Articles tagged with Urban Planning
Researchers at the University of Chicago created an unprecedented approach to urban development using high-resolution data. The analysis shows that cities with better infrastructure have better developmental outcomes, and that improving access can improve residents' well-being beyond just physical needs.
The study reveals that when physical constraints are removed, human mobility follows a power-law pattern, decreasing steadily with distance. The researchers found this pattern across five orders of magnitude, from 10 meters to hundreds of kilometers.
Researchers from SUTD developed a generative urban model that optimizes designs for both pedestrians and vehicles, challenging the assumption that walkable neighbourhoods must come at the expense of road access. The study found examples of well-balanced layouts that enhanced pedestrian reach without drastically compromising road access.
A new deep-learning model calculates urban heat stress per square meter in the future, considering geodata and weather forecasts. The model simulates a range of climate scenarios, including increased heat stress due to rising greenhouse gas emissions.
The open-source AI model accurately maps building carbon emissions across multiple cities, identifying key factors that influence energy use, including urban form, planning history, and income levels. The research highlights the need for place-based strategies to reduce emissions from lower-income communities.
A European-wide synthesis finds that pollinator-promoting interventions generally benefit plants and pollinators, with varying effects depending on intervention type and habitat. The study suggests that biodiversity-friendly urban management practices can improve public perception and promote healthier ecosystems.
Researchers create digital twin facility management system for relocatable modular buildings, improving asset management and decision making. The DT-FMS enhances the lifecycle management of RMBs, minimizing waste and maximizing value through reuse and reconfiguration.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology used machine learning algorithms to predict bearing layer depth and assess liquefaction risk. The study found that random forest models outperformed others, especially with increasing spatial data density.
The study developed a three-dimensional heat transfer model to analyze energy pile performance in soft clay soils. The results revealed thermal interference and crowding effects, but also introduced practical multiplier factors to simplify predictions and reduce computational resources.
A new study reveals that pedestrians are now walking faster and spending less time in public spaces. Researchers analyzed 40 years of video footage to find a 14% decline in people lingering in these areas.
A new approach harnesses radiant cooling to reduce outdoor temperatures by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The technique uses water-cooled aluminum panels and see-through, infrared-reflective thin polymer film to create a cooler space while maintaining visibility.
Researchers at Notre Dame's School of Architecture and the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society developed EcoSphere, an AI-powered platform that visualizes embodied carbon emissions. The tool helps city planners identify strategies to reduce carbon emissions through renovation and extended building life.
A UC study finds that murals are associated with higher foot traffic, denser housing, and increased cultural identity in Cincinnati's neighborhoods. The research also highlights the potential for murals to contribute to urban policy decisions, guiding investments in public art to achieve broader community development goals.
Researchers used a data-driven approach to filter out ideal tree species for urban forests, mapping carbon stock and biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emissions of six dominant urban tree species in Beijing. The study identified two optimal species: Betula platyphylla for high-altitude areas and Robinia pseudoacacia for urban...
Researchers at The University of Osaka develop AI-powered method to analyze urban vegetation color, structure, and seasonal changes using street view imagery. This allows city planners to enhance the 'feel-good' factor of urban green spaces throughout the year.
A new study by the Complexity Science Hub questions Rotterdam's 'balanced neighborhoods' policy, finding little evidence of stronger community ties despite efforts to mix income groups. The research highlights the risks of gentrification and displacement of low-income communities.
The WUI-NITY simulator, developed by a global collaboration of researchers, visualises bushfire spread and people movement to calculate evacuation times. It has been validated in large-scale community evacuation drills and is freely available online for use by authorities and researchers.
Researchers mapped species' landscape connectivity needs at night to assess light pollution reduction urgency. A survey of 1,148 residents helped identify mutually beneficial zones and compromised areas for public lighting adjustments.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers suggests that investing in EV charging infrastructure is more effective than offering consumer tax credits to boost adoption. The study found that increasing EV adoption could reduce emissions by 51% and increase sales by 26% by building Level 3 fast-charging stations.
The Healthy Urban Design Index (HUDI) evaluates 917 European cities based on 13 indicators connected to people's health and well-being. Small cities tend to show better environmental quality and a higher overall score.
Researchers found that Common Lime tree infections reduced water use and stem growth but still maintained cooling benefits. The study highlights the complexity of balancing disease control with ecosystem services.
Researchers found that greenspace exposure is associated with widespread patterns of structural brain development during early adolescence, leading to better academic and mental outcomes. This study highlights the importance of integrating natural environments into urban and educational settings.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant correlation between socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and increased cannabis retailer presence. Neighborhoods with higher concentrations of low-income Black residents had 2.53 times more cannabis retailers than high-income predominantly Wh...
A University of the Basque Country study found that Bilbao's urban elements significantly impact physical activity levels. Citizens prioritized green areas, multi-purpose facilities, and accessibility, highlighting the importance of proper management and maintenance. The research also emphasized the need for pedestrian-friendly infrast...
Researchers from UC3M and UCA propose an integrated approach to tackle rural depopulation, focusing on spatial planning, economic diversification, and infrastructure development. Municipalities with up-to-date urban planning strategies show a 10% average population growth, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions.
University of Missouri researchers create digital sentiment map using AI to analyze public Instagram posts, linking emotional tone to real-life features. The tool aims to improve city services, identify areas of concern, and inform emergency response decisions.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that combining air pollution, dense urban development, and limited green spaces increases the risk of asthma. In contrast, a more favorable environment can prevent up to 11.6% of asthma cases, suggesting that urban planning can play a crucial role in reducing the disease.
A new study from the Hebrew University explores middle-class parents in Israel who choose to live car-free due to personal values like promoting children's independence and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These 'outlier' families offer valuable insights into reducing society's dependence on private vehicles, highlighting instrumental ...
A new study by UOC, UB, and EPFL identifies factors that encourage walking in Barcelona, but finds they can have the opposite effect depending on the neighborhood. The research provides valuable insights into pedestrian mobility and how it can be managed through targeted interventions.
A study by researchers at Incheon National University found that pedestrian and roadside facilities have a substantial direct effect on crash outcomes, particularly for run-off crashes. The team suggests prioritizing these modifiable operational features in road safety strategies to improve safety.
Researchers discovered people from both income groups experience meaningful nature connections in community gardens, despite lacking nearby greenspace. Community gardens provide habitat, access to nature, and health benefits for people and biodiversity.
A synthetic lichen system developed by Texas A&M researchers enables concrete to heal itself without outside intervention. This innovation uses cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi to produce crack-filling minerals, setting it apart from previous self-healing concrete endeavors.
A 20-year modeling study found that increasing urban vegetation by 30% could save up to 1.16 million lives globally from 2000 to 2019, with the greatest reduction in heat-related deaths in Southern Asia, Eastern Europe, and Eastern Asia.
A study analyzed per capita municipal expenditures and their correlation with population changes in small and medium-sized cities in Japan. The results revealed that prioritizing child welfare expenditures is a key strategy to sustain populations, while city planning expenditures on street maintenance and construction were also effective.
International experts urge cities to embed nature in infrastructure for better health, climate resilience, and equity. Urban greening benefits include cooler streets, cleaner air, improved mental health, and greater biodiversity.
Researchers developed a new method to investigate karst features in urban areas using ambient noise tomography. The technique improved the resolution of seismic imaging and provided high-resolution images of subsurface structures, contributing to better geological hazard prevention and control.
A new study by Simon Fraser University found gaps in BC's extreme heat response plans, with urban greening being the most common mitigation strategy. The research highlights the need for co-operation and co-ordination across jurisdictions to improve neighbourhoods and address socio-economic disparities.
Researchers warn that wildfires can contaminate drinking water distribution systems, posing substantial public health risks. Over 50 volatile organic compounds have been detected in water distribution systems after wildfires, including carcinogens such as benzene.
A study of over 500 schools in Canada found that 98% exhibit risky driving behaviors, including double parking and not obeying traffic controls. The authors suggest improvements to the built environment and parental education to address this serious issue.
A recent study found that urban bird species exhibit more elaborate colours and less brown plumage compared to those that fail to thrive in cities. This suggests that urbanization plays a role in shaping the colouration of birds in these environments.
Risky driving by parents and motorists during school drop-offs is a widespread issue, with 98% of elementary schools witnessing unsafe behavior. Experts suggest improvements to the built environment around schools to address this serious concern.
A study by HKU professor Bo Huang's team reveals fundamental principles governing population dynamics across cities. The research demonstrates that population movements scale predictably with urban density and distance from central hubs.
Researchers developed an AI system, Plant Doctor, to monitor urban plant health at the individual leaf level using machine vision techniques. The system can automatically diagnose diseased areas on leaves and provide accurate diagnoses across various urban flora.
A new study suggests that easing L.A.'s outdated tree planting rules could significantly grow the city's urban tree canopy without compromising safety. By relaxing restrictions near intersections, utility poles, gas lines, and other infrastructure, tree coverage in lower-income neighborhoods like Boyle Heights could increase by up to 26%.
A study conducted at Osaka Metropolitan University found that the opening of a multifunctional facility called ONIKURU significantly increased residents' daily walking time, especially among female young adults. The results suggest that such architecture-scale interventions can contribute to building health-promoting environments.
A study by Barcelona Institute for Global Health estimates that reducing motorized traffic in the city would lead to a 17.6% reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels and prevent nearly 200 premature deaths annually. The addition of port electrification could further increase avoidable deaths to 228 per year.
A team of mathematicians studied crowd flow and developed a way to predict when pedestrian paths become disorganized. They found that an angular spread of around 13 degrees is the threshold for transition, beyond which the flow becomes less efficient and potentially more dangerous.
Researchers propose darkening cities to improve biodiversity, human health, and reduce energy waste by embracing nocturnal living. Professor Nick Dunn's 'Dark Futures: When the Lights Go Down' presents a vision for an alternative future that reconnects humans with nature's rhythms.
Researchers at PSU used ODOT's push-button data to estimate pedestrian counts, develop a workflow for integrating traffic counts into the enterprise system, and explore applications in pedestrian infrastructure planning. The new dashboard allows agencies to analyze usage patterns and prioritize upgrades at high-demand locations.
Researchers found that large, contiguous areas of well-networked tree canopies lower mortality risk in densely developed cities. Compact, geometrically simple areas of tree canopy also show a positive effect on health. The study suggests that connecting isolated green spaces and promoting biodiversity can support human health.
Researchers found systemic monitoring disparities for six major pollutants across US Census groups, with Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders facing the largest gaps. The study highlights the need to consider biases in datasets beyond algorithmic bias.
Researchers created a new GIS-based multi-criteria decision tool to guide decisions on using nature-based shorelines or hybrid solutions in the Florida Keys. The study finds that nearly 8% of the shoreline is suitable for nature-based solutions, while 67% is already vegetated or represents another natural shoreline.
A new study from Aalto University found that global population datasets may underestimate rural populations by as much as 53% to 84%, revealing a systematic and profound extent of the bias. The findings have far-reaching consequences, suggesting that the needs of people living in rural areas have been under-represented in decision-maki...
The article explores how gentrification, economic processes, and urban capitalism lead to the decline of vibrant nightlife in cities like Helsinki. Researchers argue that DIY electronic music events and alternative practices can offer a solution to preserve nightlife.
Researchers have shown that earthquakes in the Marmara region transport a large amount of energy towards Istanbul, with most quakes exhibiting an eastward rupture direction. This finding has important implications for urban planning, emergency response, and seismic hazard maps, which will be taken into account in future studies.
A study published in Ecological Applications found that a diversity of corolla sizes in urban flower communities positively impacts wild bee biodiversity. Researchers from Concordia University collected data from 16 sites around Montreal and identified 94 different species of bees and almost 150 different species of flowers.
Researchers Garett Sansom and Lindsay Sansom will evaluate soil conditions in Settegast and Lakewood neighborhoods for cancer-causing heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The project aims to identify residents' environment-related concerns and develop a better understanding of local priorities and challenges.
A recent study found that urban highways in US cities reduce social ties within cities, particularly over short distances. The research, led by the Complexity Science Hub, used online social network data to quantify the barrier effect of highways on social connections.
A study developed an integrated assessment framework to help policymakers and urban planners translate digital participation data into actionable strategies. The framework balances transparency and representativeness in decision-making, highlighting the need for long-term tracking of participation outcomes.
A new study from University of Eastern Finland explores the factors contributing to tree mortality in an urban recreational forest in Helsinki. The researchers found that pine trees growing in dry areas are at a high risk of mortality, while spruce trees face a greater threat from climate-driven insect infestations.