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Suitable planning options for urban infrastructures should be urgently developed to reduce their environmental impact, while preserving their efficiency. In the case of urban ports, air quality still represents a major problem, which should be addressed through appropriate implementation of cleaner and sustainable solutions. Consequently, within short-term operational and medium-term technical planning stages, air quality monitoring and modelling should be implemented. This work reviews a set of effective criteria for developing a 3D air quality monitoring and modelling, which might be applied in the context of urban port management and planning. In particular, available technologies, sensors characteristics, monitoring requirements and quality criteria are discussed. The integration of observational techniques with different modelling tools is, then, introduced. Finally, data spatial representation options are discussed. This review, consequently, allows not only to assess the state-of-the-art on port air pollution monitoring and modelling, but also to give a framework structure for stakeholders involved in operative planning. Finally, this study unveils the potentiality of such an approach as a first component, for local environmental management systems, which can support the development of appropriate actions, integrated urban policies and the transition toward cleaner production and consumption processes in port areas. • Air quality is among the major environmental concerns for seaports. • This work reviews the state-of the art of 3D air pollution scenario development. • Instrumental network characteristics and sampling approach are reviewed. • Data modelling and spatial representation are also reviewed. • Air pollution scenarios are developed as a part of sustainable urban port planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The paper provides review of models integrating RES in Generation Expansion Planning. • It classifies models based on the applied theoretical approach in three categories. • Optimization, general/partial equilibrium and alternative models. • It compares their characteristics, advantages/disadvantages and their suitability. • It contributes in better understanding on the expected outcomes of each methodology. The Generation Expansion Planning (GEP) stands as one as one of the most discussed topics within the academia and decision makers in the energy sector, especially related to meeting deep emission reduction targets. Every country, aiming at decarbonizing its economy, focuses on the application of policies that could enhance the penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in its power capacity mix. GEP is a complex task, combining techno-economic, financial, spatial and environmental characteristics. Several models are developed to model GEP, applying different methodological approaches. The underlying theory is very important as it might inherit bias in the resulted outcomes. The debate on the appropriateness of each methodology is increased, especially as projected outlooks deviate from reality. The paper aims to provide a review of the models employed to integrate RES in the GEP. The paper classifies models in three generic categories: optimisation models, general/partial equilibrium models and alternative models, not adopting the optimum integration of RES in the GEP. It provides insights on the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the theoretical approaches implemented, as well on their suitability for different aspects of the problem, contributing in the better understanding on the expected outcomes of each methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the results of the "SavingScapes" research project that examined the role and relevance of civil society in landscape and heritage conservation, comparing Girona in Spain and Genoa in Italy. These two sub-regional areas are both on the Western Mediterranean coast. Tourism and international trade are the main drivers of development. Landscape is an important asset. In both areas, strong and constant transformative pressures and deeply rooted place attachment clash in the form of environmental protest movements or 'social mobilizations'. Nevertheless, there are significant differences in the approaches and results of these mobilizations in the two areas. In order to assess the impact of these mobilizations on local planning and projects, the study has developed an outcome-based taxonomy with seven different categories, ranging from defeat (= no relevant impacts occurred) to sustainable plan/policy prefiguration (= cases in which mobilizations have led to the emergence of an alternative project). This taxonomy has then been applied to seven territorial conflicts in both case studies. Research shows that the impact of mobilizations may not be immediately significant in either region (always taking into account the differences between them). However, these movements have led to the development of novel approaches of dealing with the changing context and have emerged as co-partners in the process of constructing social and local identity. • Landscape preservation is enhanced by empowered territory defense movements. • Empowered social movements are key to a trialectic territorial governance model. • Territorial conflicts are complex and cannot solely be explained by NIMBY attitudes. • Territorial conflicts go beyond defeat and success to reach policy prefiguration. • Social movements feed from and retro feed immaterial landscape values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple geographically dispersed data center buildings have been increasingly positioned in renewable-rich areas due to their high energy consumption. This paper proposes an optimal multi-energy portfolio for zero carbon data center buildings in the presence of proactive demand response programs. In the data center buildings, the complementarities of hydro-solar-wind hybrid renewable energy sources (RESs) are fully exploited via multi-energy conversion and storage devices, which are modeled as 100% renewable energy hubs for zero carbon multi-energy supplies. In order to exploit the hub-internal operational dispatchability and flexibility, a comprehensive energy consumption model of data center buildings is proposed to facilitate the demand response in terms of available serves, while the variable speed pumped storage (VSPS) is modeled to capture its dynamic operational characteristics. The energy‑carbon production, conversion, storage, and consumption are formulated as an energy‑carbon matrix, which are solved via a two-stage method to obtain the optimal portfolio. Case studies on southwest China data center buildings are implemented to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methodology on cost-effective accommodation of RESs. Simulations results show that the system portfolio cost can be reduced by at most 17.8% with a higher operational flexibility. • A cost-effective data center building is proposed to accommodate zero carbon targets. • Hydro-solar-wind 100% renewables are formulated for multi-energy supplies. • VSPS and data center energy consumption are modeled to exploit inherent flexibility. • The energy-carbon production, conversion, storage, and consumption are optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate location-based groundwater potential mapping for recharge is a vital tool to infer simple, efficient groundwater management in policy level planning. In this context, this study introduces a novel metaheuristic based multiobjective optimization model, namely, CIMCA for preparing groundwater accumulation maps in parallel to analyzing four different Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) techniques. In CIMCA, computational intelligence (CI) based optimization is infused within the traditional MCA techniques, which is carefully guided/influenced by the domain expert's input within the MCA part. The CIMCA model has been found to exploit the best of both worlds, i.e., optimization and domain expert's influence, thereby achieving unbiased and consistent outputs having great prospects for mapping potential groundwater resources for sustainable planning. Takeaways from these comparative assessments, impact information at district and sub-district levels, exposure detailing on total numbers of pumping wells, etc., will be useful in formulating current planning and devising future strategies under the umbrella of sustainable groundwater management. • We present and analyze models to assess groundwater potential. • We introduce CIMCA, a novel metaheuristic based multiobjective optimization model. • We analyze multi-criteria analysis (MCA) techniques. • CIMCA infuses computational intelligence (CI) based optimization within MCA. • The optimization in CIMCA is carefully guided by the domain expert's input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The agro-food industry is one of the largest parts of the European Union's economy and faces economic and environmental stresses. While food traceability systems (FTSs) inform supply chain actors of product and logistical attributes, large scale implementations are scarce and are do not support active decision making. We present a framework developed for FUTUREMED project used to perform a data-driven analysis that considers both micro and macro aspects of a food supply chain (FSC). With its comprehensive multiple-depth data architecture incorporated within a tailored decision-support platform, this framework and the resulting decision-support tool is the first to move beyond simple traceability implementation to the sustainable planning of food logistics, bridging the gap between research techniques and real-world data availability. We define KPIs that measure a subset of economic and environmental factors to quantify the impact of logistical decisions. We validate the framework with the case study of an Italian fruit trader that is considering opening a new warehouse. We conclude by suggesting that this framework be applied to more complex case studies and be enhanced through including more dimensions of sustainability. Highlights • Is developed within the European Union and Mediterranean Project FUTUREMED. • Provides a framework to develop data-driven analyses for sustainable food operations planning and control. • Addresses micro/macro aspects of the Food Supply Chain through a hierarchical data architecture and a tailored platform. • Supports the design and planning of sustainable food distribution activities. • Exemplifies an application of an Italian fruit trader considering opening a warehouse to serve new markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban regeneration is one of the main contemporary challenges human and territorial development faces especially regarding developing countries. In contrast with developed countries, where urban regeneration assumes a perspective of renewal and adjustment to new trends, in developing countries it represents an opportunity to implement urbanization to improve the quality of life and provide the minimum conditions to ensure its inhabitants a dignified life. This paper presents and discusses a method to respond to the challenges of expansion and regeneration of urban areas in developing countries based on the strategy of transforming informal areas into formal ones through urbanization. The Wall-Up method is validated through its application in the case study of Pante Macassar, Oé-Cusse Region in Timor-Leste, resulting in a small allotment plan ready to be implemented and to satisfy the current necessity in terms of urban regeneration and housing provision. In this case study Wall-Up is shown to be a reliable way to improve the quality of life and on to create a basis for the future development of housing for locals through urban regeneration that is viable in political, economic and social terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few years, land take monitoring in Europe and in Italy has become increasingly accurate and detailed owing to improved technologies that help acquire and make available free, easily accessible and high-resolution data. Nevertheless, the key issue is controlling this phenomenon, long considered pathological in its current form and scale, in order to mitigate / reverse it and achieve the 2030 containment targets set in international guidelines. To attain these results, firm regulatory action is certainly needed, underpinned by thresholds and reference limits to regulate the development of transformation activities planned by local authorities. In 2015, the United Nations Global Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) put forward a parameter for this purpose, namely the "Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate" (11.3.1 LCRPGR). It monitors the ratio between the extent of urban development and demographic dynamics in spatial-administrative units in order to link the growth of urbanized areas to actual population growth. This paper sets out a reconnaissance experiment to identify LCRPGR cut-off that can be used in legislation in relation to life quality indicators calculated repeatedly for Italy at the provincial level. The conclusions highlight the considerable difficulty inherent in identifying normative thresholds for the containment of negative spatial and social phenomena, and the need to develop scientific methods that are more reliable and robust than what is present in current practice. • Identification of regulatory control thresholds for spatial indicators. • Limitation of urban growth devoid of real need. • Critical evaluation of SDGs indicators. • Proposed supplementary indicators for urban growth phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an information carrier and communication medium, indicators provide useful decision-making assistance in setting process goals and effectively reaching the goals. The main focus of this article is to investigate indicators' role in influencing planning through Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) especially related to Chinese experiences. From the perspective of planning and decision-making theory, the influence on planning is studied as influence of planning structure and influence of planning actors. Such a conceptual framework is applied in order to demonstrate how the use of indicators can influence planning through a SEA process. The study holds two empirical levels. On a general level, based on an online survey, this article investigates SEA practitioners' experiences in using indicators. On a case level, two urban plans are selected to provide more detailed experiences. The case level investigation is based on a documentary study and individual interviews with SEA practitioners/planners. By exploring how indicators influence planning through the structure of and the actors within SEA, this study tries to provide an overview of indicators' role in SEA. The results indicate that indicators are perceived as a useful tool in the Chinese SEA system. By improving and simplifying the procedures of SEA, the indicators exert more structural influence on SEA and on plan making. On the other hand, indicators are also shown to have more influence through political actors than found among technical actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems are essential in providing multiple services to society. However, understanding ecosystem services (ESS) in terms of spatial distribution and trade-offs still remains a challenge for landscape planners and natural resource managers. In this paper, we analyzed the supply of a set of ESS – carbon storage, soil erosion protection, biodiversity, and recreation – within the landscape surrounding the city of Bari in Southern Italy. Through an analysis of this landscape, which includes natural protected areas, such as Natura 2000 Network sites, national and regional parks and nature reserves, and in view of the recent Fitness Check of the Nature Directives, we aimed to provide answers to the following questions: (i) Where are the areas of high and low supply of individual ecosystem services located?; (ii) Where do ecosystem service trade-offs (i.e., ‘hotspots’ and ‘coldspots’) occur? ; and (iii) To what extent are ecosystem service hotspots and coldspots located within or outside of natural protected areas? Results show that most of the landscape in the study area supplied at least one of the selected ESS and that ESS hotspots were mostly located within forested and/or natural areas. Hotspots occupied 8.0% of the total landscape, with 23.7% located in natural protected areas. Coldspots were scarce and equal to 2.4%; they constituted only 0.1% of natural protected areas. Almost all of the landscape (89.6%) consists of intermediate areas (i.e., between hotspots and coldspots); 76.2% of natural protected areas consists of intermediate areas. This latter finding is relevant because the high intermediate classes are potentially high-performing areas, which lie mainly on the borders of protected spaces; they can positively influence ecological processes and thus enhance a wide-ranging provision of ESS. Our results highlight the importance of analyzing landscapes to facilitate the selection of priority areas where management efforts would yield maximum benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative framework for sustainable desalination planning in metropolitan areas, which integrates the tools of mixed integer linear programming and life cycle assessment, is presented. The life cycle optimisation framework allows for optimal desalination planning by considering choices over intake type, staging and location of the infrastructure under different land-use, environmental and economic policies. Optimality is defined by the decision maker's selected objective function, being either an environmental impact or a levelised cost indicator. The framework was tested for future desalination planning scenarios in the northern metropolitan area of Perth, Western Australia. Results indicate that multi-staged construction and decentralised planning solutions may produce lower life cycle environmental impacts (58%) and at a lower levelised cost (24%) than a centralised desalination solution currently being considered by Western Australian water planners. Sensitivity analysis results suggest that the better environmental and economic performance of decentralised planning over centralised planning is highly sensitive to the proportion of land that can be made available for the siting of decentralised plants near the demand zone. Insight into land use policies is a critical factor to the initiation and success of decentralised solution in developed metropolitan areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear and effective legislation is a requisite to bring sustainable development from theory into practice. This paper develops a methodology to investigate how Italian regional legislation disciplines the use of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), the procedure used in the European Union (EU) to pursue sustainable development of policies, plans, and programs (PPPs). Our case study is the Italian regional level, examined to identify eventual flaws and areas for improvement for each regional legislative framework. For this purpose, this study refers to a selection of analytical criteria recurring in the international debate on sustainability assessments. Statistical multi-dimensional analysis is used to identify Italian regions with similar SEA legislation. We recognize four taxonomies, depending on the way regional legislation provides information about i) legislation and guidelines, ii) integration between SEA and PPPs, iii) sustainability goals, iv) technical organization, v) participatory organization, and vi) monitoring. The results suggest that Italian administrators should cooperate to improve legislation at the regional level. Acknowledging the institution-centred nature of SEA, this methodology could drive the EU to better support SEA development in countries with diversified traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating risk analysis into physical planning is increasingly necessary to anticipate and take appropriate measures to prevent and defend against disasters. This paper extends the concept of carrying capacity by studying two models: an ecosystem-bringing capacity model and a territorial model of construction on rural land. A climate change variable was integrated into both models, and the changes that occurred depending on the emissions scenario and the time horizons were considered for developing the suitability, impact, and risk models. The data obtained in this study give us an idea of the difficulties that may exist in most of the territory for the construction location on rural land. In fact, only 14% of the occupied study area reaches positive values for the carrying capacity of ecosystems; besides, there are no constructions on rural land located on positive values if we include the risks in the planning. Contextually, assigning a value to the comparable carrying capacity, based on a holistic conception of planning and scientific data, can facilitate the decision-making to initiate future studies and work. Moreover, this study enables to anticipate the effects of climate change when drawing up adaptation and mitigation policies, plans, or programs. • Incorporating risk analysis into physical planning can prevent disasters. • Ecosystem-bringing capacity model and territorial model of construction is studied. • This study enables to anticipate the effects of climate change for land policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid increase in numbers of private vehicles on the road, many transportation related issues like congestion, crashes and injuries, pollution, noise etc. have grown very rapidly. Urban settlements like core CBD and heritage town, which were planned for NMT and pedestrians, are worst affected. Environment, in such areas, has degraded to the extent that people do not wish to visit these areas anymore. On another hand, these areas have very significant role in economy and identity of the city. Due to unavailability of space and socio-economic system, only feasible way to upgrade mobility and environment in such special areas is to pedestrianize them. Pedestrianization of the congested street is a very effective, low-cost and sustainable solution. Other than congestion reduction, Pedestrianization has numerous benefits. These list of benefits can be used to advocate Pedestrianization of any street. It can also help in estimating the cost to benefit ratio of such schemes. The first part of this paper summarize various benefits of Pedestrianization from the experience of Pedestrianization scheme around the globe and various researches conducted on its impact. These Benefits can be separated in various categories based on impacts on Transportation, Society, Environment, Economics, and Health. The second part of the paper list down various warrants that can be used as the indicators for the need of Pedestrianization in an area. These warrants can also be used as justification to pedestrianize an area. This paper will help various urban policy makers, land-use and transportation planner, environmentalists and citizens etc. in decision making to solve various urban issues related to transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our food system is facing an unprecedented challenge: feeding a fast growing population without depleting precious resources like energy, soil, and water. Furthermore, the increasing urbanization has rapidly exacerbated the gap between farm to plate, leaving cities vulnerable to changes in the production and supply chain, as demonstrated by recent pandemics and wars. In this context, emerging technologies that allow plants to grow in absence of soil, permit to produce food in high densely built-up areas, bringing food production right were most consumers live. These initiatives enter within the so called Building-Integrated Agriculture (BIA), which is referred as the practice of locating greenhouses and soilless plant cultivation technologies on top and inside mixed-use buildings to exploit the synergies between the building environment and agriculture, involving resource recovery such as water, energy and nutrient flows. This paper aims at determining strategies, objectives, and best practices of BIA projects through the review of 21 case studies, to understand how a new advanced and future-oriented agriculture applied within the cities borders, can possibly shape the urban built environment and food systems of the future. [Display omitted] • Building-integrated agriculture should not be considered just a food-related practice. • Integrated soilless food production exploits synergies between buildings & agriculture. • Building-integrated agriculture can enhance food security in urban areas. • To be effective, Building-integrated agriculture must overcome important challenges. • Economic & social advantages may come from a diffuse integrated urban food production. • Building-integrated agriculture projects still require a specific knowhow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, forecasting electricity demand has been crucial in energy planning and power distribution management to establish sustainable strategies in undeveloped countries. This work proposes an integrated approach to evaluate Pakistan's energy sector and holistically investigate electricity-load strategies to prioritize them and prevent future electricity crises. This paper proposes a renewable energy technologies-based system design to eliminate energy shortfalls. Deep learning models can predict fluctuating variation in energy consumption, crucial for designing renewable energy systems. The strengths – weaknesses – opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis identified relevant factors and sub-factors, while the fuzzy-TOPSIS methodology prioritized alternative strategies. The results show that driving the nation to the functionality of an energy hub by sufficiently using its geostrategic location within the regional cooperation framework is the critical dominant factor. Besides, improving the country's investment environment was the least favored priority. Baluchistan was found to have the highest potential for wind energy, with an ability to generate 3270 MWh/year through wind power. [Display omitted] • An integrated management approach is proposed to address electricity crisis. • The proposed strategical energy forecast and planning is studied for Pakistan. • Prioritize the indicated strategies for sustainable energy planning and development. • Turning the country into renewable energy hub is suitable for Pakistan's economy. • Baluchistan has the potential to generate 3270 MW power from wind power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape fragmentation is one of the consequences of increased socio-economic pressure facing many regions of the world today. The European Environment Agency published an assessment of fragmentation in 2011 on the scale of the entire continent, based on the effective mesh size. In this report, Romania is mentioned as an interesting case, and it is hypothesized that the true level of fragmentation was underestimated. The aim of the present study is to investigate this hypothesis. We chose Romania's Southern Carpathians as a case study, digitized the roads from orthophoto maps and calculated the effective mesh size. Results support the hypothesis formulated in the EEA report. Specifically, our results indicated an effective mesh size of approximately 50 km 2 , which is comparable to other Eastern European countries, whereas the EEA reported an effective mesh size of approximately 1700 km 2 , which is comparable to the values in Scandinavian countries. To our knowledge, this is the first time that hypotheses stated in an EEA report have been tested against local data. The analyses demonstrate the potential of local data to refine analyses realized at a European level. Because our study area faces increased pressure from local roads for forestry and recreation, accurate fragmentation results are crucial. Our results may help planners to ensure that road development is sustainable and biodiversity conserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a major physical health issue in healthy ageing among urban populations. However, few studies have investigated how greenspace can influence osteoporosis, especially to those who lived in a compact city with high-density living environment. Furthermore, no studies have investigated how "planned greenspace" and "natural greenspace" can separately influence osteoporosis among senior population. We hereby conducted an empirical study to evaluate the relationship between osteoporosis, "planned greenspace" and "natural greenspace", based on the use of land use data derived from local geospatial information and satellite images. Our results showed that seniors who were 1) aged, 2) female, 3) less educated, 4) smokers, and 5) with chronic respiratory diseases were associated with osteoporosis. Considering factors of greenspace, a higher percentage of planned greenspace surrounding the residence may be a protective factor while natural greenspace did not influence the individuals. Specifically, a 10% increase of planned greenspace within the 600-m radius area surrounding the residence was negative associated with osteoporosis (−2.8% [-5.1%, −0.5%]). Based on our results, development of planned greenspace may be necessary, as compact built environment of a high-density city often resulted in a lack of planned greenspace for physical activities. Along with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for an age-friendly city, our findings suggest that improving the planned greenspace in a walkable distance around one's neighboring environment is a potential strategy for prevention of osteoporosis and related physical health issues as well as for life quality improvement among the senior population. • Association of greenspace and osteoporosis in a high-density city. • Planned space in compact environment may not have an extensive cover of greenery. • Natural greenspace in a high-density city may be inaccessible. • More planned space in compact environment may reduce osteoporosis. • Natural greenspace may be unable to reduce osteoporosis risk due to inaccessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary cities are threatened by urban development decreasing the overall environmental quality and fragmenting natural and agricultural landscapes. As a result of this fragmentation the number of Non Urbanized Areas (NUAs) present in urban contexts is dramatically decreasing. These areas include cultivated land, Abandoned Farmlands, Grassland, Woods and Shrubs that are often located at the peri-urban cities' fringes. Among NUAs, farmlands and other forms of urban and peri-urban agriculture provide all three major categories of ecosystem services, provisioning, regulating and cultural services. Recently, New Forms of Urban Agriculture (NFUA) have gained increasing attention from researchers for their promising multifunctionality. Incorporating NFUA into the urban environment will thus improve the sustainability of cities, taking advantage of the multiple benefits and services they can provide. This paper presents a method for the characterisation of NUAs in terms of their physical, ecological and social features. These areas are analysed with different criteria and related indicators structured according to a GIS-based Multi Criteria Suitability Model. The proposed model checks the suitability of transformation of the NUAs toward NFUA, thereby enhancing their ecological and social function as well as accessibility and overall connectivity. Different scenarios of spatial configurations for NFUA have been explored with a sensitivity analysis on the values of used indicators. The method was tested for the municipality of Catania, south Italy, an urban context characterised by a relevant shortage of public green spaces and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Thermal environment of Chinese historic villages. [•] Full CFD modelling on the environment. [•] The traditional bioclimatic design techniques. [•] A more comprehensive guide for creating sustainable modern human settlement adapting the changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Barcelona superblock is an urban neighbourhood transformation strategy, with which car-based traffic is redirected away from streets that are inside a 3 × 3 urban block configuration. This urban design concept promises opportunities for alternative street use such as the transformation of street space into urban green space. The potential to foster urban green space due to superblock design is however unclear, particularly outside of the original Barcelonan context. Concerning urban densification, fostering urban green space is particularly relevant to achieving dense and green cities. In this study, potential superblocks are identified in all major Swiss cities and the current urban green space is quantified. This analysis reveals distinct differences of superblock opportunities and urban green space between different cities and allows pinpointing opportunities for expanding urban green space. Considering the nine largest Swiss cities, between 3% and 18% of the current street network was simulated to be potentially suitable for superblock implementation to transform the streetscape and increase urban green space. The variation of current urban green space coverage across all potential individual superblock sites that have high urban density ranges considerably from a few percentages to above 30%. The presented results allow the exploration of urban green space opportunities at street and block-level arising from superblocks in Switzerland. For example, when considering a citywide superblock implementation scenario, the potential street area is relatively high for Basel whilst at the same time showing relatively low current availability of urban green space. For creating detailed design or transformation strategies based on the explored superblock sites, more integrated analysis to evaluate potential benefits as well as disservices of such urban transformation is required. • The potential of the Barcelona superblock is explored for Swiss cities. • 3–18% of the street network is simulated as potentially suitable for superblocks. • Opportunities to foster urban green space at street and block level is pinpointed. • Considerable variation in urban green space is found in high-density urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Urban metabolism components define the energy and material exchanges within a city and, therefore, can provide valuable information on the environmental quality of urban areas. Assessing the potential impact of urban planning alternatives on urban metabolism components (such as energy, water, carbon and pollutants fluxes) can provide a quantitative estimation of their sustainability performance. Urban metabolism impact assessment can, therefore, contribute to the identification of sustainable urban structures with regards, for example, to building types, materials and layout, as well as to location and capacity of transportation and infrastructural developments. In this way, it enables the formulation of planning and policy recommendations to promote efficient use of resources and enhance environmental quality in urban areas. The European FP7 project BRIDGE (sustainaBle uRban plannIng Decision support accountinG for urban mEtabolism) has developed a decision-support system (DSS) that systematically integrates urban metabolism components into impact assessment processes with the aim of accurately quantifying the potential effects of proposed planning interventions. The DSS enables integration of multiple spatial and non-spatial datasets (e.g. physical flows of energy and material with variables of social and economic change) in a systematic manner to obtain spatially defined assessment results and to thus inform planners and decision-makers. This multi-criteria approach also enables incorporation of stakeholders'' perceptions in order to prioritise decisive assessment criteria. This paper describes the methodological framework used to develop the DSS and critically examines the results of its practical application in five European cities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Historic settlements are a type of architecture adapted to local climate and geographical environment. For hundreds of years, people have been living in them. Rich and precious scientific design concepts of these organic settlements, including the site selection, the layout, and the building materials, should be investigated extensively. To explore these concepts, different historic settlements will be presented and discussed, in terms of different design elements and urban planning forms, and through the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This paper presents the strategic ideas and methodology of the study. As an illustrative case study, the ambient wind environment within the Shang-gan-tang village in China has been investigated quantitatively adopting CFD (computational fluid dynamics) techniques. The interactions between settlement selection, layout, landscape and ambient environment were evaluated. The sustainable urban planning experiences were then summarized for guiding the creation of sustainable modern human settlement suitable for people living for hundreds of years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Dutch motorway planning we can observe a gradual transformation from traditional line-oriented planning towards what are known as area-oriented approaches. Area-oriented planning – apparent in various gradations from landscaping, context-sensitive design, area-oriented approaches to integrated area-development – is expected to better incorporate the complex array of needs, demands and opportunities of the area surrounding newly planned road infrastructure. The integration of infrastructure and other spatial policy sectors such as housing, business, water, nature and recreation is expected to lead to better, more sustainable road infrastructure development. This paper explores the shift from line-oriented planning towards area-oriented planning. We conducted a historical analysis of policy developments in Dutch road infrastructure planning and have conceptualized area-oriented approaches in road infrastructure planning. Furthermore, the developments observed in the Netherlands are placed in an international perspective, through an overview of developments and practices in several Western countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Accessibility is an indicator that involves two components: the place - with its morphological and morphometric features -, and man - who wants to reach that place. The relief accessibility map is a useful tool both for tourists and national park managers. Sustainable management in a park and planning involves the opening of new hiking trails which must take into account the relief accessibility, internal zoning, land use and the presence of tourist interest objectives. In this study we produced a map of relief accessibility for Ceahlău National Park (CNP) in Romania using two indicators: the slope and the land use. The model integrates both primary data and secondary data resulted from the reclassification operations. From the intersection of these secondary data in a transition matrix we have established five types of accessibility levels that are represented for the entire park and trails in the CNP. Of the total area of the park - which is located in Romania''s eastern Carpathians, within a mountain unit with less than 1900 m altitude -, over 90% encompasses high and medium accessibility levels (types 2 and 3) which shows a high potential for planning. Data resulted from this model can be used for an efficient management of trails in a national park and their evaluation according to the degree of accessibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For many decades, the concept of sustainability has been highly successful in public policies and even in the business world. 1 [1] See L. R. Brown, Building a Sustainable Society, Norton, New York, (1981) and G. MIinati, M.P. Penna, E. Pessa, A conceptual framework for self-organization and merging processes in social systems, in Systems For Sustainability, Plenum Press, New York, (1997). Nowadays, all initiatives must be sustainable and are primarily assessed on that criterion. However, the efforts made to construct specific methods dedicated to building sustainable strategies seem rather weak. Futurists themselves underestimate the relationship between sustainable development and foresight, even if they are talking about sustainable planning. 2 [2] Sustainable planning integrates the objectives of economic development, social justice and inclusion, environment integrity and integrated transport. There is often conflict between short-term economic and fiscal benefits and the longer-term environmental and social implications arising from development. Cf. Ian Miles, Michaël Keenan Practical Guide to Regional Foresight in the United Kingdom, European Commission, DG Research, Brussels (2000) 18. They remain generally unaware that foresight could be a major tool in tackling sustainability as well as one of the best methods of preparing sustainable strategies and policies. Indeed, one of the biggest problems in sustainability approaches is the simplistic way used to define the concept, for instance, by using only the very first part of the 1987 the Bruntland report Our Common Future and by limiting the fields of activity on sustainability to the three pillars of the OECD model: economy, social questions, environment. At the Copenhagen United Nations Climate Change Conference (December 2009), it seemed forgotten that sustainability is already an old issue in which futurists were heavily involved at the time of the United Nations Stockholm Environment Conference (1972), in the Limits to Growth Report, published by the Club of Rome (1972) 3 [3] D.L. Meadows, ed., Limits to growth, Earth Island Ltd, London (1972). and in the OECD Interfutures Foresight, spurred on by Jacques Lesourne (1978). 4 [4] INTERFUTURS, Research project on the future development of advanced industrialised societies in harmony with that of developing countries, Final reports, Paris, OECD, 28 September 1978. Since that time (forty years ago!) researchers and consultants have learned how to deal with the concept of sustainability, how to analyze it as an ultimate aim for society as a whole as well as a complex object that needs to be approached with adequate methods such as systemic analysis. As Christian Stoffaës said, the aim of foresight is sustainable development in a changing world. As a result, the ultimate aim of strategic foresight appears to be clear: it is sustainability. This article highlights that fundamental relationship as we see it today. 5 [5] C. Stoffaës, Les logiciels de la pérennité, in J. Lesourne and C. Stoffaës, Prospective stratégique d''entreprise, Dunod, Paris (2001) 25, 27. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Urban structures have a notable effect on the patterns and intensities of heat island effect (UHI). • Green and blue space ratios, road networks, and housing distributions affect UHI significantly. • Sustainable urban development policies in Korea lead less aggravated UHIs. • Spatial-temporal management is necessary because UHI is aggravated during development. UHI is an important measure for understanding the urban landscape, especially in terms of thermal agglomeration and disturbance. This research aims to discern the success of sustainability planning by examining and comparing the different characteristics of UHIs through the combination of machine learning and statistical methods. To achieve this, we analyze 4 new towns in Korea, which include two 'old' new towns and two 'recent' new towns. The key difference between our test towns lies on whether or not the sustainability policies were applied to their development plans. We visualize LST and conduct a k -mean clustering to find and quantify spatial patterning in the resulting UHI measures. We then compare the statistical relations between LST and 6 UHI driven variables across the towns. Using comparative analysis, this research reveals that sustainable development policies have a notable effect on the patterns and intensities of UHI. Urban structures, planned under development policies, including green and blue space ratios, road networks, and housing distributions, were found to affect UHI significantly. We quantifiably confirm that the sustainability policies implemented in planning the 'recent' new towns allow the towns to experience less aggravated UHIs than the 'old' new towns. However, we also claim a need to develop appropriate, long-term UHI management regulations for the 'recent' new towns. This paper provides a solid basis for improving Korean new town planning and managing the environmental issues in urban systems for planners, designers, and decision-makers to establish the sustainable built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A unique approach is proposed to quantify the impact of compactness and densification on urban energy consumption. • It is illustrated and validated via a case study of a transit-oriented development, the Mockingbird Station in Dallas, TX. • Urban building energy models are developed for base case (business-as-usual), compactness, and densification scenarios. • The energy intensity per unit of area increased with compactness and densification while it decreased per unit of dwelling. • The proposed approach successfully bridged the gap between the 'macro' urban planning and 'micro' building energy scales. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and energy-efficient buildings have gained significant attention in recent years as promising approaches for a sustainable urban future. However, research efforts that aim to assess both approaches and integrate them remain very scarce in the literature, leaving potential relationships or synergies between the two approaches underexplored. The goal of this research is to evaluate the impact of two sustainable urban planning principles of TODs, namely compactness sand densification, on the energy performance of the urban built environment. Using Urban Building Energy Modeling (UBEM), an analysis of the Mockingbird Station in Dallas, TX, shows that compactness and densification lead to unexpected increases in the energy intensity of the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]