysis

Walking is a fundamental and intuitive means of transportation both on an individual and urban scale, offering social and personal benefits like improved health, equity, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these benefits, urban sprawl and increased car dependency remain significant challenges. To combat this trend, urban planners have emphasized walking as a way to reduce vehicle travel and emissions, while public health researchers recognize its potential to improve general health.This study explores the concept of walkability and its relationship to urban design, with a specific focus on two recently renovated areas in Budapest, namely Egyetem Square and Corvin Promenade. Utilizing space syntax analysis, a promising approach to developing a walkability index, this research investigates the functional aspects of these urban spaces and their impact on walkability.The study aims to demonstrate the potential of space syntax analysis in enhancing urban planning efforts aimed at promoting walkability. By analyzing the spatial configuration, visibility, and accessibility of the case studies, this research examines how the design and layout of these areas influence pedestrian movement patterns and the overall walkability experience.By demonstrating the potential of space syntax analysis in informing urban planning decisions, this study provides insights into the relationship between spatial configuration and walkability. The findings highlight the importance of well-connected street networks, clear pathways, and visually appealing urban elements in creating walkable environments. The results of the analysis contribute to the understanding of how urban design factors can be leveraged to enhance walkability and create sustainable, livable cities.

Cloud model assessment of urban flood resilience based on PSR model and game theory

The frequency of urban floods is increasing due to extreme precipitation events, necessitating urgent improvements in urban flood resilience (UFR). To effectively assess the level of UFR, this contribution proposes an improved cloud model UFR assessment model based on pressure-state-response (PSR) model and game theory. A UFR index system is constructed based on the PSR model, incorporating urban constituent elements, resilience characteristics and resilience realization process. Based on game theory, the analytic hierarchical process (AHP) and entropy weight method (EWM) are combined to build an improved cloud assessment model of UFR. Taking Zhengzhou City as an example, the assessment results show that with nine years of continuous efforts, the UFR of Zhengzhou has improved year by year from 2012 to 2020 and reached medium resilience level III from lower resilience level II. The pressure layer is found to be risky, the state layer is moderate resilience, and the response layer is more responsive. The assessment model is feasible, and the results are consistent with the actual situation. Optimization suggestions are made in terms of infrastructure and ecological environment, early warning and emergency management, and flood resilience knowledge learning, respectively, to provide theoretical support and decision-making reference for the improvement of the UFR management level.

Exploring International Perspective on Factors Affecting Urban Socio-Ecological Sustainability by Green Space Planning

Urban green space (UGS) is one of the most important components of urban systems to create sustainable cities. This crucial urban element performs many social and ecological functions to facilitate a better quality of life for urban residents. The main aim of this study is to identify the most critical factors contributing to cities’ social and ecological sustainability through UGS planning and development. To achieve this aim, an integrated socio-ecological approach was followed to collect and analyse the data, which comprised context analysis and an international experts survey. Therefore, firstly, the main influencing factors for urban social and ecological sustainability that can be achieved by UGS planning were extracted by reviewing the related literature. In the next step, to find the most critical factors, an online international survey of academicians and experts drawn from a number of countries was conducted. Based on the experts’ opinions, twenty-two factors out of sixty-five, including twelve social factors and ten ecological factors, achieved the highest scores. According to the results, the key factors of accessibility from the social sustainability category and protection from the ecological sustainability category play the most important roles in maximising the social and ecological benefits of UGS.

Reconceptualizing urban identity: a study of Hanoi’s form and pattern languages from 1873 to 1902

ABSTRACT Urban identity has been an elusive challenge in urban studies. This research investigates Hanoi’s identity from 1873 to 1902 employing a methodology grounded in pattern and form languages, alongside the newly-developed Coherent Index. It finds that Hanoi’s late nineteenth-century form emphasized multiple scales, clear connections between urban elements, and the prominence of focal points and distinctiveness. The city’s form has been shaped by the interdependence of social and political needs among its diverse populations, connection to nature, and prestige, security, and symbolism. This research broadens the scope of urban identity across diverse contexts, enhancing comprehension of its intricate nature.

Psycho-physiological restoration with audio-visual interactions through virtual reality simulations of soundscape and landscape experiences in urban, waterfront, and green environments

The literature lacks a model of the specific environmental element that induces restoration. Thus, this study contributes to the development of sustainable and healthy environments by examining the effect of the soundscape and landscape experience on psycho-physiological restoration from the audio-visual interaction perspective. It examined various urban and natural environments to propose a restoration model for environmental design application. Sixty participants evaluated three each of urban, waterfront, and green environments using virtual reality technology. The audio-visual characteristics of environments were quantified, and environmental perception was assessed per 14 audio-visual element identifications, six perceived affective qualities, and six overall environmental qualities. The restoration responses were classified as psychological and physiological. Accordingly, 10 restoration models that can interpret design factors of the urban environment with a maximum correlation of 0.80 and an explanatory power of 22 % emerged from urban audio-visual design elements and psycho-physiological responses. Consequently, to improve restoration response, visually attractive and spatial-natural landscapes and acoustically supportive and tranquil soundscapes should be created. Moreover, urban designers can use the models to clearly identify physical characteristics that should be prioritized when promoting the health improvement of urbanites. Furthermore, the study findings can serve as basic data for the development of healthy environments.

A Study on Pedestrian Satisfaction Among the Mobility Disadvantaged Persons According to Urban Form

As for the paradigm of sustainable development, policies and research focusing on the improvement on convenience for mobility disadvantaged persons are currently underway. Physical facilities are constantly improving, but mobility disadvantaged pedestrian satisfaction is not commensurate with it. Therefore, local government should consider other requirements as well as improving the installation of mobility convenience facilities. This study paid attention to the opinion in urban planning that compact cities are walkable cities and examined whether the urban form, a regional characteristic, affects the pedestrian satisfaction of the mobility disadvantaged persons. In order to investigate the relationship between urban form and pedestrian satisfaction, hierarchical linear models were performed using the HLM program. The urban form was measured by land cover in the city using GIS and Fragstats. The results of analyses (Model 1∼4) showed that the urban form used as a variable at the regional level can explain 22–26% (variance) of the walking satisfaction. In addition, the mobility disadvantaged and sprawl urban form showed (−) in pedestrian satisfaction. The more sprawl, the opposite of compactness, the lower the satisfaction of the mobility disadvantaged person. This suggest that urban planning elements should be considered together to increase the convenience of pedestrians, including mobility disadvantaged persons.

Risk assessment for hurricane-induced pluvial flooding in urban areas using a GIS-based multi-criteria approach: A case study of Hurricane Harvey in Houston, USA

As one of the most destructive nature hazards, hurricane-induced flooding generates serious adverse impacts on populations, infrastructure, and the environment globally. In urban areas, complex characteristics such as high population and infrastructure densities increase flood disaster risks. Consequently, the assessment of flood risks is becoming increasingly important for understanding potential impacts on an urban area and proposing disaster risk mitigation strategies. After conducting a comprehensive literature review, this study finds that most urban flood risk assessments often overlook urban ecosystem elements, focusing more on social and economic aspects. Hence, the role of urban ecosystems cannot be fully understood. To address this gap, this study proposes a social-ecological systems (SES) flood risk assessment framework for urban areas. Based on this framework, a comprehensive list of indicators collected through a literature review is provided for urban flood risk assessments. A comparative study of flood risk during Hurricane Harvey (2017) in Houston, Texas, USA, is carried out using the improved analytic hierarchy process (IAHP) weighting method and the equal weighting method for indicator weighting. Results are then compared with the damage data of Hurricane Harvey published by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The analysis identifies that the western part of Houston had the highest flood risks, while the center of Houston was at lower flood risk. Comparisons between the results from the IAHP and equal weighting methods show that the latter produces a broader range of high flood risk areas than the former. This study also highlights the role of urban ecosystems in mitigating flood risks and advocates for more holistic, social-ecological assessments of flood risk. Such assessments could utilize the proposed framework and the indicator list but contextualize these to the specific urban area's contexts being investigated.

Disentangling the Relationship between Urban Form and Urban Resilience: A Systematic Literature Review

The concept of resilience was only recently introduced into urban studies to address the complexity and future uncertainty in cities. In particular, the interest in better understanding how it can be integrated into studying urban form—as the raw material of urban planning/design and key for the sustainability of cities—has been growing. However, resilience is a polysemic concept with different meanings/interpretations, which creates ambiguity and challenges in its operationalization. This paper resolves this issue through a systematic review of 106 peer-reviewed publications guided by recurring questions in the literature (e.g., resilience of/through what? To what? For whom? How? When? Where?). The results showed that the urban form–resilience relationship is complex, where many urban form elements can influence resilience to a great many disturbances (general/specified). In facing these disturbances, urban form exhibits different performances (i.e., persistence, adaptability and transformability) and where it can be either persistent/adaptable/transformable itself or can enhance people’s persistence/adaptation capacities. The review also showed that there are many actors for urban form resilience and potential trade-offs. Finally, an overview of existing definitions of urban form resilience is provided to improve clarity in the field, and examples of general urban planning/design recommendations were formulated to enhance the resilience of different urban form elements.

How to develop site-specific waterlogging mitigation strategies? Understanding the spatial heterogeneous driving forces of urban waterlogging

Urban waterlogging seriously threatens urban sustainable development and human life. The effects of various landscape elements on urban waterlogging have been extensively documented. However, less attention is deserved to the spatial heterogeneity effects of urban landscape elements on urban waterlogging. The spatial pattern of dominant driving forces and how the interactive effects of landscape elements affect urban waterlogging with different environmental configurations have not been well examined. These shortcomings have hindered the development of target-specific urban waterlogging mitigation strategies. To shed some light on this topic, an innovative method that integrated the boruta algorithm, cubist regression tree, and geographical detector model is presented to investigate the spatial heterogeneous mechanisms of urban waterlogging and map the waterlogging dominant driving forces with different local conditions. The results show that the boruta algorithm proposed in this study introduces shadow variables as a benchmark, thus enabling an unbiased and stable selection of representative waterlogging driving factors based on local conditions. By comparing with two other commonly used regression methods (global regression model, spatial lag model), the cubist regression tree divides the urban waterlogging space into multiple homogeneous subgroups to quantify the spatial non-stationarity relationship and spatially explicit the local driving forces in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, with the adjusted R2 of 0.79 and 0.88. The geographical detector model denotes that waterlogging magnitude within different subgroups is affected by different dominant factors. Even for the same dominant factor, its contribution to waterlogging varies considerably in different subgroups. The independent contribution of the dominant factor in Guangzhou was 23.28%–57.82%, while in Shenzhen it ranged from 25.95% to 53.59%. In addition to the dominant factor of each subgroup, it is noteworthy that in some subgroups the combined effect of different representative factors on waterlogging is significantly stronger than the contribution of their dominant factors. In view of this, urban planners and local authorities need to comprehensively consider the interaction effect between representative factors, which develop urban waterlogging mitigation strategies that integrate multiple factors. The results from this study extend our scientific understanding of the site-specific mechanism of urban waterlogging, which facilitates the implementation of more targeted and effective mitigation strategies, rather than a “one-size-fits-all” policy.

Enhancing the sustainability of the visual scenery elements of urbanism to achieve quality-of-life standards

Enhancing the sustainability of the visual scenery elements of urbanism to achieve quality-of-life standards

Implementation of Government Policy in Arranging Green Open Space in the City of Semarang

Green Open Space (RTH) is an urban element that is very important to support all activities and life of the population. Basically, green open space is a natural element that plays an important role in creating a city that is proportional and environmentally friendly. According to the provisions in force, the proportion of green open space in urban areas is at least 30%. This step was taken by the government to ensure the balance of urban development. This study aims to describe the implementation of management policies and constraints in the arrangement of green open spaces in the city of Semarang experienced by the Spatial Planning Office and the Settlement and Housing Area Office of Semarang City. The approach used in writing this law is empirical juridical. In using the empirical juridical method, two approaches are used, namely the interview approach and field observations. In general, this interview approach uses trusted sources related to the problem being studied. Whereas in the direct observation approach the researcher goes directly to the field in researching the problems that are happening. Based on research results obtained in 2021 the area of public and private green open space is 1,042 ha and 4,025 ha private (15% of the city area) and in 2022 the area of public and private green open space is 2,580.585 (20.07% of the city area) ). It then explains the role of the Semarang City Government through the Spatial Planning Office and the Housing and Settlement Area Office in carrying out the implementation of the green open space arrangement policy. Next, the obstacles and solutions faced by the Semarang City Government will be explained in carrying out urban green open space planning.

The The Relationship between Street Furniture Arrangement and Pedestrian Comfort in the Ngurah Rai Corridor, Gianyar

Elements of street furniture are an integral part of other urban planning elements that give a city a special image and character that can enhance the identity of the city itself. The city of Gianyar is a commercial area, which is precisely along Jalan Ngurah Rai which is the center of trade, government and recreation. As a commercial area, so the physical quality is very important in this area. As a commercial city, this area has not fully improved and improved existing facilities and infrastructure, such as the arrangement of street furniture elements, which are one of the supporting elements of a public space. This can be achieved by designing street furniture that has good function and quality and is integrated with other street face elements to avoid environmental incoherence. The need for street furniture as a public open space facility is increasingly being felt and needed by the community, especially for pedestrians as a supporting element for friendly public spaces in Gianyar City to provide comfort for its users. The research method uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. A qualitative approach is carried out in the process of observing and analyzing elements of street furniture and pedestrian comfort in the Ngurah Rai corridor, Gianyar. This research aims to create and improve city infrastructure that is comfortable and friendly for pedestrians of various groups, both in terms of access, aesthetics, security, and safety and comfort.

Energy Utilization and Carbon Reduction Potential of Solar Energy in Residential Blocks: A Case Study on a Tropical High-Density City in China

Energy efficiency in high-density urban areas is increasingly gaining more attention as the energy crisis and environmental issues worsen. Urban morphology is an essential factor affecting the energy consumption and solar energy development potential of buildings. In response to the research gap of previous studies that only analyzed building energy consumption or solar energy potential from a single objective, this paper aims to combine the two objectives of block-scale building energy consumption and solar development potential to explore the joint influence of urban residential morphological elements on correlations between the two. By investigating and summarizing 100 sample cases of Wuhan city blocks, 30 urban residential block prototypes were constructed. The correlations between the leading morphological indicators of the blocks with the building energy consumption and solar energy potential of the residential prototypes were quantified, respectively. The study results show that at certain floor area ratios, the highest solar power generation can be achieved with a mixture of high-rise slabs and high-rise towers, but the building energy intensity level is relatively high; combining building energy consumption and solar power generation, the residential block form of high-rise towers and low-rise villas has incredible energy-saving potential. In addition, the regression analysis results show that three block form indicators, namely the roof-to-envelope area ratio, compacity, and site coverage, have the most prominent influence on building energy intensity and solar power generation, and they all show positive correlations. This study can provide suggestions for urban residential planners and managers to promote urban energy conservation at the design stage.

Exploring the Spatial Expression of New Meticulous Figure Painting

Painting space is an important component of painting in visual arts. This paper takes the spatial expression form of "New Meticulous Painting" as the starting point, first briefly expounds the concepts of "New Meticulous Figure Painting" and "Painting Space", and summarizes and refines the general presentation methods of "New Meticulous Figure Painting" on the visual screen. For example, it has the characteristics of "Surreal Atmosphere", "Grey Tone", "Weakened Lines" and "Rich in Modern Urban Elements". Secondly, I try to understand the diversity of spatial expression forms of figure painting in the context of "New Meticulous Painting", combine my own creative works with practice, and make a multi-dimensional deconstruction analysis of the composition of painting language forms of spatial expression in the visual picture of my own works, aiming at exploring the artistic concept and technique composition of painting creation, so as to give the author more ideas and possibilities for his own creation.

Disentangling relations between dynamic urban structure and its efficiency in 287 cities across China

Conventionally urban structures are mainly inferred from the spatial arranges of related urban elements such as land use and population density. China's unprecedented urbanization process has significantly changed urban spatial structure and it is not clear how urban structure impacts the sustainability and livability of cities across a large geographic space. Furthermore, urban structure always shows dynamical variations during the day and over the night, which are a challenge to be captured by the conventional research methods and data. In this paper, we evaluated and compared the characteristics of the urban structure of the 287 cities in China by examining the dynamic changes of urban human activities distribution inferred from location requests collected by Tencent's platform. We developed two new indexes, the Dispersion Variation Index (DVI) and Spatial Dispersion Variation Index (SDVI), using the Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient, and adjusted Ripley's K function to describe the overall agglomeration intensity and the temporal variability of human activities. We also applied the urban scaling law to create two further indexes, the Scale-Adjusted Metropolitan Indicator DVI (SAMI_DVI) and the Scale-Adjusted Metropolitan Indicator SDVI (SAMI_SDVI), which enable us to evaluate the efficiency of urban structures. Our results show that the daily fluctuations of the urban structure are related to urban population, and also impacted by urban planning, topography, and other factors. The 1st-tier cities have the highest DVI (median: 0.020) and SDVI (0.052) values, which suggest the most volatile urban structure during the day. The 2nd-tier cities have the lowest urban structure efficiency, as suggested by higher SAMI_DVI (0.17) and SAMI_SDVI (0.28) values. Also, 69.2% and 76.9% of the 2nd-tier cities have DVI and SDVI values over the predicted values based on their population sizes. We also demonstrate that cities with high unstable structural characteristics tend to exhibit lower commuting efficiency and higher carbon emission intensity. Our framework outperforms previous metrics, is highly scalable, and can be implemented at little cost, allowing studies to be conducted even in small and medium-sized cities with little traditional data.