The 15-15 rule for healthy cities: An operational subject-object integrated model to bridge greenspace accessibility and effective exposure in environmental planning.

ABSTRACT Three-dimensional (3D) maps of urban green spaces (UGS) provide a significant dataset for estimating carbon sequestration and understanding urban ecosystem functions. However, existing 3D-UGS mapping methods are often designed for light laser detection and ranging (LiDAR) data with high cost and small coverage, limiting their scalability for city-level applications. In response to the above limitations, we developed a multi-view intelligent fusion network by using multi-view images to generate a 3D-UGS map. The proposed algorithm consists of three parts: (1) Height information estimation network; (2) UGS extraction network; and (3) 3D-UGS map generation module. A height information estimation network was used to retrieve detailed UGS height information. UGS extraction network-based multimodal feature fusion idea was proposed to extract 2D-UGS. 3D-UGS map generation module was developed to produce a fine-grained 3D-UGS map. The proposed algorithm yields a high-quality 3D-UGS map with a root mean square error (RMSE) ranging from 0.85 m to 1.06 m for the urban semantic 3D (US3D) dataset. The results showed that the proposed algorithm achieves remarkable 3D-UGS map performance with an average RMSE of 2.045 m at Beijing. Our research provides new insight into how multi-view images and artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated to generate fine 3D-UGS maps at the city scale.

Health-related activity outcomes of visual characteristics in urban green spaces: An on-site comparison between self-reported and observed activities

Trade-off between urban green spaces and public service facilities in China's metropolises: Through the lens of population mobility under urbanization

Amidst rapid global urbanization, understanding the association between urban planning and mental health is crucial. This review synthesizes fragmented evidence on six core elements - walkability, green spaces, blue spaces, population density, public transport accessibility, and road design-to address gaps in causality and equity, providing timely insights for creating psychologically supportive urban environments. Evidence consistently indicates a moderate protective association between urban green space and mental health. Findings for walkability and population density are highly heterogeneous, often moderated by socioeconomic factors and air pollution. Research on blue spaces and road design remains limited, highlighting significant variability and context-dependence across planning elements. Methodological challenges, such as establishing causality, simplistic exposure metrics, and inadequate consideration of equity-constrain current evidence. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and natural experiment designs, dynamic multiexposure assessments, and explicit equity integration to generate actionable guidance for urban planning that supports mental well being equitably.

How urban park exposure shapes dyslipidemia risk: Evidence from mobility data in Seoul, South Korea.

Innovative qualitative methods are important in nursing research for understanding perspectives that are often under-heard, including those of adolescents. This methodological article draws on a focused ethnographic study of 11 urban adolescents aged 12-18 years to examine the use of photo elicitation in nursing research on greenspace, health and place. Using disposable cameras, participant-led photo tasks, semi-structured interviews and integrated visual-verbal analysis, the study explored how photo elicitation supported adolescent engagement while generating insight into how young people perceived and used urban greenspaces. This article discusses the methodological and ethical issues that arose in the study, including camera training, timely return of cameras, assent and parental consent, privacy and image ownership, and the interpretation of photographs alongside interview and fieldnote data. It also reflects on the integration of emic and etic perspectives and on the role of reflexivity in analysing adolescent-generated visual data. Trustworthiness was supported through verbatim transcription, audit trails, NVivo analysis and team triangulation, with analysis informed by the approach of Braun and Clarke (2006) . Photo elicitation supported reflection, participant-led discussion and richer contextual understanding of adolescents' experiences. This article offers practical guidance for nursing researchers using visual methods with adolescents, with an emphasis on study design, ethical planning, and integrated analysis of visual and verbal data. These methodological lessons are relevant to adolescent health, community health and nursing research using participatory qualitative approaches.

Beyond proximity: A three-dimensional assessment of urban park green space equity in Seoul

Unraveling the 3D structure of urban green spaces: Key drivers of cooling effects across urban heat scenarios

Global inequalities in population exposure to urban green space cooling

The regulation direction and magnitude of urban green space on ozone depend on vegetation photosynthetic activity

Mowing reshapes the multielement stoichiometry of aboveground plant matter: A lesson from two cities for urban lawn management.

Purpose As climate warming and urban heat exposure continue to intensify, accurately identifying the cooling effect of vegetation is essential for developing effective urban climate adaptation strategies. However, the relationship between the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) is highly sensitive to spatial scale. Inappropriate scale selection may lead to misjudgments of urban cooling potential due to the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP). This study aims to reveal the scale dependency of the NDVI–LST relationship and assess its implications for urban green space planning and climate adaptation decision-making. Design/methodology/approach Taking Shanghai as a case study, this research constructs multi-scale grids while maintaining consistent spatial resolution of remote sensing data. Land use change information from 2000 to 2024 is integrated into the analysis. By combining the Random Forest model with the SHAP interpretation method, this study examines the statistical relationship, nonlinear response structure and variations in cooling turning points of NDVI–LST across different scales and land use contexts. This approach enables a systematic assessment of how spatial aggregation methods influence the identification of vegetation cooling effects. Findings The results show that as the analysis scale shifts from coarse to fine, local heterogeneity and contextual effects are significantly enhanced. The nonlinear response structure of NDVI–LST and its cooling thresholds undergo systematic changes with scale. At coarse scales, local fluctuations are smoothed out and the overall response becomes more stable. At fine scales, nonlinear characteristics become more pronounced and spatial differences more prominent. From the MAUP perspective, scale selection not only affects the assessment of statistical correlations but may also introduce biases in evaluating the cooling efficiency of green spaces within climate adaptation planning. Originality/value This study proposes a reusable multi-scale assessment framework from the MAUP perspective. It reveals the scale sensitivity of the NDVI–LST relationship and its contextual dependency across different land use backgrounds. The findings highlight the critical value of multi-scale information in urban green infrastructure planning and heat risk management. This provides methodological innovation and practical references for developing evidence-based urban climate adaptation strategies.

Urban sacred forests are culturally embedded green spaces that contribute to urban sustainability, yet their roles remain insufficiently integrated into urban planning and green infrastructure frameworks. This study examines urban sacred forests as socio-cultural infrastructure by analyzing visitor recognition of ecosystem services, patterns of engagement, and interest in local knowledge in Kanazawa, Japan. A visitor-based survey was conducted across six shrine and temple forests between June and July 2023, yielding 342 valid responses. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses were applied to examine relationships among visit frequency, ecosystem service recognition, community participation, and learning interest. The results indicate that visitors predominantly recognize cultural and experiential ecosystem services, particularly scenic beauty, spiritual connection, stress reduction, and connection to nature, whereas regulating and socio-economic services are less salient. Visit frequency is positively associated with community participation, with frequent visitors more likely to report involvement in site-related activities. These findings highlight the multifunctional role of urban sacred forests as spaces that support well-being, social capital, and cultural continuity. By functioning as socio-cultural infrastructure, sacred forests complement conventional urban green spaces with culturally grounded, relational benefits that are not readily captured by standard planning approaches. Integrating urban sacred forests into green infrastructure and cultural heritage policies, alongside participatory and intergenerational governance strategies, can strengthen their contribution to resilient, inclusive, and culturally rich cities.

Background. The growth of urban populations leads to swift urban development. Consequently, much of the unplanned expansion of new neighborhoods results in the loss of public open space. The deficiency of public open space, particularly Urban Green Space (UGS), diminishes the quality of life and adversely affects community health. This study seeks to provide an overview of the significance of UGS. Furthermore, it aims to evaluate the accessibility of UGS in the context of Famagusta city in Cyprus.Method. The methodology employed in this study integrates geographical information systems, questionnaires, and field surveys to assess UGS accessibility within the study area. Additionally, the principles of English Nature concerning UGS accessibility were utilized as a foundation for this evaluation.Result. The findings of the study indicate that the rapid urbanization of the area has led to a reduction in UGS. Indeed, the existing UGS in Famagusta is both physically and visually inaccessible. The absence of paved pedestrian pathways, lighting, recreational amenities, and seating furniture renders the UGS ineffective. The current circumstances necessitate immediate action from the relevant authorities.

ABSTRACT Amid rapid urbanisation and growing concerns about social isolation, urban green spaces are increasingly recognised as environments that may support mental well-being. However, existing research has largely focused on the physical availability and proximity of green spaces, with limited attention to how individuals’ perceptions of green space quality influence experiences of loneliness, particularly in rapidly urbanising contexts such as urban India. Addressing this gap, the present study examines how perceptions of accessibility, design quality, safety, and opportunities for social interaction in urban green spaces relate to loneliness. The study draws on a cross-sectional survey of 221 respondents from diverse demographic groups. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, while perceptions of green spaces were assessed through a structured questionnaire. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between perceived green space characteristics and reported loneliness. The findings indicate a significant association between loneliness and negative perceptions of green spaces, particularly among women and younger individuals, suggesting that subjective experiences of urban environments may influence well-being strongly than spatial availability. Design attributes such as shaded seating and recreational opportunities show stronger associations with reduced loneliness than proximity alone, highlighting the importance of user-sensitive green space design in urban planning.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the relationship between neighborhood income levels and urban green space provision in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana, through an environmental justice lens. Using a mixed-methods design, it integrates GIS-based spatial analysis with household surveys and interviews of urban planning officials. Satellite imagery enabled mapping and quantification of green spaces via Percent of Urban Green Space (PercUGS) for extent and UGS Patch Density (UGS PD) for fragmentation patterns across neighborhoods. The results show that high-income neighborhoods, particularly Nhyiaeso, have larger and less fragmented green spaces, with a PercUGS value of 75.15%. In contrast, lower-income neighborhoods such as Ayigya and Gyinyase have smaller and more fragmented green spaces, with PercUGS values of 32.25% and 36.98%, respectively. These patterns indicate inequalities in the availability and distribution of green spaces, which are linked to differences in planning control, land management, and enforcement across neighborhoods. The study concludes that urban green space provision in the Kumasi Metropolis is shaped by socio-economic conditions, resulting in environmental inequalities. The findings suggest the need to strengthen planning and governance systems to ensure a more equitable distribution and sustainable management of green spaces.

The urban environment plays a significant role in shaping residents' health, wellbeing, and opportunities for social participation. Urban development interventions have been shown to positively influence physical activity, mental health, quality of life, and self-reported health status. However, most previous studies have focused on single measures or specific environmental aspects. Integrated Urban Development Plans (IUDPs), by contrast, combine interventions from multiple domains, such as housing, infrastructure, green spaces, and social participation, to promote health equity and sustainable urban transformation. The SalusTransform project aims to evaluate IUDPs in three German cities regarding their implementation processes as well as their impacts on health, social equity, and ecological sustainability. We will compare three IUDP intervention areas with three control areas in the respective cities using a mixed-methods design. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected to assess both process and outcome quality of the IUDPs. Primary data collections include resident surveys and focus groups, qualitative interviews with stakeholders, as well as environmental and infrastructural assessments, including air-quality measurements, site visits, and observations related to active mobility and urban green spaces. Secondary data on population structure, aggregated health indicators, and local implementation processes will be provided by the municipalities. Analyses will follow a difference-in-differences approach to identify changes attributable to IUDP implementation while accounting for similar developments in the control areas. By building a comprehensive database that links health-related, social, and environmental indicators, SalusTransform will provide valuable evidence on the real-world effects of IUDPs. Findings will inform municipalities, policymakers, and practitioners about the effectiveness and transferability of IUDPs and contribute to the institutionalisation of their systematic evaluation. Close collaboration with local authorities will ensure continuous monitoring of changes and strengthen the practical relevance of the research. Targeted communication strategies will be implemented to engage population groups that are often underrepresented in research and urban planning processes. This study was prospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00036042) on May 28th, 2025.

Urban green spaces play an important role in conserving biodiversity in rapidly expanding cities. To assess how habitat heterogeneity relates to bird diversity in an urban fringe landscape, we monitored avian communities across microhabitats within the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, New Delhi, from January to December 2024. Using line transects (500m-2km) in terrestrial habitats and point counts in aquatic habitats, we surveyed 15 habitat types grouped into four classes: wooded, open, aquatic, and anthropogenic. Diversity analyses in R and ArcGIS 10.8 included coverage-based rarefaction (Hill numbers q = 0, 1, 2; SC = 0.8), turnover-nestedness partitioning, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), and indicator species analysis. We recorded 130 bird species belonging to 20 orders and 55 families. Coverage-standardized richness (SC = 0.8) was highest in Abandoned Mine (45.6 ± 5.5 species) and Deep Lake (44.9 ± 6.2), and lowest in Lantana Woodland (13.1 ± 1.9) and Sewage Wetland (14.7 ± 2.3). Pairwise Bray-Curtis dissimilarities were high (0.40-> 0.85), with maximum dissimilarity (> 0.75) between Lantana Woodland and most habitats. Jaccard partitioning showed that turnover dominated beta diversity, exceeding 70% in New Plantation (75.2%), Anogeissus Woodland (75.1%), and Urban Settlement (73.0%). NMDS ordination (stress = 0.083) revealed clear separation among habitat groups, which was supported by PERMANOVA (F = 1.69, R2 = 0.404, p = 0.019). No species showed significant habitat association in the indicator species analysis (all p > 0.05). These results indicate that bird communities differ substantially across habitats, with spatial turnover contributing strongly to overall diversity. This highlights the importance of maintaining a mosaic of habitat types for biodiversity conservation and monitoring in urban landscapes.

This article examines the relationship between behavioral and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) variables and the Mental Health Index (MHI) of Italian regions from 2016 to 2023. The use of descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, and forecasting models is employed for descriptive and exploratory purposes, as well as for forecasting regional disparities in mental health. Relative stability at the state level and persistent territorial variability are evident in the MHI derived from the ISTAT-BES indicators, with the North and Centre performing better than the South, except for notable improvements in disadvantaged regions such as Calabria and Campania. Behavioral factors, particularly sedentariness, smoking, and multimorbidity, are consistently associated with adverse trends for mental health, while adequate nourishment and exposure to urban green spaces are found to be protective. ESG-related factors, including occupational security and judicial efficacy, also contribute to these inequalities, attributing mental health status as part of the more general system effects of institutions and environments. Cluster analysis identifies distinct regional typologies based on aggregated behavioral and ESG patterns, while the predictive model highlights multimorbidity, smoking, and sedentary behavior as the most relevant factors negatively associated with the Mental Health Index (MHI), and urban green availability as a key factor positively associated with it. They point out that Italian mental health disparities are not only associated with behavioral determinants of individuals, but must be addressed from a multi-faceted ESG perspective. Policy reactions also mean that public health responses must attend not only to lifestyle risk factors but also structural determinants and incorporate active living promotion, reduction of smoking prevalence, investment in green infrastructures, and improvement of governance efficiency.