Design Of Urban Environment Research Articles

Психологические аспекты восприятия человеком городской среды в контексте устойчивого развития

The aim of this study is to examine the theoretical concepts of research on the formation of urban environment perception psychology. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach that combines theoretical developments in environmental psychology, urban psychology, architectural psychology, and urban studies. The primary research methods include the analysis and systematization of scientific literature, comparative analysis, and synthesis. The study demonstrates the relationship between urban environment characteristics, psychological mechanisms of human adaptation to these characteristics, and the level of psychological well-being of urban residents. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of various urban environment factors on human psyche and offers practical recommendations for applying knowledge about the peculiarities of human spatial perception to create a more comfortable and psychologically favorable urban environment. The research results can be used to develop theoretical concepts on the interaction between humans and the urban environment, particularly to refine and develop the concept of psychological resilience and adaptation in urbanization conditions, as well as to develop new methods and approaches to studying urban space perception. Conclusions are drawn that human perception of the urban environment is complex and multifactorial, determined by both the objective characteristics of the city and the individual psychological characteristics of the person. Furthermore, there is a need to develop new approaches to urban environment design and development, based on considering human psychological needs and aimed at improving their well-being.

Environmental Design Principles for Urban Comfort: The Pilot Case Study of Naro Municipality

Nowadays, considering the urgent issues related to climate change and land consumption as well as the increasing urban population, urban spaces, enhanced by appropriate design solutions, can help reduce risks and improve conditions of environmental well-being. In this context, thanks to a collaboration between the Department of Architecture of the University of Palermo and the Municipality of Naro, in the province of Agrigento (Sicily, Italy), an urban environmental design workshop was promoted to redefine an urban space without a precise identity and denied to public use, within the fabric of a minor historical center in the Sicilian hinterland. The article summarizes the adopted methodology, including the population needs’ assessment, the environmental context assessment, the historical analysis of the urban space to redefine within the context of the whole historical center, possible urban and greening solutions, and design references according to the urban biophilic approach. The resulting preliminary design aims to be an example of an interdisciplinary approach, respectful of what already exists, which places the comfort and well-being of the user at the center of the design. Moreover, it is an interesting example of urban regeneration through the biophilic approach applied to a small urban center, which could be replicated in other similar contexts.

Thermal energy environment cycle based on virtual image technology application in urban green environment space planning and design

Thermal energy environment cycle based on virtual image technology application in urban green environment space planning and design

Adapting Cities for Older Adults Through Universal Design.

In the coming decades, population ageing will shape our cities and communities. In Finland, and in the other Nordic countries, the cohort of population 75 years old and older is increasing fastest in the urban areas. This demographic development will have impact on design of urban environment and housing, as well as on local services and transport. The WHO has recognized this challenge and launched the global network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. The WHO proposes eight factors supporting older population that are interlinked. This paper focus on the three of the eight factors of age-friendliness directly related to the built environment: housing, access to outdoor environments and transport. The objective is to assess through case studies how has the Age-friendly cities framework promoted inclusive design of the cities. The research question is: How have the qualitative factors for age-friendliness been implemented in the urban environment? and How does the Age-friendly Cities framework shape the urban environment in the case study cities? The project uses qualitative case study methods involving users. The assessment of the quality of the environment is carried out with mixed methods: through city age-friendly policies, observations on site, and user participation. The analyses are based on Universal Design principals and the WHO framework. The objective is to provide further information on the practical measures to enhance age-friendliness through urban design and universally designed living environments. The overall aim is to promote sustainable and age-friendly urban environments through user knowledge and best practice examples.

Influence and Countermeasures of Geological Factors in Urban Environmental Design

Influence and Countermeasures of Geological Factors in Urban Environmental Design

Features of architectural environment formation: A case study of public spaces in the regional context of Northern Kazakhstan

The purpose of the study was to analyse the changes in approaches to the design and organisation of urban environment by comparing architectural solutions of the past and the present. The study examined key elements of the urban environment, including parks, squares, embankments, squares and boulevards, and their role in improving the quality of life of the local population. The methodology included analysing climatic conditions such as temperature fluctuations, precipitation levels and wind activity, as well as their influence on the choice of building materials and architectural solutions. The main results showed that the use of modern heat and moisture resistant materials is important to ensure the durability of facilities in the harsh climate of the region. The paper analyses the formation and development of public spaces in the cities of Northern Kazakhstan with a focus on architectural solutions and spatial organisation of urban environment. Modern approaches to design, including integration of natural elements into the urban environment, creation of pedestrian zones and improvement of transport accessibility are studied. The efficiency of multifunctional spaces was assessed, and examples of reconstruction of public spaces in such cities as Kokshetau, Pavlodar, Petropavlovsk, Kostanai and Astana were analysed. The results of the study showed that the introduction of environmentally friendly materials and technologies contributes to the creation of a sustainable and comfortable urban environment. The paper concludes on the importance of creating inclusive spaces that take into account the needs of different population groups, thus improving the quality of life in the harsh climate of the region. The results obtained can be used to develop recommendations for improving public spaces in similar climatic zones

Enhanced Cross-Entropy Technique for Triangular Fuzzy Neutrosophic Multiple-Attribute Decision-Making and Applications to Quality Evaluation of Urban-Park Environmental Design

The evaluation of urban park environmental design quality is essential for ensuring that parks meet community needs and environmental sustainability. By comprehensively considering indicators such as functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and user experience, this evaluation helps designers optimize spatial layouts and enhance the efficiency and aesthetic value of parks. Additionally, good environmental design promotes ecological protection, improves the quality of life for residents, and adds more green spaces to the city, making parks an integral part of daily urban life. The evaluation of urban park environmental design quality is framed as a multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) problem. This study introduces the triangular fuzzy neutrosophic number cross-entropy (TFNN-CE) method, which integrates traditional cross-entropy with triangular fuzzy neutrosophic sets (TFNSs). Subsequently, the TFNN-CE technique for MADM is established. A numerical example illustrating the evaluation of urban park environmental design quality is provided, alongside several comparative analyses to highlight the advantages of the proposed approach. The key contributions of this research are as follows: (1) the TFNN-CE technique is introduced through the integration of cross-entropy and TFNSs; (2) the TFNN-CE technique is formulated to address MADM problems using TFNSs; (3) an empirical application for assessing urban park environmental design quality is presented to validate the proposed methodology; (4) comparative studies are conducted to substantiate the rationality of the TFNN-CE technique.

Estimation of Longwave Radiation Intensity Emitted from Urban Obstacles in Each Direction Using Drone-Based Photogrammetry

Longwave radiation is a crucial factor affecting human thermal comfort and thermal stress, especially in outdoor spaces in summer, owing to the vast effect of longwave radiation emitted from high-heated asphalt roads, building walls, and automobiles. Although controlling the longwave radiation environment to improve thermal comfort in summer is crucial, the prediction of the longwave radiation environment is frequently conducted only at the assessment stage of the final proposal because of the high computational cost of radiation calculations and unsteady heat balance analysis considering multiple reflections. This is a significant constraint for the design of urban and architectural environments. A previous study proposed a method to rapidly estimate the longwave radiation environment based on a point-by-point method with longwave radiation intensity distributions of the heat sources. To use this method, 3D models of the geographical objects in urban areas, such as buildings and trees, must be accurately generated, and these models should have information on the longwave radiation emitted in each direction from each object. However, no specific examples of a 3D model and longwave radiation intensity distribution have been presented. In this study, a 3D modeling method for geographical objects in urban areas with longwave radiation information based on drones and photogrammetric techniques was utilized. Moreover, a 3D model of a small-scale building was generated. A longwave radiation intensity distribution was produced for the building. Based on the distribution data, the directional characteristics of longwave radiation were discussed, and the availability of the proposed method was assessed.

Unraveling urban informality: the dynamics of value and space appropriation at pedestrian bridges in Islamabad, Pakistan

ABSTRACT This research explores the dynamics of urban informality and space appropriation at pedestrian bridges in Islamabad, Pakistan, offering new insights into how informal practices reshape the utilization and value of urban spaces. By focusing on both formal and informal uses, the study reveals a significant gap between the intended and actual uses of these bridges. Through observation and analysis of three key bridges, the study examines how informal activities – such as vending, resting, and social interactions – transform pedestrian bridges into multifunctional spaces. This research also uncovers informal modifications and analyzes the role of urban governance in shaping these practices. The findings contribute novel insights into urban informality in the Global South by focusing on Islamabad’s pedestrian bridges, an area that has received limited scholarly attention. The study is particularly valuable for urban planners and policymakers in guiding the design of more inclusive urban environments in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Morphological Analysis of Public Spaces and Their Contribution to Urban Resilience in Guelma, Algeria

Modern Algerian cities are facing various uncertainties, both natural and human-made. To address these risks, urban areas need to be more adaptable and responsive. The increasing impact of climate change and the recent pandemic have emphasized the importance of outdoor spaces. As people spend a significant amount of time in these areas, public spaces have become essential for urban life. This study conducts a comparative analysis of public spaces, using a grid-based methodology to identify similarities and differences between two resilient public spaces and the square of Guelma. The analysis is preceded by a literature review that establishes key conceptual frameworks. The main objective is to develop recommendations for resilient public spaces and their contribution to a city's environmental resilience, particularly its capacity to withstand climate change. By understanding how these spaces can mitigate the effects of climate change, this research aims to guide the design and management of urban environments.

Development of Post-Industrial Heritage Landscape Design Based on Visual Cognitive Schema Theory: A Case Study of the Shou Gang Industrial Cultural Heritage Site

Post-industrial landscapes serve as crucial markers of industrial cultural heritage. This study focuses on the urban environmental form design of post-industrial civilization. Facing challenges posed by the incompatibility of traditional industrial lands with modern society, the urban renaissance of post-industrial landscapes emerges as a pivotal topic. This article defines the concepts of visual cognition, the cognitive schema, and the post-industrial landscape from the perspective of environmental psychology through literature research, case studies, and on-site investigation methods. It elaborates on the design process of the Shou Gang Industrial Cultural Heritage Site. This study shows how to create a living space that has both historical memory and meets modern needs through steps such as extracting core elements, constructing spatial schema, and promoting scene integration. The study found that, by extracting and integrating the four key visual cognitive elements of humans, objects, paths, and event, a dynamic and interactive living space schema—scene relationship—can be constructed. Finally, by summarizing the overall consciousness of the visual cognitive schema, it further emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the harmony and unity of people, behavior, and environment in the design process and realizing the sustainable utilization and development of space.

Data science basis and influencing factors for the evaluation of environmental safety perception in Macau parishes

In the context of rapid urbanization, accurately identifying the visual factors that influence environmental safety perception is crucial for improving urban transportation environments and enhancing pedestrian safety. With the increase in urban population density and traffic flow, optimizing urban environmental design to elevate residents’ sense of safety has become a key issue in urban planning and management. However, the existing studies face numerous challenges in conducting large-scale quantitative analysis of environmental safety perception in complex scenarios, such as difficulties in data acquisition and limitations in analytical methods. This study addresses these challenges by applying image semantic segmentation and object detection techniques to extract key visual elements from street view images, combined with manual scoring and deep learning methods, to construct a road safety perception dataset. Using a LightGBM model and the SHAP interpretation framework, in this study, we identify the critical visual factors influencing environmental safety perception. An empirical study was conducted in Macau, a modern city where Eastern and Western cultures intersect, and tourism thrives. The findings reveal that: ① The overall environmental safety perception in the eight parishes and surrounding roads of Macau is relatively high, with significant regional differences in safety perception scores around Macau’s parish roads; ② The proportions of buildings, sidewalks, roads, and trees in images are the four primary factors influencing environmental safety perception; ③ The proportions and quantities of visual elements interact with each other, and their reasonable distribution helps form clear spatial visibility and creates conducive activity spaces, thereby enhancing the perception of environmental safety. Through empirical analysis, this study uncovers the mechanisms by which visual elements in urban street scenes affect environmental safety perception, providing scientific evidence for urban planning and transportation environment improvement. The research holds theoretical significance and offers practical references for urban design and management, demonstrating broad application value.

Family poverty, neighbourhood greenspace and perinatal outcomes.

The relationship between low income and adverse perinatal outcomes, such as low birth weight and developmental delays, is well established making the search for protective factors important. One such factor may be neighbourhood greenspace. This study elucidates the role of urban neighbourhood greenspace in the relationship between income and perinatal outcomes in a nationally representative birth cohort from the UK. Data on 14 050 infants participating in the initial wave at age 9 months of the Millennium Cohort Study were used (51% male, 20% non-white, 52% living in disadvantaged areas). We tested whether the association between income and perinatal outcomes is moderated by urban greenspace (measured in deciles) before and after adjustments for confounding. The perinatal outcomes included birth weight, gestational age (in days), communication and motor delays. The models were adjusted for the infant's sex and ethnicity, mother's age, education, substance use and mental health as well as area disadvantage and air pollution. Neighbourhood greenspace moderated the association between income and gestational age, even after adjustment for all confounders, b=-0.11, 95% CI (-0.215, -0.004). For births in low-income households, in particular, it was associated with an increase in gestational age by an average of approximately 3 days. However, after adjustment, greenspace was not found to influence birth weight, communication or motor delays at age 9 months. The biophilic design of urban environments is a modifiable factor for improving perinatal outcomes in the UK as urban greenspaces appear to be mitigating the risk of preterm birth associated with family poverty.

Advancing climate resilience through a geo-design framework: strengthening urban and community forestry for sustainable environmental design

Urban and community forestry is a specialized discipline focused on the meticulous management of trees and forests within urban, suburban, and town environments. This field often entails extensive civic involvement and collaborative partnerships with institutions. Its overarching objectives span a spectrum from preserving water quality, habitat, and biodiversity to mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The UHI phenomenon, characterized by notably higher temperatures in urban areas compared to rural counterparts due to heat absorption by urban infrastructure and limited urban forest coverage, serves as a focal point in this study. The study focuses on developing a methodological framework that integrates Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), Random Forest (RF), and Suitability Analysis to assess the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect across different urban zones, aiming to identify areas with varying levels of UHI impact. The framework is designed to assist urban planners and designers in understanding the spatial distribution of UHI and identifying areas where urban forestry initiatives can be strategically implemented to mitigate its effect. Conducted in various London areas, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between urban and community forestry and UHI. By mapping the spatial variability of UHI, the framework offers a novel approach to enhancing urban environmental design and advancing urban forestry studies. The study’s findings are expected to provide valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, aiding in creating healthier and more livable urban environments through informed decision-making in urban forestry management.

DYNAMICS AND STABILITY OF EMERGENCY VEHICLES ON DIFFICULT TERRAIN

This research paper examines the nuances of the dynamics and stability of emergency vehicles when maneuvering over complex terrain, offering a multifaceted analysis that combines theoretical modeling and empirical research. Central to the considerations is the study of the interaction between vehicle design and features of various landscapes, including mountain, forest and urban environments. The research uses a synergistic approach that interweaves advanced mathematical modeling techniques such as computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis with experimental validation in real-world conditions. The methodology clarifies the critical role of vehicle design parameters, such as suspension tuning and aerodynamic properties, in determining vehicle performance in challenging environments. The study highlights the relevance of terrain-dependent speed limits and maneuvering strategies, advocating for modular vehicle designs and terrain-independent technologies. The paper not only makes a significant contribution to the optimization of emergency vehicles, but also paves the way for future research in the areas of artificial intelligence-driven control systems, sustainable propulsion technologies, and predictive performance modeling. Integrated solutions in this area re key to improving the efficiency and safety of rescue operations in diverse and challenging environments.

Assessing Immediate and Lasting Impacts of COVID-19-Induced Isolation on Green Space Usage Patterns.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly influenced urban lifestyles, particularly the utilization of green spaces. While existing studies have primarily focused on the immediate effects of COVID-19-induced isolation, less attention has been given to the enduring impacts on green space usage patterns. This study addresses this gap by conducting three comprehensive surveys in Dezhou, China-before, during, and after the first wave of social isolation (December 2019, March 2020, December 2020). These surveys assessed socioeconomic conditions, commuting habits, green space usage habits, and landscape preferences, specifically focusing on usage frequency, duration of stays, and activities undertaken. Using Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman's rho correlations, we identified significant long-term changes, including an increase in the frequency of visits by previously infrequent users, a reduction in visit durations, and a rise in high-intensity activities. These trends persisted 9months post-isolation, highlighting the pandemic's lasting impact on green space usage and its critical role in enhancing public health and pandemic preparedness through thoughtful urban environmental design. This study not only sheds light on behavioral adaptations during a public health crisis but also offers evidence-based strategies for urban planning to bolster societal resilience in the face of future pandemics.

The (re)production of health in climate change

To date, health in the context of climate change has mainly been considered from a biomedical perspective, whose pathogenic focus on health risks has primarily promoted curative and/or behavioral problem-solving strategies. This article therefore examines health in climate change from a perspective of Urban Public Health and political science, which has received less attention so far. The aim is to address existing constructions of health in climate change and their implications for dealing with the climate crisis, in particular regarding the design of urban environments. In doing so, it adopts a regulation-theoretical approach that allows for a theoretically grounded analysis of health in climate change, taking the triangle of nature, society and the individual as the object of research and revealing the significance of existing constructions of health—understood as a social relation—and its (re)production in climate change. This theoretical approach is extended to aspects of different spatial forms and the productions of space in social relations. The theoretical foundation makes it possible to recognize that there are understandings of health in climate change discourse that largely exclude the causes of climate change and thus make its treatment selective. As a result, broad socio-ecological transformation processes are obstructed, while the structural causes of climate change are preserved and stabilized despite their crisis character. An understanding of health that also sees health as a resource in a salutogenic sense and that strengthens the promotion of health by means of structural changes is being pushed into background. Positioning climate change as a public health issue requires a shift from curative, individual and behavioral interventions toward a focus on structural health promotion, especially through the development of health-promoting, just and climate-friendly urban environments. It also means that health must once again become more of a political issue and that existing boundaries between the private and public spheres must be questioned.

Understanding the impact of urban heat islands on crime: insights from temperature, population density, and green canopy cover

Emergent literature suggests that micro- and macro-climates influence criminal behaviour; a complex phenomenon that is still incipient in theory development. This mixed-method research starts with a systematic review of the literature on the theoretical premises that urban heat islands amplify aggressive behaviour and crime. Further, it discusses the potential implications of the relationship between the environment and social outcomes on the design and planning of urban environments. A meta-synthesis was conducted to explain the correlations between patterns of criminal behaviour and thermal (dis)comfort. This correlation is to relate fundamental urban design principles to socially sustainable communities that dissuade violence and crime, and otherwise show poorly designed spaces do propagate criminal behaviour. Cross-validation was undertaken using a case study of Midland, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Data involves population demographics, temperature, and crime statistics relating to Offences against the Person. Analysis focused on homicide, assault, threatening behaviour, and robbery. The findings imply a positive correlation between long-term temperature, crime, population density, and green canopy cover. Variables of climate (e.g., short-to-long-term climate-related stressors) and crime types also show non-linear association. Nonetheless, forecasting the future of violence and trends of crime through attributes or potential impacts of heat and urban canopy cover on the built environment will inform sustainable social development policy, environmental planning, development strategy, designers, and planners. Recommendations are made around these in relation to making urban communities adaptive to the impacts of global warming and future densification.

Urban Environment Design in Youth Slang Interpretation: Linguo-Axiological and Lexicographical Aspects

The linguistic and axiological potential of unofficial urbanonyms reflecting the realities of the urban environment as a design space is evaluated. The research tasks include identifying typical and non-standard objects and motifs of evaluative urbanonymic nomination, developing optimal methods for describing interregional nominative parallels and unique slang terms in the dictionary of unofficial urbanonyms. The material sources consist of dictionaries of youth slang, author’s archives of spoken language, and internet communications (2010—2024). The semantics of slang terms-urbanonyms were clarified using componential and contextual analysis methods. Parameters of their lexical description were developed using the method of lexicographical construction. Based on slang material from Pskov and St. Petersburg involving unofficial urbanonyms from Ufa, Volgograd, Novosibirsk, and other cities, the evaluative attitude of nominators towards design projects embodied in architectural structures, memorial objects, street sculpture, and monumental painting is demonstrated. Interpretations, comments, and contextual illustrations in the presented fragments of the projected dictionary reveal the specificity of the nominator’s imagery associations when implementing various ways of slang formation: playful transformations of official names, references to precedent phenomena, metonymic and metaphorical transfers and their combinations.

Application of new features based on artificial intelligent robot technology in medium-scale urban design pedigree and intelligent management and control

Since the 21st century, China has been vigorously developing urban construction, and now the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought new opportunities for urban design and management. Meso-scale cities are the most developed cities in China and play an important role in economic and social development. The current robot technology is mainly divided into industrial robots and service robots, which can play an important role in the development of cities. This paper aims to apply AI robotics technology to the analysis and intelligent management of mesoscale urban design genealogy. Firstly, the development pedigree of the mesoscale city was analyzed, from which the characteristics of previous designs could be clearly understood. Then, the urban management and control system is intelligently designed from many aspects, the characteristics of the robot are analyzed, and the application of the intelligent robot in urban design is introduced. After that, four developing meso‑scale cities in a province were selected as the evaluation objects, and an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was proposed to evaluate the application effect of robotics technology in meso‑scale cities. The results showed that the overall score of the robot in urban traffic design was greater than 70 points, and the overall score of urban architectural design was greater than 65 points, which was in the acceptable range. In the application score of urban environment design, the influence was about 70 to 80 points, and the aesthetics was more than 75 points. The cultural aspect of the design impact score was no more than 75 points, while the cultural support aspect score was around 80 points. After the weight calculation, the final overall score was 489 points, and the comprehensive average score was 36 points. The overall composite score and average score were both good. This showed that the application of robot technology to the pedigree analysis and intelligent management and control of mesoscale urban design could achieve good results.