Articles tagged with Urban Planning
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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.
A new Lancet series explores the connections between urban design, transportation, and health, suggesting eight major interventions to create healthier cities. The research highlights the need to shift from private car use to cycling and walking to reduce environmental and social risk factors.
A recent study assesses the climate change vulnerability of cities across the US, finding that many city planners have yet to prepare for climate-related risks. The research highlights the need for a more nuanced approach, focusing on human health impacts and sector-specific strategies to address specific challenges in urban areas.
A recent Science perspective piece explores the tension between urban areas and human connection to nature. Research shows that reduced access to nature contributes to mental illnesses and mood disorders in city dwellers, highlighting the need for thoughtful urban design to incorporate natural elements.
Cities around the world are exploring innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint, from solar panels on buildings to optimized transportation systems. Researchers propose various strategies to improve water management, food supply chains, and air quality in urban areas.
A recent study reveals that our environment shapes our self-hood by influencing spatial cognition, which in turn affects how we identify ourselves. This integration of space and self highlights the importance of well-designed environments for promoting well-being.
The EU's U_CODE Project aims to develop methods and processes for citizen involvement in large-scale construction projects, preventing conflicts and escalations. The project will create a virtual space for citizens and professional planners to exchange ideas and develop plans based on broad social consensus.
The Integrated Urban Metabolism Analytical Tool (IUMAT) will measure, evaluate and predict the impacts of urban systems on climate change and energy security. The tool aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of urban sustainability policies to guide growth and development in a coordinated, sustainable way.
A recent study by University of Utah professor Reid Ewing found that urban sprawl significantly reduces upward mobility, particularly for children born into low-income families. The study showed that compact areas tend to have higher rates of social mobility compared to sprawling areas.
Cities are facing bigger challenges than ever before, including rural-urban migration, optimizing housing conditions, health and education. Digital technology has the potential to overcome many of these challenges, but concerns remain around privacy and cybersecurity.
A study by McGill University researchers found that homes near BIXI bike-sharing stations in central Montreal saw an average increase of 2.7% in sales price, with each station valued at $700 more in property value. The study suggests that other cities with similar systems may also experience similar effects on housing prices.
A study by MIT economists found that increasing female candidates on electoral lists improves a party's chances of winning votes. Voter turnout did not diminish in response to more female candidates, suggesting internal party dynamics may be the main barrier to women's representation.
Researchers develop spatial microsimulation model called Local Demographic Simulations (LDS) to forecast population distribution and slow urban sprawl. The study found that housing availability affects residential mobility and local population size.
A recent study published in Transport Policy found that many North American cities prioritize environmental and congestion-reduction goals over social-equity objectives. Researchers analyzed 18 metropolitan areas and identified clear indicators for promoting social equity, such as changes in accessibility to desired destinations and di...
Researchers used geolocalized tweets to identify land use patterns in Manhattan, Madrid, and London. They found that nighttime tweet activity is concentrated on weekends in Madrid and weekdays in Manhattan, while daytime leisure areas are prominent in London. This study shows the potential of social media data for urban planning.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have tapped into urban seismic networks to monitor traffic patterns, count aircraft, and track larger vehicles. The study reveals that urban vibrations can serve as a new data source for cities.
A Rutgers University study found individual property owners prefer community-based rebuilding efforts, but are skeptical they'll happen. Residents in Sandy-affected towns expressed concerns about the likelihood of coordinated planning and rebuilding.
Steinberg's book examines the massive changes to land and water that began with Henry Hudson's 1609 adventure, transforming wetlands and water quality. The city's dense, urban development has engulfed areas once home to 55 distinct ecological communities.
A NJIT professor has won $125 million to develop a plan to protect Nassau County's South Shore from storm surges and rising sea levels. The 'Living with the Bay (Slow Streams)' design proposal includes sustainable infrastructure improvements along the Mill River.
A new Arizona State University study examines the impact of urbanization on heat-related mortality in Maricopa County. The research found that projections of heat-related mortality range from a decrease of 46 deaths per year to an increase of 339 deaths per year, with nighttime temperatures being a significant concern.
A global survey of 350 cities reveals that 75% tackle climate-change issues as part of their planning, with 73% attempting both mitigation and adaptation. However, only 21% report tangible connections between climate change response and achieving other local development goals.
A recent study published in Urban Ecosystems found that a lack of plant diversity is a significant contributor to the widespread defoliation caused by cankerworms in cities. Increasing plant diversity can help limit future damage. Native plants were particularly hard hit, while nonnative species were largely ignored.
Researchers assessed the effectiveness of cool roofs, green roofs, and their hybrids in reducing urban temperatures. The study found that while these technologies can counteract temperature increases, they also have significant seasonal and geographical variations, highlighting the need for tailored planning and design choices.
A Temple University study found that well-maintained urban vegetation can lower crime rates, particularly for robberies and assaults, by encouraging social interaction and community supervision. The presence of grass, trees, and shrubs is associated with reduced crime rates in Philadelphia.
A study found that natural regeneration accounts for two-thirds of urban trees, but newly established young trees are less likely to be planted, with rates ranging from 1 in 12 to 1 in 20. The proportion of naturally regenerated trees is higher in grassland or desert regions and decreases in forested areas.
A new study reveals that judicious placement of greenery in urban canyons can significantly improve air quality. Green plants reduce concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and microscopic particulate matter (PM) by up to 40% and 60%, respectively.
A survey by MIT reveals that 95% of major Latin American cities are planning for climate change, compared to only 59% in the US. Cities worldwide are taking proactive steps to adapt to global warming, often due to natural disasters and changing climate conditions.
The Lancet Commission on Healthy Cities highlights the need for active planning to address urban health issues, with examples from Mumbai, London, and Bogota. The report recommends five key recommendations to improve urban health, including building political alliances and experimenting with diverse urban health projects.
The study reveals that roads cause significant harm to midwife toad and palmate newt populations in Asturia, Spain. The results suggest that traffic alleviation measures can help protect the newts but are insufficient for the midwife toads.
A study of 200 years of road network data in Groane reveals the factors driving urbanization, including exploration and densification. The research shows that roads play a fundamental role in urban development, with central streets remaining stable over time.
A University of Maryland study finds that smart growth tools in Maryland are too weak, frustrating developers and land-use advocates who want to build within existing urban areas. The researchers identified storm water regulations, citizen opposition, and inadequate public facility ordinances as major barriers to development.
Researchers have discovered that rivers in cities can produce a cooling microclimate, helping to reduce overheating temperatures. The University of Sheffield's URSULA project has found that rivers can absorb excess heat from the sun and help cities stay cool, making them a valuable tool for urban planning.
A study by Spanish researchers found that plain, sloping roofs can collect up to 50% more rainwater than flat roofs, resulting in higher quality water. The collected water can be used for various purposes, including watering streets and gardens, washing floors or vehicles, and filling cisterns.
A new study shows that trees in London's urban areas remove between 850 to 2000 tonnes of particulate pollution from the air every year. This research uses a prediction model to estimate future air quality and suggests that targeted tree planting and a mix of evergreen species can maximize benefits.