Environmental Urban Planning Research Articles

Developing a Calculation Workflow for Designing and Monitoring Urban Ecological Corridors: A Case Study

Urban ecological corridors play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, connecting fragmented habitats in highly anthropized areas and generating benefits in terms of the sustainability of urban environments. These corridors mitigate the effects of habitat fragmentation, such as reduced genetic diversity and limited species dispersal, while improving the ecological health of urban environments and the well-being of citizens. This study proposes a calculation workflow for the identification of the necessary and most suitable ecological corridors to be planned in the urban-environmental planning phase and identifies some of the existing innovative technologies to evaluate and improve their functionality, enabling the real-time monitoring of habitat conditions and providing valuable information to optimize the design and management of these peri-urban natural areas. Urban ecological corridors also improve human well-being by contributing to cleaner air, better water quality and recreational opportunities to the point that the costs incurred for their construction are much lower than the economic and social benefits for the area.

Application of low energy building thermal energy optimization based on image recognition and light sensors in urban green environment planning

The paper analyzes the application of thermal energy optimization scheme based on image recognition and light sensor technology in low-energy buildings, in order to improve building energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and provide scientific basis for urban green environment planning. In this paper, image recognition technology is used to monitor the light change in the external environment of the building, and the indoor light intensity data is obtained by the light sensor in real time. Combined with big data analysis, building heat optimization model is established, intelligent control system is designed, and the heating and cooling system of the building is dynamically adjusted, so as to achieve efficient use of heat energy. The experimental results show that the thermal energy optimization method based on image recognition and light sensor has a good application prospect in low-energy buildings, which not only effectively reduces energy consumption, but also contributes to the sustainable development of urban green environment.

Complex network analysis of climate and landscape satellite data to explore spatio-temporal patterns in urban environment: the case of Athens

Motivated by the significance and complexity of exploring spatiotemporal patterns - regions within an urban environment, particularly in the context of extreme heat events- this research analyzes meteorological time series through complex network analysis. The data collected for the examination area is focused on Athens, Greece, and covers sections of the city’s urban landscape. The data was obtained from the Copernicus observation component of the European Union. Initially, the time series are transformed into networks using correlation network methodology, followed by examination of the discriminative capability of the topological measures of networks degree and modularity as community - region detection methods. Of particular interest is that our findings suggest that the proposed complex network analysis can lead to the extraction of spatial urban regions closely linked to land use and building heights in corresponding areas. These results may help investigate the spatial variability of heat in the urban environment and inform urban planning and management strategies in policy decision-making regarding the intensity of urban heat throughout the city and the planning of climate change adaptation strategies.

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

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

Urban Geomorphology Methods and Applications as a Guideline for Understanding the City Environment

Cities all over the world have developed on different geological-geomorphological substrates. Different kinds of human activities have operated for millennia as geomorphic agents, generating numerous and various erosion landforms and huge anthropogenic deposits. Considering the increasing demand for land and the expansion of the built-up areas involving and disturbing any kind of natural system inside and surrounding the actual urban areas, it is not negligible how important the dynamics of the urban environment and its physical evolution are. In this context, this manuscript addresses insights into eight case studies of urban geomorphological analyses of cities in Italy, Greece, and Brazil. The studies are based on surveying and mapping geomorphological processes and landforms in urban areas, supporting both geo-hazard assessment, historical evolution, and paleomorphologies, as well as disseminating knowledge of urban geoheritage and educating about the anthropogenic impact on urban sustainability. We hypothesize that urban geomorphological analysis of several case studies addresses the physical environment of modern cities in a multi-temporal, multidisciplinary, and critical way concerning global changes. Thus, this study aims to illustrate and propose a novel approach to urban geomorphological investigation as a model for the understanding and planning of the physical urban environment on a European and global scale.

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.

Temporal Evolution, Oscillation and Coherence Characteristics Analysis of Global Solar Radiation Distribution in Major Cities in China’s Solar-Energy-Available Region Based on Continuous Wavelet Transform

The majority of the energy required for human survival is derived either directly or indirectly from solar radiation, thus it is important to investigate the periodic fluctuations in global solar radiation over time. In this study, six cities—Harbin, Shenyang, Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Guangzhou—located in the utilizable areas of solar energy in China, were selected, and the periodicity of the daily global solar radiation of these six cities with time were investigated by means of wavelet power spectrum analysis. Furthermore, Harbin, which has the lowest monthly average of global solar radiation in the cold of winter, was selected to explore the temporal evolution relationship between global solar radiation and other meteorological factors, and air quality factors by wavelet coherence analysis. Among the meteorological factors, the correlation between global solar radiation and sunshine duration exhibits the highest level of consistency. Global solar radiation demonstrates a positive association with atmospheric temperature/wind speed/precipitation over the annual cycle. Conversely, it displays a negative correlation with atmospheric pressure during this time frame. Additionally, on shorter timescales, global solar radiation is negatively correlated with air humidity and precipitation. Among air quality factors, the relationship between global solar radiation and CO/NO2/O3/PM2.5/PM10/SO2 primarily manifests in the broader annual cycle time scale. Within this context, global solar radiation shows a positive correlation with O3, while displaying negative associations with the other five air quality indicators. These findings contribute to urban environmental planning and the effective management and utilization of solar radiation, thereby providing valuable insights to guide the future development of cross-regional comprehensive energy utilization projects under diverse climatic and geographical conditions. Additionally, they serve as a reference for subsequent research aimed at enhancing the accuracy of global solar radiation prediction models.

Urban Environmental Planning in Shimla Smart City: Review of Related Literature

Urban environmental concerns are on rise due to increasing population pressure on finite natural resources, deforestation, over grazing, unplanned construction, networking of roads and large-scale modification of natural landscape. It has caused irreversible damage to the ecology of this Himalayan state. Number of ultra modern projects, road networking, hydropower projects, and SEZ and real estate projects are costing Himalayan ecology. Unplanned developmental activities and urban processes in city have resulted in several ecological problems like environmental pollution, noise pollution extreme climatic conditions, shortage of drinking water, landslides, sinking land and change in seasonal cycle. Poor urban planning will cause social, economic and environmental implications in long term. Cities needs to be planned professionally keeping in mind future sustainability. Before planning a city in hilly areas, needs proper understanding of complex and dynamic phenomena involving interaction between environmental and socio- economic and political factors with multi disciplinary approach and vision. Urbanization and industrialization on one side is contributing its share in economic development of a region but on the other hand, it is degenerating water, air, soil and natural resources resulting in the degradation of environmental quality (Anjum, 1998). Urban environmental degradation leaves direct impact on the ecology and causes ecological imbalance (Singh, 1996). The most striking reason for the environmental degradation is the changing man and environment relationship. (Dasman, 1976), Shah (2001). Developmental activities in Himalayan region need different treatment and systematic planning.

Urban Green-Space: Environmental Justice & Green Gentrification

In cities across the world, both in the global South and North, the distribution of urban green spaces exhibits stark inequalities. Affluent neighborhoods are often graced with abundant, well-maintained parks and green areas, offering residents a higher quality of life and environmental benefits. In contrast, communities with lower incomes and minority populations frequently face a scarcity of such spaces, and the green areas they do have tend to be of lower quality. This disparity not only reflects broader social and economic inequities but also has significant implications for public health, environmental justice, and social cohesion. Efforts to rectify this imbalance, while well-intentioned, can inadvertently lead to gentrification. Improving green spaces in underserved neighborhoods often makes these areas more attractive to higher-income groups, driving up property values and living costs. This process can displace long-term, lower-income residents, ironically exacerbating the very inequalities such initiatives aim to address. The resulting gentrification can also lead to increased homelessness among the most vulnerable populations. Thus, urban planners and policymakers face a complex, paradoxical challenge: how to equitably enhance urban greenery without contributing to gentrification and the further marginalization of low-income communities. This dilemma underscores the need for inclusive, carefully considered strategies in urban environmental planning that prioritize the needs and voices of all residents, especially those in historically marginalized communities.

Monitoring Urban Heat Island Spatial Variability over Urban Structure Types – A Case Study from a Fast-growing City in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

This study aims to assess the variation in the temperature patterns for different urban structure types (USTs) in Can Tho City, Vietnam. The study involves extracting thermal infrared data from Landsat imagery to determine the Land Surface Temperature (LST). Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) intensity is then calculated by analyzing the temperature differences between urban and non-urban areas. An overlay method was applied to analyze the variations in SUHI intensity within four distinct USTs categories: residential (R), public and special use (P), industrial (I), and green and open spaces (G), as defined based on 53 USTs derived in original data. The results highlight that the highest SUHI intensity was primarily concentrated in the industrial (I) areas, covering over 50% of the region, while residential (R) and public and special use (P) areas exhibited moderate SUHI intensity. Although the green and open space (G) category had a substantial area of open space, it still experienced a low-intensity SUHI, mainly concentrated in heavily sealed areas. This study provides valuable insights into the presence of SUHI in contemporary, rapidly developing cities. It underscores the significance of understanding and addressing SUHI issues, particularly useful for the real-world planning of urban environments.

Measuring soundscape quality of urban environments using physiological indicators: Construction of physiological assessment dimensions and comparison with subjective dimensions

Residents and designers typically pursue healthy urban acoustic environments. The soundscape community has established internationally recommended standards for subjective questionnaires to evaluate soundscape quality; however, much work is still needed to standardise physiological assessments. This study measures the physiological responses and subjective evaluations of participants in 20 common sound sources (scenarios) in urban public open spaces, and discusses the potential dimensions when assessing the quality of urban soundscapes through physiological indicators. Categorical principal components analysis are employed to reduce the dimensionality of the physiological data. The results indicate that physiological Dimension 1 represents the Natural–Artificial dimension, and physiological Dimension 2 potentially represents the Regular–Irregular dimension, providing a rough estimate of regularity or predictability in soundscapes. Subjective data are used as a control for physiological data, subjective Dimension 1 can be summarised as the Calm (Pleasant)–Chaotic (Annoying) dimension, whereas subjective Dimension 2 can be summarised as Familiar (Congruent)–Unfamiliar (Incongruent). Through comparing and discussing the distributions in physiological and subjective models under different sound sources, it is found that both physiologically and subjectively, the foremost dimension (Dimension 1) represents comfort and pleasure, and natural sounds can be distinctly differentiated from noise through this dimension. Although its physiological significance is not clear, the two-dimensional physiological indicator model reveals distinctions between sound sources of various categories. These findings have implications for the planning and design of liveable and comfortable urban environments from the perspective of physiological indicators.

Zoning, Land Use Management and Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Planning, Where Sri Lanka is Standing

Urbanization rapidly changes the land use pattern in Sri Lanka. Cities are important economic centers and provide opportunities for quality of life. Zoning creates prospering urban planning environments, improves construction permit efficiency, enables agency coordination, and provides widespread participation in urban planning. A comprehensive zoning plan with environmentally conscious zoning contributes to the conservation of natural resources, enhances the ability of climate change adaptation and mitigation, fosters a greener urban environment, and ensures urban sustainability. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are incorporated by nature; use, or mimic, natural processes to contribute to improvement in given landscapes, small or large scale. Attention to NBS has significantly increased in the recent past and is trying to mainstream NbS into a wide range of policies, and urban planning. This study aimed to explore how zoning and NbS can be incorporated in an urban setting to increase urban resilience in water-born cities. The administrative capital of Sri Lanka, Sri Jayawardhanapura-Kotte was selected due to unique inland urban wetland characteristics and vulnerability to wetland ecosystem due to rapid development in the area. Sri Jayawardhanapura-Kotte is rich with its unique landscape and is a part of Ramsar-Colombo wetlands. The Sri Jayawardhanapura-Kotte Capital City Development Plan (the Plan) 2020 and other relevant national policies were assessed in terms of zooning and application of NbS as a strategy of a sustainable and resilient city. Environmental changes and disaster risk areas were assessed (spatial and temporal changes) utilizing earth observation and GIS techniques, and secondary data were obtained from official records and reports. Sri Jayawardhanapura-Kotte covers 78% of the Greater Colombo flood retention area, and 55% of the area is suitable for flood retention. However, 40% of Colombo wetlands have been lost during the last 30 years due to urbanization. Data shows that most of the wetlands are being filled for infrastructure development, including housing, and it is critically important to conserve remaining wetlands in the area with strict regulations including zoning. The Plan has no signs of incorporating or recognizing NbS in the objectives, strategies, and actions for restoration wetlands, proper zoning system for flood mitigation. Analysed policies lack recognition or incorporation of zoning for environmental conservation and disaster risk reduction. The importance of urban areas for future cannot be underestimate and proper urban planning is a necessity in Sri Lanka for mitigate precent anthropogenic climate change impacts ranging but not limited to urban flooding to public health.
 
 Keywords: Urban planning, Zoning, Nature-based Solutions, Resilience, water-born cities

Refugee Placemaking and Community in San Francisco: Building a Little Saigon Community in San Francisco, from the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation Archives (1980-2000)

The article draws from Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC) archival materials, housed in the San Francisco History Center, to present a case study of how post-1975 Vietnam War refugees (from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) and a collection of actors collectively affected the local space (1980-2000). This article (1) examines the discourse of “neighborhood stabilization” amidst housing precarity, (2) discusses the implications of refugees as “revitalizers” and “entrepreneurs,” and (3) documents the role of community partnerships and urban planning in building a Little Saigon community in the heart of San Francisco. Overall, the article argues that efforts to build affordable housing within a unique urban planning environment were instrumental in the formation of the Little Saigon community of San Francisco, and it demonstrates how local affordable housing and the built environment in refugee resettlement sits at the nexus of competing discourses about development and about inclusion.

Integration of Data and Predictive Models for the Evaluation of Air Quality and Noise in Urban Environments.

This work addresses assessing air quality and noise in urban environments by integrating predictive models and Internet of Things technologies. For this, a model generated heat maps for PM2.5 and noise levels, incorporating traffic data from open sources for precise contextualization. This approach reveals significant correlations between high pollutant/noise concentrations and their proximity to industrial zones and traffic routes. The predictive models, including convolutional neural networks and decision trees, demonstrated high accuracy in predicting pollution and noise levels, with correlation values such as R2 of 0.93 for PM2.5 and 0.90 for noise. These findings highlight the need to address environmental issues in urban planning comprehensively. Furthermore, the study suggests policies based on the quantitative results, such as implementing low-emission zones and promoting green spaces, to improve urban environmental management. This analysis offers a significant contribution to scientific understanding and practical applicability in the planning and management of urban environments, emphasizing the relevance of an integrated and data-driven approach to inform effective policy decisions in urban environmental management.

Trends and Prospects of Ecodesign in Urban Landscape Design in the Context of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract This study accurately assessed the overall ecological landscape condition of the city through the environmental landscape pattern index, and specifically explored the NP, LSI, and PD indices of construction land, cultivated land, forest land, grassland, water, and other land. Adopting advanced artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies, this paper successfully constructs a 3D visualization scene of the urban landscape, which provides a vivid and intuitive perspective for urban planning. Further, based on the planning and design framework of urban landscape ecosystem, this paper clarifies the ecological evaluation elements and landscape design indexes, and uses VR technology to optimize the design of environmental aspects of urban streets. By establishing an optimization strategy database, this paper conducts an in-depth correlation analysis between the optimization scheme’s design indicators and evaluation factors. Comparing the comprehensive ecosystem service area before and after optimization, the results show that applying VR technology in ecological landscape design is highly effective. The integrated ecosystem service area before and after optimization increased from 7611.72m² to 8039.51m², of which the integrated ecosystem service area of “general” grade increased by 324.03m², showing the best effect of ecological optimization. The research in this paper provides scientific basis and technical support for ecological landscape design and new ideas and methods for future urban environmental planning and construction.

Environmental Factors and Heart Health: Considering Environmental Influences as aspect of sustainable development

Heart health research is increasingly focusing on the effects of the environment on cardiovascular function. This review discusses the role of various environmental factors, such as air quality, noise levels, access to green space, and environmental urban planning strategies, in shaping heart health. Both direct and indirect mechanisms through which the environment may influence the development of cardiovascular disease are discussed, including inflammation, stress, physical activity, and sleep quality. Understanding these relationships is important for the development of effective programs for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases, based on consideration and improvement of environmental quality.

Bioclimatic design recommendations for novel cluster analysis-based mapping for humid climates with altitudinal gradient variations

Proper planning of urban environments in construction projects requires an accurate understanding of the prevailing climates in an area. However, the need for sufficient climate records in the Global South countries can make this characterization difficult. This study proposes using satellite information and cluster analysis to define the climatic behavior in Colombia, specifically in areas with intertropical climates with altitudinal gradient impact. The methodology used the statistical analysis of hourly temperature and relative humidity data for recent typical meteorological year (TMY) files. These data were obtained from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Subsequently, cluster analysis was applied to group regions with similar climatic characteristics. Standardization of the climatic variables ensured that all contributed equally to the research. The study results present an atlas with nine different climatic strategy zones, turning Colombia's climate into eight main clusters, each with specific characteristics and recommendations for the passive design of buildings. Identifying these zones made it possible to define the distribution of bioclimatic strategies in the different thermal floors of the region studied. This approach provides a framework for urban planners and city officials to develop climate-responsive building design guidelines adapted to the specific climatic conditions of each zone.

Perceived urban ecosystem services and disservices in gentrifying neighborhoods: Contrasting views between community members and state informants

As assessing urban ecosystem services and disservices is of rapidly growing interest in a context of increasingly urbanized environments, greater scholarly attention needs to be placed on how different informants perceive these services and disservices. Previous research in urban geography and planning has already pointed at the challenges of building inclusive natural outdoor environments such as green and blue spaces in gentrifying neighborhoods, particularly those undergoing green gentrification. In response, we analyze the ecosystem services and disservices identified by community and state respondents in seven cities with gentrifying neighborhoods, pronounced social inequalities, and where natural outdoor environments were created or improved: Amsterdam, Bristol, Cleveland, Lyon, Montreal, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. We found that in cities experiencing green gentrification, interviewees – particularly community informants – reported a wide array of ecosystem services and disservices, and identified some disservices previously under-studied (i.e. physical tiredness, low attractiveness and forced displacement). Our study illustrates how differences in decision making positions can impact perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices. Our study has implications for urban environmental planning decisions that will help maximize the ecosystem services provided by urban natural outdoor environments. Only if all perceived ecosystem services and disservices are considered, will it be possible to design green just cities.

Modeling destructive effects of an explosion in an urban environment using ANSYS AUTODYN

Purpose is to study the impact of explosive waves in an urban environment using comprehensive numerical modeling. A series of simulations were conducted using ANSYS AUTODYN software, allowing us to accurately replicate the dynamics of explosive wave interactions with urban structures. The methods used involves calculations through modeling and analysis of results. The obtained research results demonstrate that the application of numerical modeling with ANSYS AUTODYN allows for highly precise prediction of the influence of explosive waves on urban structures. These methods effectively model complex interactions between explosive waves and the urban environment, providing valuable information for safety measures and urban structure design. Findings. Results demonstrate that the application of numerical modeling with ANSYS AUTODYN allows for highly precise prediction of the influence of explosive waves on urban structures. These methods effectively model complex interactions between explosive waves and the urban environment, providing valuable information for safety measures and urban structure design. The originality lies in the combination of 2D and 3D modeling for a detailed analysis of explosive events in urban conditions, expanding existing knowledge about the interaction of explosive waves with urban infrastructure. Based on the obtained data, measures can be developed to enhance the safety and resilience of urban infrastructure in the event of explosive events, as well as to improve urban environment planning and protection. Practical implementation. Based on the obtained data, measures can be developed to protect urban structures from potential explosive events, including the design of blast-resistant structures, optimization of urban plans considering potential risks, improvement of evacuation systems, and enhancing safety for the civilian population in densely populated areas.

The contradictions of youth participation for intergenerational justice in urban environmental planning

Intergenerational justice (IGJ) has long been utilized in academic contexts such as philosophy and political theory. However, IGJ has increasingly become politicized. That is, it has been translated into more tangible ideas and discourses for public scrutiny, contestation, and action. This politicization is strongly represented by youth activism, which has utilized the concept to demand urgent political action and to defend the right to be included and represented in decision-making processes, particularly regarding climate change-related issues. The central topic of discussion in this perspective article is the strategic identification of youth inclusion with IGJ, and specifically the risks involved in accepting this identification. In this article we focus on urban environmental planning and argue that it is important to separate the practice of youth inclusion and the concept of IGJ to address these concerns and explore alternative strategies for incorporating IGJ in urban environmental planning. We then proceed to explore potential urban environmental planning approaches that are more intergenerationally just and conclude by critically reflecting on how the current political economy enables or hinders a more intergenerationally just approach to urban environmental planning.