Urban Planning Framework Research Articles

Her City Weimar

The global Her City initiative provides a framework for gender-sensitive urban planning, which seeks to create inclusive and accessible public spaces that meet the needs of all residents, particularly women and girls, who have often been overlooked in traditional urban design. This paper presents the results of Germany's first Her City initiative in Weimar— a city rich in cultural heritage with a vibrant tourism sector that strongly influences its public spaces. It contributes to existing studies in this field by providing an innovative methodological analysis of Weimar’s public spaces through gender-sensitive, data-driven, and participatory processes, with the aim of identifying strategies for improvement. The Her City Toolbox was utilised and extended through a participatory citizen science approach with 18 young women and the collection of gender-sensitive data regarding public space usage. Data collected from two city walks, three workshops, open space assessments as well as measurements of people’s movements and stationary activities were triangulated to reveal five thematic fields that highlight how public spaces are failing to meet the needs of women and girls. These include (1) Facilities & Furnishing, (2) Representation & Appreciation, (3) Security & Social Control, (4) Mobility & Accessibility, and (5) Visibility & Appropriation. Collaborations with local stakeholders combined with communication platforms and media contributed significantly to the project’s impact. The paper concludes by emphasising the necessity of adopting a gender-sensitive, participatory, and data-driven approach to urban planning to address the diverse needs of all city dwellers.

Landslide Hazard and Rainfall Threshold Assessment: Incorporating Shallow and Deep-Seated Failure Mechanisms with Physics-Based Models

Landslides pose a significant threat worldwide, leading to numerous fatalities and severe economic losses. The city of Manizales, located in the Colombian Andes, is particularly vulnerable due to its steep topography and permeable volcanic ash-derived soils. This study aims to assess landslide hazards in Manizales by integrating shallow planar and deep-seated circular failure mechanisms using physics-based models (TRIGRS and Scoops3D). By combining hazard zonation maps with rainfall thresholds calibrated through historical data, we provide a refined approach for early warning systems (EWS) in the region. Our results underscore the significance of the landslide hazard maps, which combine shallow planar and deep-seated circular failure scenarios. By categorizing urban areas into high, medium, and low-risk zones, we offer a practical framework for urban planning. Moreover, we developed physics-based rainfall thresholds for early landslide warning, simplifying their application while aiming to enhance regional predictive accuracy. This comprehensive approach equips local authorities with essential tools to mitigate landslide risks, refine hazard zoning, and strengthen early warning systems, promoting safer urban development in the Andean region and beyond, as the physics-based methods used are well-established and implemented globally.

ADDRESSING INFRASTRUCTURE GAPS IN MUMBAI’S 2-WHEELER EV CHARGING NETWORK: A FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY, USABILITY, AND USER FEEDBACK

Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming transportation in Mumbai, with 2-wheeler EVs gaining significant traction among commuters. However, the insufficient availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure remain critical challenges. This study investigates the experiences of 2- wheeler EV users in Mumbai, focusing on the barriers they encounter when charging their vehicles. Given Mumbai’s dense traffic and urban complexities, limited charging points, long waiting times, and infrastructural constraints can hinder the user experience and discourage further adoption of EVs. The findings provide key insights into optimal charging station locations based on a comprehensive analysis of population density, traffic flow, and urban planning frameworks. Additionally, the study addresses the need for standardized charging protocols, advanced technologies, and user-friendly interfaces to enhance the usability of charging stations. The study emphasizes that addressing these challenges is crucial not only for the user experience but also for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders aiming to expand Mumbai’s EV infrastructure. Moreover, the environmental benefits of 2-wheeler EV adoption are examined, including reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions, and overall environmental impact. By analyzing these factors, the research highlights the positive environmental outcomes of investing in robust charging infrastructure. Key challenges, such as high costs, feasibility concerns, and policy limitations, are also explored, offering a holistic understanding of the practical barriers to improving the EV charging network. The study concludes with actionable recommendations aimed at overcoming these challenges, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring the efficient deployment of 2-wheeler EV charging infrastructure across Mumbai.

Navigating Urban Sustainability: Urban Planning and the Predictive Analysis of Busan’s Green Area Dynamics Using the CA-ANN Model

While numerous studies have employed deep learning and high-resolution remote sensing to predict future land use and land cover (LULC) changes, no study has integrated these predictive tools with the current urban planning context to find a potential issues for sustainability. This study addresses this gap by examining the planning context of Busan Metropolitan City (BMC) and analyzing the paradoxical objectives within the city’s 2040 Master Plan and the subordinate 2030 Busan Master Plan for Parks and Greenbelts. Although the plans advocate for increased green areas to enhance urban sustainability and social wellbeing, they simultaneously support policies that may lead to a reduction in these areas due to urban development. Using the CA-ANN model in the MOLUSCE plugin, a deep learning-based LULC change analysis, we forecast further urban expansion and continued shrinkage of natural green areas. During 1980–2010, Busan Metropolitan City (BMC) underwent high-speed urban expansion, wherein the urbanized areas almost doubled and agricultural lands and green areas, including forests and grassland, reduced considerably. Forecasts for the years 2010–2040 show continued further expansion of urban areas at the expense of areas for agriculture and green areas, including forest and grasslands. Given the master plans, these highlight a critical tension between urban growth and sustainability. Despite the push for more green spaces, the replacement of natural landscapes with artificial parks and green areas may threaten long-term sustainability. In view of these apparently conflicting goals, the urban planning framework for BMC would have to take up increasingly stronger conservation policies and adaptive planning practices that consider environmental preservation on a par with economic development in the light of the planning context and trajectory of urbanization.

The prediction of urban growth boundary based on the ANN-CA model: An application to Guangzhou

Urban growth boundary (UGB) delineation is critical not only for China's urban planning policies, such as the "three control lines" of the Ministry of Natural Resources, but also for addressing global challenges related to sustainable urban development. This study contributes to the international discourse on urban growth management by developing an innovative artificial neural network-cellular automata (ANN-CA) model, tailored for cities experiencing rapid expansion. Using Guangzhou as a case study, we constructed an impact factor model that incorporates a wide range of factors, including urban spatial terrain, natural environment, current urban land classification, and industrial and economic conditions, along with the layout of modern service networks. The ANN-CA model was then employed to simulate urban spatial expansion and UGB delineation for the year 2030 under various constraints, such as strict protection zones and sustainable development scenarios. Our findings indicate that between 2020 and 2030, Nansha, Panyu, and Zengcheng districts will witness the most significant urban expansion, with respective area increases of 13.81 km2, 8.94 km2, and 5.8 km2, marking them as key growth areas. Furthermore, we propose that future urban expansion in Guangzhou should prioritize the southern and eastern regions, aligning with the city's strategic spatial objectives of "moving east, expanding south, connecting west, and optimizing north." By emphasizing ecological protection and intensive land use, this study provides a robust framework for urban planning in Guangzhou and offers insights applicable to rapidly urbanizing regions worldwide.

Groundwater potential mapping in arid and semi-arid regions of kurdistan region of Iraq: A geoinformatics-based machine learning approach

Groundwater (GW) is a crucial and increasingly scarce natural resource, that is affected by climate change and mismanagement. To manage GW resources effectively, it is crucial to accurately identify GW potential zones (GWPZs) using modern techniques. This study aimed to employ and assess geoinformatics-based machine learning (ML) models to delineate GWPZs in the Akre district, Kurdistan region of Iraq. Six nonparametric ML models were used: a support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbours (KNN), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), gradient boost DT (GBDT), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). These models were trained on diverse GWPZ-favourable influencing factors, encompassing topographic, hydrological, geological, and environmental aspects. The findings of this study revealed that the XGBoost model outperformed the other nonparametric models in terms of best-fit performance and accuracy in generating a GW potential map (GWPM), achieving a R2 of 0.88, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 11.348, and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 6.623. Notably, over half of the study area (53%) was categorised as having high or very high GWPZs, primarily in the low-lying Rovia Plain. The study identified rainfall, elevation, lineament density (LD), drainage density (Dd), topographic wetness index (TWI), and slope as the most significant factors influencing GWPZ modelling. This study provides a comprehensive framework for GW resource management, ecological conservation, and urban development planning. These insights are crucial for stakeholders, policymakers, and local authorities in strategic resource planning and environmental stewardship.

Synergistic assessment of multi-scenario urban waterlogging through data-driven decoupling analysis in high-density urban areas: A case study in Shenzhen, China

Extreme meteorological events and rapid urbanization have led to serious urban flooding problems. Characterizing spatial variations in flooding susceptibility and elucidating its driving factors are essential for preventing damages from urban pluvial flooding. However, conventional methods, limited by spatial heterogeneity and the intricate mechanisms of urban flooding, frequently demonstrated a deficiency in precision when assessing flooding susceptibility in dense urban areas. Therefore, this study proposed a novel framework for an integrated assessment of urban flood susceptibility, based on a comprehensive cascade modeling chain consisting of XGBoost, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), and Partial Dependence Plots (PDP) in combination with K-means. It aimed to recognize the specific influence of urban morphology and the spatial patterns of flooding risk agglomeration under different rainfall scenarios in high-density urban areas. The XGBoost model demonstrated enhanced accuracy and robustness relative to other three benchmark models: RF, SVR, and BPDNN. This superiority was effectively validated during both training and independent testing in Shenzhen. The results indicated that urban 3D morphology characteristics were the dominant factors for waterlogging magnitude, which occupied 46.02 % of relative contribution. Through PDP analysis, multi-staged trends highlighted critical thresholds and interactions between significant indicators like building congestion degree (BCD) and floor area ratio (FAR). Specifically, optimal intervals like BCD between 0 and 0.075 coupled with FAR values between 0.5 and 1 have the potential to substantially mitigate flooding risks. These findings emphasize the need for strategic building configuration within urban planning frameworks. In terms of the spatial-temporal assessment, a significant aggregation effect of high-risk areas that prone to prolonged duration or high-intensity rainfall scenarios emerged in the old urban districts. The approach in the present study provides quantitative insights into waterlogging adaptation strategies for sustainable urban planning and design.

Barriers, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Adoption of the Circular Economy in Mexico: An Analysis through Social Perception

This study explores the transition toward sustainable economic models through the circular economy (CE) in Mexico. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research incorporates a comprehensive literature review and analyzes responses from 42 stakeholders, gathered through surveys and focus groups. These stakeholders comprise a diverse group including PhD students, professors, researchers, industry professionals in sustainability and the environment, and government advisors and coordinators from the Mexican Secretary of Environment. This representative sample provides a broad perspective on the barriers, opportunities, and societal perceptions regarding CE. The findings reveal significant challenges such as economic barriers, regulatory inadequacies, and a lack of awareness and education, all of which hinder the adoption of CE practices. Despite these challenges, there is a generally optimistic view among stakeholders about CE’s potential to positively impact societal needs, suggesting robust opportunities for innovation and policy enhancement to foster sustainable development. Key recommendations include intensifying educational programs to elevate public understanding and engagement, formulating supportive policies that facilitate CE adoption, and promoting intersectoral collaboration to leverage collective expertise and resources. Additionally, the research underscores the necessity of integrating CE principles into urban planning and policy frameworks to effectively address specific local challenges such as waste management, pollution, and urban sprawl. By providing a detailed analysis of the current state and potential of CE in Mexico, this paper contributes valuable insights to the global discourse on sustainability. It proposes strategic actions to overcome existing hurdles and capitalize on opportunities within the CE framework, charting a path forward for Mexico and serving as a model for other regions facing similar sustainability challenges

Gender-inclusive urban planning: European frameworks as a potential methodology for Arabian Gulf urban parks

PurposeThis trigger article explores established European gender-mainstreaming urban planning frameworks of urban parks to analyze and identify ways that could be applied or adapted for Arabian Gulf cities. It aims to accelerate the mainstreaming process, increasing women’s participation and inclusion in urban spaces, paving the way for future research.Design/methodology/approachAnalytical frameworks are created by reviewing legal and policy evolution, city-issued guidelines and European cities’ case studies (Barcelona, Berlin, Paris and Vienna) engaged in gender mainstreaming in urban planning. These analytical tools are then applied to assess two Arabian Gulf parks (Al Azaiba Wadi Park, Muscat, Oman, and Dahl Al-Hamam Park, Doha, Qatar), suggesting a possible future research methodology.FindingsSuccess factors in European cities include integrating female perspectives, detailed user analysis, specific planning solutions and political will. Despite differing social and cultural contexts, commonalities exist for female park users in Europe and the Arabian Gulf. This trigger article proposes a methodology for assessing the potential effective application or adaptation of European established frameworks in the Gulf context to accelerate gender mainstreaming.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper proposes a methodology for future research, noting limitations such as limited input on design preparation processes in Gulf City park case studies, a lack of feedback from park users and only a brief overview of sociocultural differences. Future research should explore nuanced cultural contexts, including historical processes and gender dynamics, thorough literature review, expanded case study analysis and participatory approaches. The proposed methodology aims to demonstrate how European frameworks can guide gender-mainstreaming efforts in diverse contexts, facilitating collaborative solutions for inclusive urban planning.Practical implicationsDrawing from decades of European gender-mainstreaming activities, the paper distills urban planning principles and best practices for application or adaptation in the Arab Gulf.Social implicationsEnhancing the park experience for women through planning and design boosts gender equality in cities, benefiting their physical and social well-being.Originality/valueAn original methodology is suggested for adapting well-developed European gender-mainstreaming frameworks to Arabian Gulf parks. Authored by a male, this paper aims to advance gender issues in planning while exploring the role men can play in contributing to such.

Exploring the Association of Urban Agricultural Practices with Farmers’ Psychosocial Well-Being in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé: A Perceptual Study

African urban agriculture (UA) has garnered attention for its contributions to food security and socio-economic improvement. However, its impact on the psychological well-being of farmers has received minimal focus. This study explores the psychosocial effects of UA by surveying 733 farmers in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé. Utilizing the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF) and bespoke questionnaires, our research evaluates the emotional benefits of urban farming. Findings from regression analyses and spatial assessments conducted using Python and QGIS 3.32.2-Lima indicate significant variations in UA-related happiness across different city zones, with peripheral farmers experiencing greater satisfaction than their urban counterparts. Notably, female farmers reported higher levels of happiness, underscoring UA’s potential to empower women. This study advocates for the integration of UA into urban planning frameworks to foster psychologically beneficial urban environments.

Multi–Scenario Prediction of Land Cover Changes and Habitat Quality Based on the FLUS–InVEST Model in Beijing

As urbanization accelerates worldwide, understanding the impact of urban expansion on habitat quality has become increasingly critical in environmental science research. This study examines the impact of urban expansion on habitat quality in Beijing, forecasting land cover changes and ecological effects by 2030. Using CA–Markov and FLUS models, the research analyzes habitat quality from 2000 to 2030 through the InVEST model, revealing a significant urban land increase of 1316.47 km2 and a consequent habitat quality decline. Predictions for 2030 indicate varying habitat quality outcomes across three scenarios: ecological priority (0.375), natural growth (0.373), and urban development (0.359). We observed that the natural growth scenario forecasts a further decline in habitat quality, primarily due to increased low–value habitat regions. Conversely, the ecological priority scenario projects a notable improvement in habitat quality. To mitigate habitat degradation in Beijing and enhance regional habitat quality and ecological conditions, it is recommended to control urban land cover expansion, adopt effective ecological conservation policies, and systematically carry out national spatial restructuring and ecological restoration. This research provides vital decision–making support for urban planning and ecological conservation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive land cover and ecological strategies in urban development. Additionally, our findings and methodologies are applicable to other rapidly urbanizing cities worldwide. This demonstrates the broader applicability and relevance of our research, providing a framework for sustainable urban planning in diverse global contexts.

Create Gender-Equal City: A Comparison Between Vienna, Barcelona, and Shanghai City

Urban inequality is a pressing issue that can significantly hinder a city's development. It is essential to recognize the importance of establishing gender equality within a city to ensure sustainable urban progress. This comprehensive study thoroughly investigated the urban planning perspective on creating gender-equal cities, specifically emphasizing successful models from Vienna and Barcelona. Furthermore, the study conducted a detailed comparative analysis of these two cities in contrast to Shanghai, delving into the fundamental principles that have made Vienna and Barcelona successful in promoting gender mainstreaming and enhancing gender sensitivity in urban planning. The research also critically examined Shanghai's current approach to urban planning, pinpointing areas that necessitate improvement in promoting gender equality. By drawing from the experiences of Vienna and Barcelona, the study offered practical and actionable recommendations to enhance gender equality within Shanghai's urban planning framework, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and fairer urban environment for all of its residents. The insights gained from Vienna and Barcelona are invaluable and should be shared and applied to various cities, taking into account their distinct and unique circumstances.

Enhancing the city-level thermal environment through the strategic utilization of urban green spaces employing geospatial techniques.

Smart urban planning needs to have a multicriteria-based approach to prevent the deteriorating local thermal climate. Maximizing the cooling potential using the available grey infrastructure would be the utmost priority of future smart cities. Remote sensing and GIS can be the appropriate tools to develop a climate-resilient urban planning framework. Studies are needed to include different features of vertical and horizontal landscaping to mitigate heat stress and enhance liveability at the city level. With this goal, the current work outlined a holistic approach to efficiently using green spaces with minimal reconstruction. The problem of regional climate threat was evaluated with urban heat island characterization. Moran's I clustering identified nearly 12% of the study area to be under considerable heat stress during summer days. Multiple techniques, such as mapping local climate zones, segment mean shift-based roof extraction, vegetation index computation, solar azimuth-based green wall site selection, etc., were applied to formulate solutions and provide an integrated method for city-level environment enhancement. A considerable area was identified as most suitable for green roof cover, and it was also computed that the transition towards green roof at only these locations may bring down the maximum heat island intensity by 0.74°C. Additionally, solar zenith, illumination effect, and building height information were combined to create a distinct method where vertical plantation would flourish exceptionally. A rigorous assessment of more than 130 urban green spaces further quantified the relation between landscape geometry and cooling effect to provide optimum green space designs for future urban planning.

Enhancing urban sustainability through industrial synergy: A multidisciplinary framework for integrating sustainable industrial practices within urban settings – The case of Hamadan industrial city

Abstract This study conducts an in-depth analysis of the interplay between sustainable industrial growth and integrated industrial urban environments, proposing a novel paradigm for urban production. The aim of this study is to combine sustainable industrial growth with its integration into urban environments, to establish a new and novel way to seamlessly integrate industrial processes within urban surroundings. This research utilizes a thorough approach, incorporating several disciplines, to examine Hamadan industrial city. It includes an extensive survey of existing literature, a comparative analysis based on empirical evidence, and a detailed evaluation of a specific example. This technique aims to address a significant research gap by providing a comprehensive framework that promotes sustainable industrial practices in urban environments. The scholarly contribution of this work is to manifest in its formulation of a pragmatic framework designed to provide urban planners and policymakers with strategies to harmonize industrial growth with urban sustainability imperatives. This article tackles the considerable challenges posed by escalating urbanization and industrialization. To conceive a framework for urban planning and industrial operations that emphasize environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and social welfare is the primary purpose of this project. The study shows how industrial cities may revitalize economies, innovate industries, and solve urban problems including housing shortages and congestion. The importance of creative, collaborative, and policy-driven initiatives to build sustainable and resilient industrial–urban ecosystems in global industrial sustainability efforts is highlighted. The findings show that synergistic urban–industrial integration is needed for economic growth, environmental protection, and social welfare.

Identification and integration of ventilation corridors in Shijiazhuang City, China

The construction of a ventilation corridor network is of great significance for alleviating the urban heat island effect, controlling air pollution, and improving environmental problems. Based on the "source–sink" theory and climatology, this study has developed the identification model for ventilation corridors and the evaluation model for the significance of ventilation corridors. Focusing on Shijiazhuang City as the study area, we integrated meteorological data, remote sensing, and fundamental geographic information to study the distribution characteristics of resistance surfaces, the delineation of source areas, the assessment of ventilation corridor potential, and the amalgamation of the ventilation corridor distribution pattern across various scales. The results showed the following: (1) In Shijiazhuang City, a comprehensive assessment identified a total of 55 supply–type sources and 20 demand–type sources. 19 ventilation corridors were identified in winter, with a commensurate count of 20 in summer. In the urban district of Shijiazhuang City, 42 supply–type sources and 24 demand–type sources underwent screening, leading to the identification of 27 ventilation corridors in both summer and winter. (2) Through a process of amalgamating and streamlining ventilation corridors with superior connectivity in both winter and summer, we identified and designated seven first–level ventilation corridors and six second–level corridors within the regional area. Similarly, within the urban district, ten first–level ventilation corridors and six second–level ventilation corridors were singled out. This selection serves as a preliminary establishment of the spatial configuration, delineating "five horizontal and eight vertical" ventilation corridors in Shijiazhuang City (regional area) and "seven horizontal and seven vertical" ventilation corridors in the urban district. Finally, leveraging geospatial analysis tools facilitated the seamless connection of ventilation corridors across different scales. These research results furnish a theoretical framework for urban planning, offering a valuable reference in the determination of ventilation corridors.

LOW-RISE HIGH-DENSITY HOUSING – POSSIBILITIES OF IMPLEMENTATION IN LOCAL CONTEXT, CASE OF NIŠ, SERBIA

<p class="ABSTRACT">Low-rise, high-density housing (further LRHD housing) represents an alternative model for solving contemporary housing issues in urban areas. However this specific typological form is not recognized in local urban planning and legislative frameworks. The aim of this research is to explore the possibilities for development of LRHD housing within local frameworks through the assessment of urban parameters potentially achievable through the application of the pilot Mix-Mesh concept for LRHD housing and their comparative analysis with values defined by local planning regulations.</p>

Exploring climate change adaptation strategies of crop and livestock farmers in urban Ghana

This study investigates the climate change adaptation strategies employed by urban crop and livestock farmers in Ghana. With the increasing recognition of climate change threats to agricultural productivity and food security, it is crucial to understand urban farmers’ adaptation strategies. Through a mixed-methods approach—surveys of 191 urban farming households using a questionnaire and interviews of 13 key informants using an interview guide, data were collected from farmers in urban Ghana. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics from the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and presented in tables. The qualitative data were analysed manually based on themes and content and presented in narratives. The results indicated a significant relationship between urban farmers’ educational status and gender and their sources of climate change adaptation information. Urban farmers’ climate change adaptation strategies include planting more improved and less indigenous crop varieties and rearing of more exotic and less local breeds of animals. Again, to buffer animal production against climatic diseases, urban farmers treat their animals through vaccination, giving animals pills, disinfecting pens, and spraying animals’ bodies with chemicals. Access to agricultural extension services is the main challenge in urban farmers’ climate change adaptation. The study underscores the importance of enhancing farmers’ resilience through targeted interventions, including capacity-building initiatives, access to climate information and financial resources, and the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices into urban planning and policy frameworks. In addressing these challenges and promoting adaptive strategies, urban crop and livestock farmers in Ghana can enhance their resilience to climate change and contribute to sustainable urban agriculture and food security. This study, therefore, contributes to the urban agriculture and climate change literature by drawing attention to how crop and animal farmers in the urban neighbourhood adapt to climatic stressors.

НАРИСИ ІСТОРІЇ МІСТОБУДУВАННЯ В УКРАЇНІ І СВІТІ

Introduction. The article examines the nutritional dynamics and peculiarities of the development of the environment in Ukraine, which requires an integrated approach to address the challenges and problems of this problem. The foldability and rich profile of this galus poses system requirements that require support and legislative security at the edge. Also, we are talking about developing a strategy for the development of local development, which is based on the idea of ensuring harmony between the economic, social and environmental development of the place. The main essence lies in the creation of such a local environment that would satisfy the needs of the current generation, without reducing the ability of future generations to take control of their lives. It is important that the main aspects of the development of strategies for the development of local development include, first of all, economic stability, so that they are aimed directly at creating minds for economic growth and development, ensuring the stability of financial, economic and investment processes in localities. Social inclusion plays an important role, and development strategies are aimed at ensuring accessibility and equal access to infrastructure, housing, lighting, health care and other social services for all levels of the population. Problem statement. Urban planning is a complex, multi-level and multi-disciplinary process that has a systemic nature. The main task of urban planning is to create such a material environment in which human needs should be satisfied as best as possible. In contrast to previous years, the urban planning process has been streamlined and has become more integrated into public production. The specificity of this type involves a whole series of competencies affecting many fields of knowledge. Urban planning activity involves planning, development of territories, careful development and implementation of urban planning documentation regarding both the expansion of cities and the construction of new ones. At the same time, many questions arise regarding architectural solutions, harmonious placement of buildings in the surrounding landscape. The process of urban planning always heralds socio-economic development: infrastructure and architectural projects implemented within the framework of urban planning can contribute to economic growth, attracting investment and creating jobs, while the process of social integration is underway, creating conditions for communication and interaction between different social and cultural groups .

Integration of Smart Cities and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for a Sustainability Oriented Business Model to Address Sustainable Development Goals

The construction industry, business models, and smart cities are recognized as pivotal domains with profound implications for fostering sustainability, prompting extensive research endeavors. However, there remains a dearth of interdisciplinary integration within this sphere aimed at fostering sustainable development. Nevertheless, current studies suggest that research in this area could provide theoretical and practical guidance for the sustainable transformation of society and make a positive contribution to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this paper aims to utilize an innovative mixed research approach combining macro-quantitative bibliometric analysis with subsequent micro-qualitative content examination based on the SDGs to explore the relationship between BIM and smart cities in promoting a sustainability-oriented business model, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the overall situation and development of research topics in the field and contributes to the improvement of the SDGs. The results show that, during the last 13 years (from the year 2011 to 2023), the period from the year 2011 to 2016 was the initial stage of the field, followed by a rapid growth after the year 2018, of which “BIM”, “Smart City”, “Business Model”, “Building Life Cycle”, “Urban Management”, and “Business Model Innovation” are the keywords representing the current research hotspots. The circular economy model that has been developed since 2021 has contributed to life cycle stages, including “briefing stages” and “procurement stages”. As such, the “whole life cycle”, “strategic urban planning frameworks”, and “sustainable business models” have become future research trends, whilst real-world applications such as “smart tourism”, “e-government”, and “green building” have emerged. Further, the key partnerships of “city managers”, “corporate enterprises”, and “public participation” for smart cities contribute to the achievement of SDGs 8 and 17 in terms of integrating urban information technology and urban infrastructure, policy regulation, knowledge-sharing, improving economic efficiency, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Impact of Urban Expansion on Migratory Birds in the Lagos Wetlands: Breeding Habits and Population Dynamics

This research delves into the complex interactions between urban expansion and migratory bird populations in the Lagos wetlands, specifically examining how changes in urban landscapes influence breeding habits and population dynamics. The rapid and extensive urbanization in Lagos has resulted in considerable habitat fragmentation and environmental degradation, leading to significant disruptions in the ecological functions vital for the sustenance of migratory bird species. This study conducts a thorough analysis of existing conservation measures, assessing their effectiveness and identifying gaps in current practices. Building on this analysis, the research proposes a suite of integrated strategies for sustainable urban planning that emphasizes wildlife preservation. These strategies include the development of green infrastructure, the establishment of ecological corridors, enhanced community involvement in conservation efforts, and the integration of robust environmental policies into urban planning frameworks. The study underscores the critical need for a holistic and scalable approach to urban planning, one that effectively balances human development with the preservation of biodiversity. The findings advocate for a multi-faceted response to urban impacts, suggesting that while current conservation efforts provide a foundation, they require significant expansion and reinforcement to safeguard the migratory bird populations and maintain the ecological health of the Lagos wetlands in the face of ongoing urban challenges.