Articles tagged with Urban Planning
Researchers found that urbanization increases hydrogen cyanide production in white clover as a defense mechanism against herbivores. The study, published in Science, reveals adaptive evolution due to urbanization is driving global-scale changes in plant species.
A recent study of Australian suburbs found that tree-inclusive gardens provide up to a 30-metre buffer during summer heatwaves, reducing energy costs. Researchers recommend incorporating deciduous trees into housing designs for better energy efficiency and urban aesthetics.
The new NCHRP Guide updates pedestrian analysis methodologies to support safe and sustainable communities. The research team developed new products published in 2022, free to download from the National Academies Press.
A massive study on white clover found that urbanization leads to adaptive evolution at a global scale. RIT scientists collected over 110,000 samples from 160 cities across six continents to test a chemical defense compound's effect on stress tolerance.
A new study predicts that over the next 30 years, 1.4 million US street trees will be killed by invasive insects, mainly caused by the emerald ash borer. The estimated economic cost of replacing these trees is over $900M. Researchers warn that urban tree diversity is crucial to resilience against pest infestations.
Research from the University of Colorado Boulder found that people exposed to more green space reported less depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also found that spending time in green spaces had a protective effect on mental health, even in times of extraordinary stressors.
Debra Laefer, a Professor at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, receives the Harry Schnabel Jr. Award for her novel approach to urban mapping and remote sensing technologies. Her work has led to projects in disaster mitigation and response, as well as protecting architecturally significant buildings from sub-surface construction.
A study found that rural residents are more satisfied with their communities' problem-solving and civic engagement after a disaster. Urban residents, however, perform better in community preparedness, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to enhance resilience in different communities.
Urbanization in China has led to an increase in biomass and carbon stocks, both in rural areas and recently developed cities. The country's afforestation strategy and green policy initiatives have contributed to this positive effect on its climate balance.
Researchers found that forests' outermost edges can store more carbon than previously assumed. Trees on these edges grow faster due to reduced competition, taking in nearly twice as much CO2 as interior trees. Soils at forest edges also absorb more CO2, contradicting current ideas about conservation and urban forest value.
Researchers at TUM explore the use of living trees in architecture, using photogrammetry and skeleton extraction to design structures that adapt to tree growth. They demonstrate a pavilion with a roof structure optimized to follow the shape of supporting branches.
A new study by UC Santa Cruz found that many California cities still lack meaningful discussion of equity in their climate action plans. The research team analyzed 170 plans and identified common pitfalls, including a focus on aesthetically
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that urban planners are focusing on restoring pre-pandemic downtown functions, with increased use of outdoor spaces and mixed-use development. However, government intervention is seen as a challenge to revitalization efforts due to reduced public investment in mid-sized cities.
Green backyards in cities provide multiple benefits, including improved thermal comfort and increased carbon storage. Small differences in green structure can yield significant benefits, with greener courtyards showing up to 11°C cooling effects. Proper maintenance is key to enhancing these benefits.
A study found that car owners place a higher value on green spaces in shared courtyards, with a twofold increase in attention to trees making the area 30% more attractive. This internal conflict highlights the need for architects and developers to prioritize green spaces in construction planning.
A Brazilian study found a correlation between dealing with COVID-19 and environmental disasters, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and community resilience. The study also identified a lack of continuity in funding for disaster relief and pandemic response.
Researchers found that prisoners in buildings located in green areas are less likely to engage in self-harming or violent behaviours. The study, published in Wellbeing, Space and Society, suggests that surrounding greenspace has a positive effect on prisoner wellbeing alongside prison walls.
A nationwide analysis of 20 US cities found that many plans fail to explicitly define green infrastructure, with a narrow focus on stormwater management. The study suggests that this narrow view can limit project funding and cause cities to miss out on vital social and ecological services.
A study of nearly 35,000 routes found that traffic speeds under 20mph are most likely to encourage cycling, with higher speeds deterring commuters. The research also highlights the importance of cycle paths and separates roads for encouraging more cycling.
A new study led by researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that trees contribute to cleaner air in cities. The study measured pollutants in tree leaves and compared them with air pollution levels, showing a clear correlation between the two.
Residents in eastern US cities experience up to 4.9 degrees Celsius increase in nighttime urban heat stress index, with extra 30 minutes of uncomfortable weather per degree C temperature increase. This effect is more pronounced in the southeastern US, where residents face up to five extra hours of uncomfortable weather during summer.
The QUENCH network aims to discover how the quality of urban ecosystems affects nature-connectedness and health. Funded by £312,000 from NERC, UKRI, the project brings together experts in environmental science, health, psychology, social sciences, and more.
Researchers found that individual urban trees, such as street trees, can capture and store rainfall at a rate of three times that of clusters or patches. The study used sap flux sensors to monitor transpiration rates in 18 mature red maple trees, revealing significantly higher transpiration rates in single trees compared to cluster trees.
A recent study suggests that the ancient Maya's agricultural strategies may have been more effective than previously believed. The research, which analyzed airborne lidar data, found that Maya settlements in Mexico and Guatemala were able to maintain a stable food supply despite environmental challenges.
Researchers found that tree-cover area, impervious surface area, and building density have a consistent impact on building energy use across cities. The study's results suggest that the relationship between urban form/density and energy use is city-specific and distance-specific.
High air pollution exposure worsens COPD patients' quality of life, while living far from green spaces also reports negative effects. Access to blue and green spaces improves mental and physical health through increased physical activity.
The project aims to evaluate how artificial intelligence can be used to improve analytical processes in urban planning, focusing on data and analytical tools that enable human stakeholders to interact with AI algorithms. The research also seeks to shed light on the broader impacts of automation in urban life, such as workforce.
A UBC study found that children living in areas with high greenspace exposure showed better overall development than peers with less access. Greenspaces reduce the negative impacts of air pollution and noise on children's health and development.
Research from Florida Atlantic University suggests that older adults living in walkable neighborhoods with greenspaces benefit from increased physical activity, with 5.4 minutes of daily neighborhood walking associated with African Americans and 3 minutes for whites
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that Airbnb units cause a mild decrease in long-term rental supply, including affordable housing, while expanding the rental market. The study suggests a new tax to alleviate resulting inequities and maintain social equality.
A study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that 62% of Europeans live in areas with less than recommended green space, leading to 42,968 premature deaths. The study suggests that European cities should focus on reclaiming urban land for green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions.
A $1 million NSF Award supports a project to create an open underground infrastructure map to improve disaster resilience in New York City. The Unification for Underground Resilience Measures (UNUM) project will standardize data sharing and visualization, enabling faster response times and increased safety.
A recent discovery at Tikal reveals a previously unknown neighborhood designed to replicate Teotihuacan's citadel, sparking new insights into the interaction between the two civilizations. Excavations found evidence of occupation and surveillance, as well as artifacts linking Tikal to Teotihuacan's imperial power.
Research finds that neighborhoods with longer commute times and high residential density are more prone to infectious disease hotspots, while dense urban design can improve mobility conditions and resilience. The study suggests that a 20-minute city concept can promote livability, sustainability, and pandemic-resilient urban planning.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered tool, Roofpedia, to track sustainable roof adoption worldwide. The tool uses satellite images to gauge cities' green and solar roof penetration, with Singapore ranked third in solar roof coverage.
Urban climate change adaptation measures can improve human health and wellbeing, reducing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, heat stress, and exposure to food-borne diseases. Early warning systems and policy changes can deliver immediate benefits.
Fine root anatomy and function data from the FRED 3.0 database informs Earth system models predicting future climate changes. Meanwhile, 3D printed concrete smart walls demonstrate energy efficiency and potential cost savings in buildings.
Researchers analyze impact of risk factors on heat-related mortality at different spatial scales, finding age, education, and socioeconomic status are key contributors. A localized approach is needed to address specific conditions at the city, region, and neighborhood levels.
A new article examines polycentric development in the Wasatch Front Region, Utah, finding that moderately compact urban design fosters trip generation through walking and biking. The study also highlights the importance of public transit connections to reduce vehicle miles traveled and combat urban sprawl.
The Research Roadmap addresses important active transportation needs, focusing on speed management strategies, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and addressing racial and economic disparities. Funded by NCHRP, the project provides guidance for future research directions.
Scientists from Incheon National University identified interzonal airflow across household entrance doors as a dominant factor in calculating heating loads. They found that strong stack effect and weather-driven airflow rates were larger than external infiltration rates, making conventional airtightness measures unreliable.
New research shows that certain types of urban greening efforts can support multiple ecosystem services provided by plants and insects. Large green spaces with native plants, particularly flowering prairies, are ideal for conserving native bees and predatory wasps.
New research reveals that low-income neighborhoods and minority communities experience significantly more urban heat than their wealthier counterparts. The study, published in Earth's Future, found that land surface temperatures in these communities can be up to 4 degrees Celsius warmer during the summer months.
A new study from American University found that individual trees can help mitigate urban heat, particularly in evening hours. The research showed that neighborhoods with at least half of the area covered by canopy were 1.4 degrees Celsius cooler than those with few trees.
Researchers from RUDN University and Australia found that citizens in Moscow and Perth valued access to green spaces for physical and mental health, as well as socialization and sense of unity with nature. During the pandemic, residents' contact with natural objects decreased, especially in cities with restricted access.
A study published in Landscape and Urban Planning found that viewing buildings with green plants reduced stress levels and improved positive emotions in participants. The research suggests that incorporating vertical greenery into urban design can have a significant impact on mental health, guiding greening efforts in cities.
Researchers evaluated a multifaceted COVID-19 control plan on a large urban university campus, revealing its effectiveness in reducing SARS-CoV-2 spread. The study found that the plan's implementation resulted in lower case rates and improved student safety during the second pandemic wave.
The Barcelona Institute for Global Health has identified 10 key principles for integrating health components into urban design, aiming to reduce premature mortality. The study provides a checklist for urban planners to incorporate public health into their work, promoting active and public transport, green spaces, and mixed land use.
Seiichi Shirai's practice of calligraphy was characterized by four aspects: interest in kanji's primitive aspects, emphasis on utility, asceticism, and rapid writing. His calligraphy reflected the universal potential of objects without being misled by external form or origin.
A study of 158 European butterfly species found that 25 thrive in urban environments, while others decline. Generalist species with adaptable traits are more likely to succeed.
Scientists discovered a scaling law governing urban visitor numbers based on travel distance and frequency, with surprising implications for city planning and pandemic prevention. The law predicts equal energy allocation to travel regardless of distance or frequency, optimizing trip choices.
A study by ICTA-UAB finds that combining white roofs with green areas can reduce temperature during heat waves, with an average reduction of 1.26°C. This combination has the greatest impact on energy consumption, reducing spending on air conditioning by 26%.
Urban megaprojects have severe implications for environmental processes, disrupting urban water flows, biodiversity, and flood regimes. The study's findings emphasize the need for community involvement and funders' accountability to ensure sustainable development.
A new synthetic framework, TB-ResNet, combines discrete choice models and deep neural networks to improve individual decision-making analysis in travel behavior research. The framework has been proven to be highly predictive, interpretable, and robust.
A new model developed by MIT's Andres Sevtsuk can estimate pedestrian journeys and trip distribution, providing a solution for planners and developers to better understand foot traffic in cities. The model uses network analysis and real-world data to calculate pedestrian flows, which can be applied to various urban settings.
Researchers highlight the need for urban planning to promote physical activity, reduce air pollution, and improve chronic disease outcomes. Designing cities with inclusivity in mind can lead to better health outcomes, even during pandemics.
A new study by ISGlobal estimates that poor urban and transport planning is associated with over 1,000 premature deaths per year in Barcelona and Madrid. The study found that fine particulate air pollution was the leading cause of death, accounting for 524 deaths per year in Barcelona.
Urban scaling laws, observed in cities worldwide, can be explained by the spatial geometry of a city. Researchers mapped building heights and assigned dots to people living in buildings to determine fractal dimensions, revealing a constant sublinear scaling exponent that determines city growth rates.
The USDA Forest Service has established a new urban long-term ecological research site in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, focusing on the dynamics of urban nature and social systems. The project aims to improve environmental outcomes for all city residents, addressing disparities in access to urban benefits.
The study found that having indoor plants had a positive influence on emotional well-being during the first COVID-19 lockdown, with 74% of respondents agreeing. The majority of participants reported spending more time on plant care at home and expressed desire to have more plants once normality was restored.