Articles tagged with Urban Planning
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.
The study explores how different factors contribute to heat-related mortality in urban areas, including the built environment and socio-economic conditions. It highlights the need for efficient infrastructure measures and spatial planning considerations to mitigate heatwave impacts on public health.
KAUST researchers applied statistical geometry to study the impact of wireless charging roads on driver behavior and city planning. They found that drivers would have an 80% chance of encountering a charging road after driving 500 meters when installed on 20% of roads.
Scientists developed a new land surface model incorporating multiple processes and human activities to improve water-energy simulations and environmental protection. The CAS-LSM model can evaluate ecohydrological effects of stream water transfer and provide advice for urban planning.
Singapore's smart city initiatives harness data and digital tools to design a greener, more livable and sustainable city. However, experts caution that these technologies must be balanced with material infrastructure development to address issues like inequality.
Researchers developed a computer algorithm that captures traffic network topology to identify congestion hotspots. The algorithm suggests ways around congested areas in cities.
Researchers analyzed the impact of a plain afforestation project in Beijing, finding that some forest patches showed worse growth due to interrupted afforestation. They also found that this project occupied fertile farmland, decreasing connectivity and compactness.
A recent ASU climate study forecasts a substantial rise in human exposure to extreme temperatures in the US during the 21st century. By the end of the century, the annual heat exposure is expected to increase nearly 30-fold, with major metropolitan regions like New York and Los Angeles facing significant changes.
A new study from Cornell University highlights the importance of urban green space and tree canopy for supporting diverse bird populations. The research found that increasing green space by 50% results in an 11.5% increase in annual species diversity.
A study found that urban community gardens can be a rich habitat for diverse pollinators, with higher pollination rates compared to other park types. Community gardens showed similar levels of visitation as rural sites, while recreational parks had lower visitation rates.
The program results in continued improvements in lot condition and care over a 5-year period, with residents gaining a stronger sense of place and belonging. The study develops a practical monitoring tool to assess the progress of vacant lot repurposing programs.
Researchers found that home gardening was associated with higher levels of happiness comparable to other leisure activities. The study revealed that women and people with low incomes reported higher emotional well-being while gardening, suggesting a potential solution for equity in food action planning.
Using digital twins, researchers simulate the complex interactions within urban environments to predict how changes in design could affect life there. The team developed a comprehensive model of Herrenberg city using space syntax, GIS data, and traffic control systems.
A study by New York University researchers found that mandatory building energy audits led to modest reductions in energy use, but not enough to meet citywide carbon-reduction goals. The results suggest that a more comprehensive data-driven energy policy is needed to encourage significant energy efficiency investments.
A study found that urban areas in the US experience an earlier start to plants' greening season compared to rural areas. The advancement of spring phenology is driven by warmer temperatures, but the rate of change slows down under continued warming.
A new study projects that urban expansion will trigger 'extra' warming due to the urban heat island effect, increasing extreme heat risks for half of the world's future urban population. The study forecasts temperatures may rise up to 3 degrees C in some locations, particularly in tropical regions.
A University of Surrey study suggests that clear guidelines for green infrastructure can maximize benefits and reverse air pollution effects. The researchers argue that housing developers, urban planners, and politicians need easy-to-follow guidelines to create healthier built communities.
Researchers discovered a law of joint climb in sustainable development of urban agglomerations. The study found that cities unite to enhance each other's sustainability, with a limited number of cities needed for maintenance. By 2015, Beijing's comprehensive unite strength was still lower than the threshold of 6.14.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that larger green areas in urban neighborhoods are associated with higher wellbeing. Participants who spent more time in green spaces showed reduced activity in the brain region responsible for processing negative emotions.
A study by Arizona State University found that urban agriculture can meet 90% of Phoenix's current annual fresh produce consumption. The city could also increase green space by 17% and reduce CO2 emissions by displacing energy use equivalent to 6,000 homes.
A UBC data science method analyzes citizens' access to hospitals and walk-in clinics, revealing large numbers without good access to health care. The study found that 80% of Portland residents, 51% of Seattleites, and 37% of Vancouverites lack sufficient healthcare access due to insufficient facilities and transit services.
Seville's lost Puerta de Triana gate has been graphically reconstructed using 16th- to 19th-century images and archaeological data. The recreation provides a virtual model of the gate and its urban setting, sparking interest in lost heritage.
Researchers mapped Detroit's unofficial footpaths, revealing a 70% decline on the far east side between 2010 and 2016. The study highlights the importance of informal pathways in urban planning and social justice
The study found that the creation of 503 superblocks would reduce annual air pollution by 24% and prevent 291 premature deaths per year. Additionally, the project would increase life expectancy by almost 200 days on average per inhabitant and generate an annual economic saving of 1.7 billion euros.
A workshop at the University of Texas at Arlington aims to develop a holistic approach to urban watershed management in North Texas. The event will bring together experts from various disciplines to discuss the environmental impacts of infrastructure, climate change, and economic growth on the Trinity River Watershed.
A new study from University of Arizona researchers finds that walkability and traffic safety are crucial factors in determining how often people visit community greenspaces. Residents who live in areas with high levels of perceived traffic safety and surveillance are more likely to visit parks frequently, while those who travel by walk...
A new Portland State University study demonstrates how planting more vegetation, using reflective materials on hard surfaces, and installing green roofs can help cool urban heat islands. The research found that these solutions can make a significant difference in reducing temperatures, even when applied in combination.
Researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington are developing a strategic development plan to strengthen Fort Worth's Medical Innovation District. They aim to boost the district into a thriving hub of medical innovation, creativity, and discovery.
Research reveals that pop-up parks (PUPs) can significantly boost insect and spider diversity, providing habitat refuges for threatened species. PUPs also offer social benefits, including opportunities for physical and psychological restoration, and increased time spent outdoors.
Urban trees exhibit accelerated growth but higher mortality rates than rural counterparts, resulting in a net loss of street-tree carbon storage over time. Strategic planting and maintenance initiatives can help maximize urban greening efforts as a climate-mitigation tool.
A new study by Concordia researcher Carly Ziter shows that extensive tree canopy cover in urban areas can dramatically reduce temperatures, making a significant difference even within a few city blocks. The study found that temperatures vary as much within the city as they do between the city and surrounding countryside.
A University of Kansas researcher found that streetcar systems do not solely drive development activity, with incentives playing a significant role. The study's results suggest that the association between streetcars and development is context- and place-specific.
A new virtual tool uses sensor data to predict unsafe passing events, allowing urban planners to optimize bike lane placement and improve cycling safety. The research, conducted by the University of Waterloo, found that bike lanes can virtually eliminate close calls between cyclists and motorists.
Researchers found that playing Pokémon GO increased step counts among middle-aged and elderly adults, suggesting a positive impact on physical activity. The study's findings could inform urban planners and game designers to encourage more people to engage in regular exercise.
A new research model predicts gentrification in US neighborhoods based on people, place, and policy factors. The study finds that diversity, access to jobs, and housing quality are key predictors of gentrification, highlighting the role of urban planners in shaping neighborhood change.
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that people with higher incomes and more education tend to have greater access to urban green spaces than their less privileged neighbors. The study highlights the need for wider distribution of trees, shrubs, and pocket parks as cities continue to expand.
A new Tel Aviv University study suggests that a parking algorithm can guarantee uniform parking occupancy by filling spots in less lucrative areas. The algorithm has been tested in the Israeli city of Bat Yam, establishing real-time adaptive parking prices that ensured 90 percent parking occupancy without expensive equipment.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that urban planning decisions in post-WWII Canada contributed to the rise of right-wing populism by promoting automobile dependency and suburban sprawl. This normalization of unsustainable lifestyles led to a sense of resistance to change, particularly among suburban voters.
A recent study suggests that Sydney's urban structure is shifting from a monocentric city to a polycentric model, with populations aggregating around existing major urban areas. The study found that social cohesion and residential suburb attractiveness are key factors in driving this change.
Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Director of Urban Planning, Environment and Health Initiative at ISGlobal, wins the 2018 John Goldsmith Award for his work on promoting healthier cities through reduced car use and increased public transportation. His research aims to reduce premature deaths in cities like Barcelona due to suboptimal urban planning.
Researchers found that urban areas stayed warmer than surrounding suburbs and country during a 2014 cold wave, with temperature differences greatest at night. The study suggests that heat released from buildings can help cities reduce heating demand and make being outdoors more tolerable during extreme cold.
A cluster randomized trial in Philadelphia found that greening vacant urban land improved self-reported mental health, with participants experiencing less depression and anxiety after the intervention. The study's results suggest that investing in green spaces can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing in urban areas.
Research suggests that cities like Portland and Copenhagen benefit from high-rugosity layouts, with diverse uses and green spaces supporting resilience and growth. By integrating farms and greenways, developers can accommodate more population while reducing the urban heat island effect and improving stormwater management.
Researchers at MIT have discovered that cities with grid-like street patterns tend to accumulate more heat than those with chaotic patterns, leading to increased urban heat islands and health risks. The study provides new insights into the impact of city design on heat buildup, offering potential solutions for urban planners.
A recent study suggests that increasing urban forest coverage by 20% could significantly reduce pollution, energy consumption, and carbon emissions in megacities. The researchers used a tool to estimate the potential benefits of additional tree cover and found that each city has the potential to host an additional 20% of forest canopy.
Research at King's College London found that spending time outdoors, surrounded by trees, hearing birdsong, seeing the sky, and feeling connected to nature all have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Individuals with higher levels of impulsivity benefit most from these experiences.
A new study by University of Kansas researchers found that cities starting with a narrower focus on connections to natural hazards appear to lay a stronger foundation for a more comprehensive approach. This approach includes addressing climate-related impacts beyond just hazards like flooding and severe storms.
The city of Teotihuacan in Central Mexico stands alone with its innovative apartment compounds and well-planned residential areas. Its design was previously unknown until Michael E. Smith's study revealed its uniqueness.
A team of engineers at the University of Illinois has developed a mathematical technique to assess green roof performance, considering factors such as rainfall intensity and soil moisture. The study aims to facilitate communication between stakeholders about the financial risk and environmental benefits of green infrastructure.
Scientists at the University of Bradford have developed TRAPT, a measurement for assessing urban environments' relaxation levels. The tool helps planners and architects understand the impact of 'greening' measures on public spaces, aiming to create more tranquil environments.
The EcoCity model simulates future city expansion and predicts urban heat island effects. The study reveals different surface temperatures in various function zones, with urban impervious surfaces and green spaces playing distinct roles in thermal regulation.
Researchers developed an EcoCity model to regulate urban land cover structures and thermal environments, providing fundamental data for urban heat island mitigation. The model showed that land-cover components significantly affect thermal environments in different urban functional zones.
A new study published in Atmospheric Environment suggests that low hedges can be more effective than taller trees in reducing urban air pollution. Strategically placed low hedges can help mitigate the impact of traffic emissions in cityscapes with large buildings close to roads.
Researchers found strong correlations between nature exposure and positive markers of mental health, revealing a quantifiable impact. The study used dose-response modeling to uncover threshold effects that may guide urban planning and reduce the societal burdens of mental illness.
A national meta-analysis by University of Texas at Arlington researcher Shima Hamidi found that single-family property values near transit stations rise only 2.3 percent, while multi-family and commercial properties can see up to 18 percent increase in value.
A recent study examining 1,600 instances of phenotypic change worldwide shows that urbanization is affecting the genetic makeup of species crucial to ecosystem health. The research highlights the importance of understanding human-induced trait changes and their implications for ecological and human well-being.
Researchers at MIT used cellphone data and crowd-sourced images to identify visual features that contribute to perceptions of safety in urban environments. The study found that buildings with street-facing windows, green spaces, and well-maintained areas increase people's sense of safety, while poorly maintained areas decrease it.