Articles tagged with Urban Planning
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.