Articles tagged with Urban Planning
A Bangor University study found that looking at nature during urban walks reduces anxiety and enhances restorative feelings. Guided participants focused on greenery, such as trees, for improved mental well-being metrics.
A study predicts UAM demand in Chengdu will increase as travel distance grows, particularly beyond 15 kilometers. The data suggests UAM share rates could rise by 0.73% for every additional kilometer, making it a viable option for medium to long-range transport.
Researchers from Osaka University developed a mobile mixed reality (MR) system for intuitive flooding forecasts, allowing urban populations to view dynamic flood forecasts on their mobile devices. The system enables widespread participation in MR visualizations, improving community preparedness and response.
Researchers developed a predictive model that maps soil-bearing layer distribution, enabling city planners to assess site suitability and optimize building design. The model improves prediction accuracy by combining geotechnical data and geographic coordinates.
A study using crowd-sourced data from iNaturalist found that slugs and snails are more common in urban areas than other native species. In contrast, butterflies and moths were the least tolerant of urban environments. The analysis provides valuable insights for city planners to increase urban biodiversity.
A new study finds that urban office buildings continuously release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the outdoors, similar to traffic emissions. The research team measured VOC concentrations in a high-performance office building and found indoor levels 2-15 times higher than outdoors.
Researchers found isolated refuges in cities where species like wrentits, mourning doves, and gopher snakes thrive. Urban planning initiatives can support more biodiversity by creating habitat for species that avoid cities.
A new ambiguity resolution method has been developed to improve the accuracy and reliability of urban GNSS positioning. The improved Best Integer Equivariant estimation method with Laplacian distribution achieved positioning errors under 0.5 meters in three directions, improving over traditional methods.
Urban green infrastructure projects can bring health and climate benefits, but their distribution is unequal in urban landscapes. Researchers recommend a justice-oriented approach that considers historical development patterns and existing power structures to ensure equitable access to environmental amenities. This includes building re...
A study found that trees along UT's Waller Creek flourish during droughts due to wastewater from leaky city pipes, which also affects tree growth patterns. The research highlights the unintended positive consequences of urbanization on climate-resilience of stream ecosystems.
A recent study by TUM, University of Jena, and Vienna University of Technology shows that city residents generally accept most animal species in urban environments. The majority of birds, mammals, arthropods, lizards, and frogs are popular, while cockroaches, rats, wasps, slugs, and pigeons are less liked. Urban planning can balance hu...
A new study led by ORNL provides valuable insights into vegetation resilience in response to extreme heat events, informing pathways for climate mitigation. The analysis found that impervious surfaces, moisture conditions, and type of land cover affect vegetation resilience, with preservation and enhancement of vegetation contributing ...
Citizen scientists uncover rare species in urban areas, increasing knowledge of urban biodiversity and guiding management. BioBlitzes provide a cost-effective tool for local governments to make informed decisions on environmental stewardship.
New satellite data shows that 45% of urban areas in China are sinking, with 16% experiencing rapid subsidence. The affected cities could experience catastrophic flooding if left unchecked, with Shanghai's urban area potentially tripling in size by 2120.
Researchers created a new approach to understanding peri-urban regions, where urban and rural characteristics blend, to improve urban planning and people's lives across the Global South. The 'peri-urban turn' uses Causal Loop Diagrams to map connections between health, place, demographics, governance, and economy.
A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers highlights the hidden threat of global underground infrastructure vulnerability to sea-level rise. Shallow and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations in cities worldwide.
Researchers at PolyU are using GeoAI to monitor and analyze environmental changes, detect disaster-damaged buildings, and optimize traffic flow. The technology has the potential to support sustainable urban development and improve public health.
A new study found that NYC's Community Parks Initiative increased park use and physical activity among residents, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. The study tracked changes in park use over three years, with intervention parks showing a greater net number of users, while control parks saw decreased use.
A new study analyzing building footprints in US metropolitan areas identifies five distinct neighborhood types associated with varying socioeconomic and demographic traits. These neighborhoods differ in footprint size, shape, and placement, reflecting differences in population density, homeownership rates, and commuting habits.
Researchers from USP produced maps showing areas of highest air pollution concentration and peak emissions periods; bus drivers have higher exposure levels than car or subway users. The study also found that green spaces have the best air quality, while high-rise buildings negatively affect dispersion.
A new study finds that remote work has changed urban transportation patterns in the U.S., with significant variation across regions. The research reveals that remote work has reduced vehicle miles driven by about 1% per 1% decrease in onsite workers, but had a more substantial impact on mass-transit ridership.
Researchers found that personalized training areas, accessible healthcare, and transportation improve athlete performance. Built environments with open-air lounges and unique spatial designs also enhance mental well-being.
A new study found that remote work could reduce carbon emissions from car travel by nearly 200 million tons annually, but also lead to a 27% drop in public transit fare revenue. This shift may impact urban mobility and require transit agencies to adapt their services.
Researchers used Google Street View to analyze built environment factors and found they can predict 63% of coronary heart disease variation between neighborhoods. Features like green spaces and walkable roads are associated with lower risk, while poorly paved roads with higher risk.
A new study reveals a strong pattern of decline among moths of all sizes and life stages from rural to urban areas in Florida. Larger macromoths fared worse than smaller ones, likely due to increased metabolic stress in high temperatures.
A new study identifies characteristics of cities that would support young people’s mental health. The findings prioritize life skills, age-friendly environments, free public spaces, and employment opportunities.
A mixed-methods study examines the challenges faced by independent family physicians in urban communities, who serve socially vulnerable patients with limited support from healthcare entities. The researchers propose that health equity-focused policies and new payment models could help these practices stay afloat.
A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that cool paint coatings can reduce city heat by up to 2 degrees Celsius, improving pedestrian thermal comfort levels. The coatings reflected sunlight and absorbed less heat, resulting in cooler temperatures and reduced indoor air-conditioning energy consumption.
A recent review highlights China's successful urban greening efforts, with over 60% of cities demonstrating substantial recovery of greenness post-2011. This shift reflects the positive impact of rigorous urban planning and greening policies, enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and elevating city dwellers' quality of life.
A study in São Paulo's central area found that poor wood condition, sidewalk root constriction, and drastic pruning are major predictors of urban tree failure. The researchers propose guidelines for stakeholders to reduce the number of failures, which average 2,000 per year.
The eco-metropolis model redefines urban development by prioritizing ecological conservation alongside innovation and economic growth. It offers a comprehensive framework for policymakers and urban planners to adopt, merging green technologies with urban growth.
A study by Rebecca Walker found that places with historic racial covenants had lower temperatures, more tree canopy, and less impervious surfaces, indicating reduced exposure to extreme heat. This is particularly pronounced in middle- and lower-income neighborhoods where the covenants have a significant impact.
A new University of Washington study analyzed seven Vision Zero projects and found no negative impact on nearby business revenues. The research suggests that safety improvements do not come at the cost of economic viability.
A University of Waterloo study found that urban spaces with nature elements can significantly reduce anxiety and boost positive outcomes in adolescents. After just two minutes in a natural setting, youth scores decreased by up to 13%.
A new study from Texas A&M University suggests that city dwellers who have more exposure to urban green spaces require fewer mental health services. The researchers used the NatureScore database to assess mental health at the neighborhood level and found a correlation between urban nature exposure and better mental health.
Researchers found three oak species have become invasive along riverbanks and urban-wildland interfaces in Stellenbosch and Cape Town, threatening century-old oaks. The polyphagous shot hole borer disease is also affecting widespread species like English oak.
A rare case of an opossum infected with rabies has been reported in Brazil, highlighting the risk of virus transmission to humans. The study found that dogs can act as vectors for the virus and that opossums are key to surveillance in urban environments.
An analysis by Cornell University city planning scholars found that metropolitan areas with multiple city centers and dispersed green spaces are more effective at mitigating extreme heat than those with one dominant city. Polycentric development can moderate the urban heat island effect, especially in larger urban areas.
Smarter eco-cities harness real-time data to address environmental challenges and implement innovative approaches for ecological conservation. However, high energy demands associated with AI and AIoT applications pose a challenge to attaining environmental objectives.
A recent study shows that U of A's Rural Integrated Community Clerkship program is a reliable predictor for students choosing a career in rural or family practice. The program has helped address Alberta's shortage of rural doctors by providing students with hands-on experience and adaptive expertise.
A Dartmouth-led research team created an experimental green roof to test the effect of native prairie microbes on soil microbial community development. Their findings demonstrate that active management accelerates soil development faster than passive reestablishment, fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.
A new study found that solid waste scales linearly, while wastewater production and greenhouse gas emissions scale superlinearly and sub-linearly, respectively. Cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, highlighting the link between economic growth and waste generation.
A new study from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology highlights the importance of ancient cities in understanding contemporary urban challenges. The research provides numerical datasets on road lengths, building types, population sizes, economic output, and environmental impacts to inform urban planning and policy.
Tackling inequality is vital to mitigate climate change effectively, as wealthy individuals often have greater ability to reduce their carbon footprint. Deep-rooted inequalities restrict people's capacity to switch to lower-carbon behaviours, making it essential for policymakers to provide equal opportunities across all income brackets.
A new study highlights the wide range of urban exposures during early childhood that can influence growth and development, including air and noise pollution, overcrowding, and limited green space. The first 2000 days of life are a critical period for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health outcomes.
New ASU research models the benefits of combining heat adaptation strategies with mitigation efforts to lessen extreme heat exposure in major US cities. The study finds that Northeast and Midwest regions can expect greater benefits, while Sun Belt cities face limited reductions.
Researchers have developed a new method called ambient noise differential adjoint tomography to visualize rocks with fluids, potentially advancing the discovery of water and oil resources. The technique uses portable seismometers to record natural vibrations, revealing tiny holes filled with fluids in rocks near active faults.
Researchers investigated how urbanization affects interactions between plants and pollinators in a tropical city. They found that seasonal changes play a crucial role in shaping these interactions, leading to significant changes in plant-pollinator networks.
Research from the University of Gothenburg found that trees surrounded by grass are stronger, taller, and cooler than those with paving close to the trunk. The study suggests investing in good soil and water for trees in urban areas where optimal conditions can be challenging.
A research paper reveals a suburban backyard is home to 1,150 unique species of animals, plants, and fungi. The study's authors discovered unexpected diversity, including 436 moth and butterfly species, 56 spiders, and eight reptiles.
Researchers used machine learning and mobile mapping systems to analyze the town of Sabbioneta's streets and pavements, identifying accessible trajectories and paths for citizens with motor disabilities. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of AI in assessing physical accessibility in historic urban contexts.
A new study reveals that the protective effect of income has largely eroded in affluent neighborhoods over the past 40 years. This means that even if residents have more wealth, they won't be able to enjoy cooler temperatures as climate change worsens.
Research using cellphone data found that most people in big cities primarily interact with others within their own socioeconomic bracket. However, locating meeting places between neighborhoods could help change this, as cities with frequently-visited hubs in between neighborhoods were less segregated.
A new framework for urban climate action planning has been developed to aid local governments in developing and assessing their climate action plans. The framework includes 43 globally recognized criteria across three stages of climate planning, with over half of existing urban plans having a medium level of suitability.
The study found that median premiums decreased across the board, especially for rural communities. Rural counties gained an average of three plans overall after the switch, while urban counties lost almost nine plans.
A study by Colorado State University found that redlined communities experience higher maximum noise levels, detrimental effects on urban ecosystems, and increased human health risks like hearing loss and stress. The research highlights the need for equitable planning and noise mitigation to benefit both people and wildlife.
Researchers found that well-designed urban land patterns can moderate or even reduce population exposures to weather extremes, regardless of city size. Properly designed cities can generate a meaningful reduction in the increase in risks from climate change.
A new land change model simulates interactions between urban growth, increased flooding, and human adaptation, offering deeper insights into adaptive capacities and identifying communities with limited resources. The model reduces projected developed land exposed to flooding by 5-24% depending on flood hazard zone.
Researchers found that drones could improve access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs), a portable device for treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The simulation model suggests that drone delivery systems could reduce response times in urban and rural areas, with greater improvements expected in rural areas.
Researchers found that green spaces alleviate extreme heat's negative impacts on human health, while densely packed buildings increase mortality risk. Urban design strategies incorporating different types of greenery are recommended to mitigate heatwave-associated mortality.