Articles tagged with Urban Planning
A new Lancet series explores the connections between urban design, transportation, and health, suggesting eight major interventions to create healthier cities. The research highlights the need to shift from private car use to cycling and walking to reduce environmental and social risk factors.
A recent study assesses the climate change vulnerability of cities across the US, finding that many city planners have yet to prepare for climate-related risks. The research highlights the need for a more nuanced approach, focusing on human health impacts and sector-specific strategies to address specific challenges in urban areas.
A recent Science perspective piece explores the tension between urban areas and human connection to nature. Research shows that reduced access to nature contributes to mental illnesses and mood disorders in city dwellers, highlighting the need for thoughtful urban design to incorporate natural elements.
Cities around the world are exploring innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint, from solar panels on buildings to optimized transportation systems. Researchers propose various strategies to improve water management, food supply chains, and air quality in urban areas.
A recent study reveals that our environment shapes our self-hood by influencing spatial cognition, which in turn affects how we identify ourselves. This integration of space and self highlights the importance of well-designed environments for promoting well-being.
The EU's U_CODE Project aims to develop methods and processes for citizen involvement in large-scale construction projects, preventing conflicts and escalations. The project will create a virtual space for citizens and professional planners to exchange ideas and develop plans based on broad social consensus.
The Integrated Urban Metabolism Analytical Tool (IUMAT) will measure, evaluate and predict the impacts of urban systems on climate change and energy security. The tool aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of urban sustainability policies to guide growth and development in a coordinated, sustainable way.
A recent study by University of Utah professor Reid Ewing found that urban sprawl significantly reduces upward mobility, particularly for children born into low-income families. The study showed that compact areas tend to have higher rates of social mobility compared to sprawling areas.
Cities are facing bigger challenges than ever before, including rural-urban migration, optimizing housing conditions, health and education. Digital technology has the potential to overcome many of these challenges, but concerns remain around privacy and cybersecurity.
A study by McGill University researchers found that homes near BIXI bike-sharing stations in central Montreal saw an average increase of 2.7% in sales price, with each station valued at $700 more in property value. The study suggests that other cities with similar systems may also experience similar effects on housing prices.
A study by MIT economists found that increasing female candidates on electoral lists improves a party's chances of winning votes. Voter turnout did not diminish in response to more female candidates, suggesting internal party dynamics may be the main barrier to women's representation.
Researchers develop spatial microsimulation model called Local Demographic Simulations (LDS) to forecast population distribution and slow urban sprawl. The study found that housing availability affects residential mobility and local population size.
A recent study published in Transport Policy found that many North American cities prioritize environmental and congestion-reduction goals over social-equity objectives. Researchers analyzed 18 metropolitan areas and identified clear indicators for promoting social equity, such as changes in accessibility to desired destinations and di...
Researchers used geolocalized tweets to identify land use patterns in Manhattan, Madrid, and London. They found that nighttime tweet activity is concentrated on weekends in Madrid and weekdays in Manhattan, while daytime leisure areas are prominent in London. This study shows the potential of social media data for urban planning.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have tapped into urban seismic networks to monitor traffic patterns, count aircraft, and track larger vehicles. The study reveals that urban vibrations can serve as a new data source for cities.
A Rutgers University study found individual property owners prefer community-based rebuilding efforts, but are skeptical they'll happen. Residents in Sandy-affected towns expressed concerns about the likelihood of coordinated planning and rebuilding.
Steinberg's book examines the massive changes to land and water that began with Henry Hudson's 1609 adventure, transforming wetlands and water quality. The city's dense, urban development has engulfed areas once home to 55 distinct ecological communities.
A NJIT professor has won $125 million to develop a plan to protect Nassau County's South Shore from storm surges and rising sea levels. The 'Living with the Bay (Slow Streams)' design proposal includes sustainable infrastructure improvements along the Mill River.
A new Arizona State University study examines the impact of urbanization on heat-related mortality in Maricopa County. The research found that projections of heat-related mortality range from a decrease of 46 deaths per year to an increase of 339 deaths per year, with nighttime temperatures being a significant concern.
A global survey of 350 cities reveals that 75% tackle climate-change issues as part of their planning, with 73% attempting both mitigation and adaptation. However, only 21% report tangible connections between climate change response and achieving other local development goals.
A recent study published in Urban Ecosystems found that a lack of plant diversity is a significant contributor to the widespread defoliation caused by cankerworms in cities. Increasing plant diversity can help limit future damage. Native plants were particularly hard hit, while nonnative species were largely ignored.
Researchers assessed the effectiveness of cool roofs, green roofs, and their hybrids in reducing urban temperatures. The study found that while these technologies can counteract temperature increases, they also have significant seasonal and geographical variations, highlighting the need for tailored planning and design choices.
A Temple University study found that well-maintained urban vegetation can lower crime rates, particularly for robberies and assaults, by encouraging social interaction and community supervision. The presence of grass, trees, and shrubs is associated with reduced crime rates in Philadelphia.
A study found that natural regeneration accounts for two-thirds of urban trees, but newly established young trees are less likely to be planted, with rates ranging from 1 in 12 to 1 in 20. The proportion of naturally regenerated trees is higher in grassland or desert regions and decreases in forested areas.
A new study reveals that judicious placement of greenery in urban canyons can significantly improve air quality. Green plants reduce concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and microscopic particulate matter (PM) by up to 40% and 60%, respectively.
A survey by MIT reveals that 95% of major Latin American cities are planning for climate change, compared to only 59% in the US. Cities worldwide are taking proactive steps to adapt to global warming, often due to natural disasters and changing climate conditions.
The Lancet Commission on Healthy Cities highlights the need for active planning to address urban health issues, with examples from Mumbai, London, and Bogota. The report recommends five key recommendations to improve urban health, including building political alliances and experimenting with diverse urban health projects.
The study reveals that roads cause significant harm to midwife toad and palmate newt populations in Asturia, Spain. The results suggest that traffic alleviation measures can help protect the newts but are insufficient for the midwife toads.
A study of 200 years of road network data in Groane reveals the factors driving urbanization, including exploration and densification. The research shows that roads play a fundamental role in urban development, with central streets remaining stable over time.
A University of Maryland study finds that smart growth tools in Maryland are too weak, frustrating developers and land-use advocates who want to build within existing urban areas. The researchers identified storm water regulations, citizen opposition, and inadequate public facility ordinances as major barriers to development.
Researchers have discovered that rivers in cities can produce a cooling microclimate, helping to reduce overheating temperatures. The University of Sheffield's URSULA project has found that rivers can absorb excess heat from the sun and help cities stay cool, making them a valuable tool for urban planning.
A study by Spanish researchers found that plain, sloping roofs can collect up to 50% more rainwater than flat roofs, resulting in higher quality water. The collected water can be used for various purposes, including watering streets and gardens, washing floors or vehicles, and filling cisterns.
A new study shows that trees in London's urban areas remove between 850 to 2000 tonnes of particulate pollution from the air every year. This research uses a prediction model to estimate future air quality and suggests that targeted tree planting and a mix of evergreen species can maximize benefits.
A new study reveals that measurable amounts of mercury emitted by coal-fired power plants are deposited in local soil, contaminating regional watersheds and affecting fish populations. The research found hot spots of mercury contamination tied to specific power plants, highlighting the need for better energy production choices.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that adults' moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked to neighborhood characteristics such as residential housing density and connected streets. Most physical activity occurs within a 1-kilometer buffer zone around their homes.
Researchers found that a mix of purchasing options can significantly lower costs and increase available water, while avoiding supply failures during droughts. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of buying diverse stocks with water risk management.
The 'Dust Alert' sensor measures dust, pollen, and toxins in the air, providing real-time contamination levels and precise chemical composition analysis. This invention can help improve air quality, mitigate health risks, and provide critical information for urban planners.
A new study by the University of Montreal found that only 30% of children attending elementary school in Quebec walk or bike to school. The primary obstacle is urban sprawl, with parents often driving their kids due to safety concerns, despite walking being crucial for daily energy expenditure.
Futuropolis 2058 conference highlights the importance of social and intellectual capital in creating sustainable urban environments. Experts emphasize the need for long-term city planning, integrating work, live, and play elements, to enhance human interaction and connection.
Extra payments to private FFS Medicare advantage plans totaled $2.5 billion in 2008, with each of the 2 million beneficiaries paying an average of $1,248 more than traditional Medicare costs. The new legislation aims to reduce overpayments and slow enrollment growth.
A researcher at Arizona State University has created a 3D computational model to simulate crowd behavior in urban settings. The model takes into account individual characteristics and environmental factors, allowing city planners and public safety officials to explore 'what-if' scenarios and test hypotheses.
A study of 10 Northeastern urban forests found no common urban park plant complex, but shows that population levels impact native and nonnative species diversity. The research suggests that urban park managers should consider the ratio of native to nonnative species when implementing vegetation restoration projects.
Researchers found that individuals' body weight influences their preference for residential locations in sprawling counties. Personal attributes like gender, age, and marital status also play a role in this decision.
Researchers investigated cultivation, conservation, and restoration activities in UK urban areas, highlighting ecological diversity and social connections between people and nature. The study calls for a redistribution of expertise to tap local skills and knowledge in green space management.
Four New York City clinics improved primary care services for low-income patients by redesigning their systems using a learning collaborative approach. The initiatives achieved significant reductions in wait times, improved financial performance, and increased patient access.
Researchers found that urban areas can extend plant growing seasons by 15 days compared to rural areas. Urban heat islands also cause plants to bloom 3 days earlier in spring and last 8 days longer in the fall.
The policy of increasing payments to private managed care plans has added $2.75 billion to Medicare's costs in 2004, with benefits mainly going to urban plans that have more enrollees. Despite the increase, only 40% of Medicare beneficiaries can access a Medicare Advantage plan.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that leafy vegetables and herbs in Chicago residential gardens are highly likely to be contaminated with lead. The study's findings highlight the importance of testing soil lead levels and developing strategies to ensure safety for urban gardeners and their families.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found a strong correlation between income levels and plant diversity in urban areas. The 'luxury effect' suggests that higher-income neighborhoods have greater plant diversity, possibly due to the influence of wealth on landscaping choices.
The report recommends building disaster resilience into utility infrastructure, strengthening emergency response systems, and establishing constitutional legitimacy for disaster management. The authors aim to reduce the vulnerability of Caracas to natural hazards through innovative interdisciplinary approaches.
Researchers found that childhood exposure to nature leads to a greater appreciation of the outdoors and interest in environmental careers. This has implications for educators and policymakers, as it can increase support for land preservation and environmental conservation.
New Urbanism's core values focus on environmental and spatial aspects, such as compact living and reduced land consumption. The trend promotes mixed-income housing to achieve social equity goals, rather than community bonding.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that urban forest fires have led to increased tree density of specific species in New York City's undeveloped parklands. In contrast, an old-growth urban forest in Cleveland, Ohio, has remained stable with no history of forest fires since 1935.
Professor Christer Bruun of the University of Toronto reveals that ancient Rome's aqueducts were technological marvels that brought clean water to over 1 million people. The Romans separated high-quality water for drinking from water used for flushing, a practice still lacking in many modern cities, including Canada.
Researchers at MIT found that urban air pollution will not have a big effect on global temperature change, with some regional effects possible. The study used a new method to couple urban air chemistry models with global climate models, allowing for more accurate predictions.
Babbitt envisions integrating conservation biology into urban planning to preserve at-risk species habitats. The approach was successfully implemented in Southern California's Habitat Conservation Plans covering 210,000 acres.
A new NASA study reveals Atlanta's urban heat island effect, with temperatures 10 degrees higher than surrounding areas, worsened by human land use changes. The increased heat intensifies smog levels and creates thunderstorms, which can also have beneficial effects in cleaning the atmosphere.
Residents evaluate U. of I.'s East St. Louis Action Research Project as successful due to its inclusive approach, which addressed concerns about outside interventions and institutional racism. The project has led to numerous concrete results, including home repair projects, playground construction, and economic development initiatives.
Urban Heat Island Pilot Project measures city cooling with urban forests. Cities like Sacramento & Salt Lake City use trees to reduce surface heating, improving air quality & mitigating heat stress. The study helps develop planning strategies for cities worldwide.
Studies show a significant increase in PAHs in reservoirs and river sediments in suburban areas of major cities, contradicting efforts to reduce pollution. Urbanization is linked to the accumulation of these carcinogenic compounds, which are typically not detectable in water samples.