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This study employs percolation theory to investigate the hierarchical organisation of Australian urban centres through the connectivity of their road networks. The analysis demonstrates how discrete urban clusters have developed into integrated regional entities, delineating the pivotal distance thresholds that regulate these urban transitions. The study reveals the interconnections between disparate urban clusters, shaped by their functional differentiation and historical development. Furthermore, the study identifies a dichotomy of urban agglomeration forces and a persistent spatial disconnection between Australia's wider urban landscape. This highlights the interplay between urban densification and peripheral growth. It suggests the need for new thinking on potential integrated governance structures that bridge urban development with broader social and economic policies across regional and national scales. Additionally, the study emphasises the growing importance of national coordination in Australian urban development planning to ensure regional consistency, equity, and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural landscapes play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity because of their widespread presence over the Earth and their ability to encompass diverse ecosystems. Recognizing this, numerous governments are incentivizing farmers through direct payments to adopt sustainable practices, such as managing extensive pastures and meadows, planting wildflowers, or establishing hedgerows. However, the benefit of such sustainable practices on vertebrate species is not well understood. From 2018 to 2020, we investigated nest occupancy, fledging success, and clutch size of a Swiss population of barn owls (Tyto alba) with respect to nest box characteristics and the presence of extensive agriculture and urbanization in areas surrounding nest boxes. Our results revealed that extensively used pastures were positively associated with site occupancy but negatively associated with clutch size. The proportion of urban areas was negatively related to both site occupancy and clutch size. The altitude of the nest box location was negatively correlated with occupancy, and the number of nest boxes placed at the same site (either 1 or 2) was positively correlated with site occupancy. Moreover, clutch size, but not fledging success, was larger in nest boxes placed outside barns than in nest boxes placed inside barns. Based on these findings, we recommend installing nest boxes at locations <700 m in altitude and in pairs on the same barn, incorporating biodiversity promotion areas into agricultural landscapes, and avoiding dense urban areas in favor of rural zones with lower urban density. Understanding the nuanced relationships between nest box characteristics, environmental factors, and breeding success provides valuable insights for optimizing artificial nesting sites and enhancing the overall reproductive success of barn owls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing urban density promotes a greater social role for cities. The current low-carbon city development goals put forward higher requirements for carbon performance. Based on the viewpoint of minimizing natural resource input and maximizing value acquisition in ecological benefits, the influence of urban density on spatial carbon performance is analyzed by polynomial function relationship, and Beijing and Shanghai with different urban function positioning are taken as examples for comparative analysis. Combined with Point-of-Interest (POI), the classification benchmark of industrial activities was established, and the spatial kernel density of ArcGIS software was used to analyze the industrial agglomeration characteristics of the two cities. The results show that: 1) The "increase-decrease-increase-decrease" trend of urban spatial carbon performance over time fluctuates around the unary linear trend of urban density.2) Population and building density are too low or too high, which is not conducive to emission reduction. The change of economic density is influenced by the industrial structure. The change of urban density is negatively correlated with the growth rate of spatial carbon performance. In a certain development stage, the increase of urban density will inhibit the growth of spatial carbon performance to some extent. 3) Maintaining the original economic and industrial structure, the increase in economic density brought by the simple expansion of scale is not conducive to emission reduction. The increase of economic density brought by the transformation of economic or industrial structure and the reduction of the proportion of secondary industry is conducive to urban emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density housing development is considered a pragmatic response to the conflicts between land scarcity and population growth. Under the rhetoric of (neo)liberalism, the flourishing private housing market narrative was anchored throughout the last century, along with significant contributions from government regulations. The 1955 Buildings Ordinance, which eased height limits, laid the groundwork for Hong Kong’s high-density foundations. The existing historiographical literature examines this from a technical perspective. However, it overlooks the decision-making processes behind these regulations and their alignment with or deviation from free market principles. This study examines colonial archives to scrutinize the colonial government’s approach to building regulations, revealing that easing height restrictions was not merely a technical adjustment but a calculated response to broader economic and demographic challenges. It was a strategy to stimulate private housing development and manage population growth without significantly increasing government spending. This raises concerns regarding prevailing assumptions that the colonial government supported a free-market approach to housing rather than exploring the debates and deliberations that shaped these policies. By comparing colonial experiences in Hong Kong and London, historical analysis challenges the conventional understanding of Hong Kong’s urban development, thereby highlighting the contentious relationship between liberal economic policies and the colonial administrative framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transportation industry is a key player in shaping today's economy and society, but the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 drastically reduced services as governments implemented containment measures which drastically reduced services offered by transportation systems. Developed countries are already analyzing the pandemic's impact on transportation and proposing sustainable solutions. However, little is known about how developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with high urban population densities and unique mobility patterns, have responded. This study focuses on Cameroon, specifically Douala city, to examine the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on mobility patterns, transport operators, and provide recommendations to transport authorities in responding to future pandemics in the region. Interviews with 190 key informants, including taxi, bus drivers, and bike riders revealed a significant decrease in passenger demand, lower occupancy rates, reduced intra-urban and inter-urban mobility, and financial struggles for drivers, leading to layoffs. The study underscores the need for collaboration among stakeholders in the transport sector, involving public transport operators, government agents, policy makers, and the civil society in decision-making to create sustainable solutions for future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of rapid urbanization, accurately identifying the visual factors that influence environmental safety perception is crucial for improving urban transportation environments and enhancing pedestrian safety. With the increase in urban population density and traffic flow, optimizing urban environmental design to elevate residents' sense of safety has become a key issue in urban planning and management. However, the existing studies face numerous challenges in conducting large-scale quantitative analysis of environmental safety perception in complex scenarios, such as difficulties in data acquisition and limitations in analytical methods. This study addresses these challenges by applying image semantic segmentation and object detection techniques to extract key visual elements from street view images, combined with manual scoring and deep learning methods, to construct a road safety perception dataset. Using a LightGBM model and the SHAP interpretation framework, in this study, we identify the critical visual factors influencing environmental safety perception. An empirical study was conducted in Macau, a modern city where Eastern and Western cultures intersect, and tourism thrives. The findings reveal that: ① The overall environmental safety perception in the eight parishes and surrounding roads of Macau is relatively high, with significant regional differences in safety perception scores around Macau's parish roads; ② The proportions of buildings, sidewalks, roads, and trees in images are the four primary factors influencing environmental safety perception; ③ The proportions and quantities of visual elements interact with each other, and their reasonable distribution helps form clear spatial visibility and creates conducive activity spaces, thereby enhancing the perception of environmental safety. Through empirical analysis, this study uncovers the mechanisms by which visual elements in urban street scenes affect environmental safety perception, providing scientific evidence for urban planning and transportation environment improvement. The research holds theoretical significance and offers practical references for urban design and management, demonstrating broad application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the changes in carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems caused by land use changes is a crucial part of exploring the carbon cycle. In addition, enhancing carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems is an effective and environmentally friendly measure to sequester anthropogenic carbon emissions, which is significant for achieving carbon neutrality and curbing global climate change. This paper uses land use data and carbon density tables with the InVEST model to obtain a carbon storage distribution map of China. It further applies land use response elasticity coefficients, Theil index multi-stage nested decomposition, and spatial autocorrelation analysis to examine the spatial-temporal patterns, causes of changes, and evolution characteristics of carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems from 1980 to 2020. The results show that the temporal changes in China's carbon storage generally present an inverted S-curve, with an initial rapid decline followed by a slower decrease. Spatially, it features high levels in the northeast, low levels in the northwest, and a uniform distribution in the central and southern regions. The disturbance of land use type changes on terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage has been effectively mitigated. The significant reduction in grassland area in the Southwest region is the main source of carbon storage loss during the study period, and the encroachment of construction land on arable land in large urban agglomerations is one of the important causes of carbon storage loss. The Theil index multi-stage nested decomposition results indicate that the overall difference in carbon storage in China has decreased, while differences among cities within provinces and among counties within cities have increased. The influence of natural factors on the distribution of carbon storage is weakening, whereas the impact of human activities is becoming more profound, enhancing its influence on the spatial distribution of carbon storage in China. From 1980 to 2000, the carbon density in coastal metropolises generally showed a declining trend. From 2000 to 2020, the carbon density in the central urban areas of eastern coastal city clusters gradually showed an upward trend and continued to expand outward, revealing to some extent the "Environmental Kuznets Curve" characteristic in the development process of urban carbon storage. Therefore, in future ecological construction, the government should fully consider the impact of land management planning on carbon storage in different regions, promote the efficient use and standardized management of land, and strive to cross the "Environmental Kuznets Curve" inflection point of carbon storage as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion and sediment yield in basins are influenced by a combination of land use/land cover changes and climatic factors. The existing empirical sediment yield index (SYI) model does not consider the spatiotemporal non-stationarity of the parameters and its application is limited in data-deficient basins. To address these issues, a novel framework was proposed to extend the application of the empirical SYI model, and to identify the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the driving factors using the geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model, and it was demonstrated in the Dongjiang River basin, South China. The constructed multi-factor GTWR model explains 87% of the variation in SYI. Spatially, population density and urban land are the main driving factors of SYI, and there are significant spatial differences in their effects. Temporally, urban land is the most significant driving factor for SYI, and its effect increased over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With global change and urban expansion, the city's vulnerable to climate-induced disasters is increasing significantly. Addressing this challenge has become a global priority and there is an urgent need to improve the resilience and adaptability. We focused on the climate adaptability of cities in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in the southeastern China, and employed the entropy-weighting method and TOPSIS model to assess city's adaptability to climate in three levels, exposure, sensitivity, and adaptation. Then, we applied the Obstacle and Geodetector model to identify the challenges of the cities and elucidate the primary drivers of the changes in climate adaptability from 2000 to 2020. This study shows a significant increase in climate adaptation within the PRD region over the past two decades, especially for economy-prosperous cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou that show significant improvement. Spatially, central cities are more adaptable than western cities. The density of urban drainage pipes, doctors per 1000 people, and GDP per capita are the main obstacles. The explanatory power of the number of invention patents and fixed investments persists in surpassing that of the heat index and other factors. This interaction underscores the imperative for integrated strategies aimed at fostering both socio-economic development and climate adaptability. It emphasizes the need to tailor urban planning approaches to the specific characteristics of cities in different locations and stages of development, thereby enhancing their capacity to adapt to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the 'compact city' can provide environmental benefits, densification can result in negative trade-offs at the local scale – e.g. through increases in density and the removal of urban green space – and densification projects are often rejected by locals. This paper explores examples of densification in a compact European city, integrating different stakeholder perspectives from planners as well as neighbours of densification projects. Neighbours do not reject densification per se, but evaluate the individual projects and their contexts. Evaluation depended mostly on how the projects impacted urban green space, social mix and available parking spaces. Implications are discussed and 'good practice' criteria that could reduce the trade-offs of densification are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Densification has become a dominant strategy for sustainable urban development in recent decades, viewed as a main antidote to urban sprawl and essential for achieving a range of urban qualities from economic to ecological. Despite its prominence as an indicator and driver of sustainable development, measuring density in a meaningful way poses significant challenges. Arbitrary metrics often overlook the complexity of density and its associations, leading to potential unintended outcomes in density-driven planning. Using the Helsinki region as a case study, this article demonstrates the sensitivity of density measurements to minor changes in reference areas and calculation units, highlighting how different types of density can loosely relate to each other. Our findings underscore the importance of precise methodological choices in avoiding misguided planning decisions and policy advice that could compromise sustainability goals, revealing the complex dynamics of infill and edge growth often obscured in regional density measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to devise a comprehensive evaluation model (CEM) for evaluating spatial equity in the layout of elderly service facilities (ESFs) to address the inequity in the layout of ESFs within city center communities characterized by limited land resources and a dense elderly population. Design/methodology/approach: The CEM incorporates a suite of analytical tools, including accessibility assessment, Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient evaluations and spatial autocorrelation analysis. Utilizing this model, the study scrutinized the distributional equity of three distinct categories of ESFs in the city center of Xi'an and proposed targeted optimization strategies. Findings: The findings reveal that (1) there are disparities in ESFs' accessibility among different categories and communities, manifesting a distinct center (high) and periphery (low) distribution pattern; (2) there exists inequality in ESFs distribution, with nearly 50% of older adults accessing only 18% of elderly services, and these inequalities are more pronounced in urban areas with lower accessibility, and (3) approximately 14.7% of communities experience a supply-demand disequilibrium, with demand surpassing supply as a predominant issue in the ongoing development of ESFs. Originality/value: The CEM formulated in this study offers policymakers, urban planners and service providers a scientific foundation and guidance for decision-making or policy amendment by promptly assessing and pinpointing areas of spatial inequity in ESFs and identifying deficiencies in their development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban densification continues unabated, even as the possible consequences for users’ eye-level experiences remain unknown. This study addresses these consequences. In a laboratory setting, images of the NDSM wharf were shown to university students primed for one of three user groups: residents, visitors and passers-by. Their visual experiences were recorded using eye-tracking and analyzed in combination with surveys on self-reported appreciation and restorativeness. On-site surveys were also administered among real users. The results reveal distinct eye-movement patterns that point to the influence of environmental roles and tasks and how architectural qualities steer people’s visual experience, valence and restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization processes modulate the immunological challenges faced by animals. Urban habitat transformations reshape pathogen diversity and abundance, while high population density—common in urban exploiter species—promotes disease transmission. Responses to urbanization may include adaptive adjustments of constitutive innate immune defenses (e.g. complement system and natural antibodies [NAbs]), which serve as first‐line protection against infections. Here, we investigated associations of habitat urbanization and host population density with complement and NAbs in an urban bird, the feral pigeon Columba livia domestica. To do so, we employed the hemolysis–hemagglutination assay to analyze nearly 200 plasma samples collected across urbanization and pigeon population density gradients in five major cities in Poland. We found a negative association between urbanization score and hemagglutination (i.e. NAbs activity), but not hemolysis (i.e. complement activity), indicating either immunosuppression or adaptive downregulation of this immune defense in highly transformed urban landscape. Population density was not significantly related to either immune parameter, providing no evidence for density‐dependent modulation of immune defenses. At the same time, there was a negative association of hemolysis with condition (scaled mass index), suggesting resource allocation trade‐offs or contrasting effects of the urban environment on immune defenses and body condition. The results demonstrate that habitat structure can be an important factor shaping the immune defenses of the feral pigeon, although these associations were not mediated by variation in population density. Our study highlights the complexity of the links between immune defenses in wildlife and urbanization and reinforces the need for comprehensive ecoimmunological studies on urban animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Climate change and urbanization will alter the global distribution of disease vectors, changing the disease burden in yet unpredictable ways. Aedes aegypti is a mosquito responsible for transmitting dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses that breeds in containers associated with urban environments. We sought to understand how ambient temperature and larval densities in the immature aquatic phases determine adult life history traits and dengue virus loads post-infection. We predicted that larval crowding and high temperatures would both lead to smaller mosquitoes that might struggle to invest in an immune response and, hence, would exhibit high viral loads. Methods: We first examined larval densities from urban and rural areas via a meta-analysis. We then used these data to inform a laboratory-based 2x2 design examining the interacting effects of temperature (21 vs. 26°C) and density (0.2 vs. 0.4 larvae/mL) on adult life history and dengue virus loads. Results: We found that urban areas had an ~8-fold increase in larval densities compared to more rural sites. In the lab, we found that crowding had more impact on mosquito traits than temperature. Crowding led to slower development, smaller mosquitoes, less survival, lower fecundity, and higher viral loads, as predicted. The higher temperature led to faster development, reduced fecundity, and lower viral loads. The virus-reducing effect of higher temperature rearing was, however, overwhelmed by the impact of larval crowding when both factors were present. Conclusions: These data reveal complex interactions between the environmental effects experienced by immature mosquitoes and adult traits. They especially highlight the importance of crowding with respect to adult viral loads. Together, these data suggest that urban environments might enhance dengue virus loads and, therefore, possibly transmission, a concerning result given the increasing rates of urbanization globally. Author summary: The mosquito Aedes aegypti is responsible for transmitting several viruses to humans, including Zika, yellow fever, chikungunya, and dengue. The geographic distribution of this tropical, anthropophilic mosquito vector continues to expand globally due to climate change and increasing urbanization. Ambient temperature and larval densities are two of the most powerful factors in the aquatic juvenile stage in determining adult mosquito traits. Using a meta-analysis, we reveal that urban environments are associated with greater crowding in the larval phase for Ae. aegypti. In the laboratory, we then demonstrate that similar levels of larval crowding also led to increased dengue virus loads in adults following an infectious bloodmeal, which may increase transmission. In contrast, higher temperatures in the larval phase were associated with reduced viral loads in adults, but only when crowding is not present. This is a concerning relationship given that 68% of the world's population will live in urban environments by 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure for more affordable housing has resulted in intensification of residential development and biodiversity loss. Using seven medium-density housing developments in three New Zealand cities, we explore the relationship between medium-density and greenspace quality. We also compare the sites pre- and post-development to determine the extent of loss of permeable space. In six developments for which we had pre and post-data, percentage loss ranged from 12% to 67%. The development with the highest housing density (82 units/ha) had very poor vegetation quality. However, there was no correlation between density and vegetation quality for those with less than 60 units/ha, indicating potential for improving the ecological value of permeable areas. Medium-density developments prioritising communal space had the highest provision of permeable space. We offer some recommendations on the application of biodiverse-sensitive design and planning principles to support biodiverse human living environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines and makes explicit the co-constitutive relationship between density techniques, their depoliticization effects, and heightened land commodification in Taiwan's acceleration to a real estate–oriented economy. TDR (transfer of development rights) and density bonusing are two almost omnipresent practices in urban land development in Taiwan. We ask how their technocratic approach—using predetermined formulas to bracket density use while almost entirely foreclosing community negotiation—has played a formative role in accelerating land commodification. Using mixed research methods, the case study of Central North in New Taipei City helps lay bare how formulaic density rules enable planners to embed their epistemic assumptions about what constitutes a good city within intensified property development. Mimicking the calculative practices performed by the real estate sector, we use residual valuation methods to estimate the maximum price-lifting effects of 18 real estate development projects. We show that formulaic rules allow density to enter cost–benefit analysis spreadsheets as a profit booster in advance of actual granting of extra density, emboldening aggressive land brokering, buying, and selling, which churn up land prices. We argue that the technical depoliticization generated by TDR and density bonusing has become the most effective catalyst in creating a politically less contested and financially more calculable urban world in which capital's acquisitive appetite for land's monetary value is intensified. We conclude by discussing the implications for how to move density from a domain of technical rules and real estate finance to a politics of land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of livability has garnered significant attention and has become a focal point in the research and discussions among cities and governments. As the expansion and density of urban areas, the importance of livable streets as fundamental elements of urban design has grown. Livable streets play a crucial role in creating a dynamic and thriving urban environment, driving urban transformation towards improved quality of life and sustainability. One of Egypt’s most worked-on agendas is the development of the new improved street network, which has a direct effect on city residents, street users, and most importantly the country’s economy. The objective of this paper is to introduce a framework for contemporary and livable commercial streets that can serve as a blueprint for promoting sustainable urban transformation in Egypt. This framework involves the development of categories and indicators to evaluate the livability of streets in contemporary settings. These indicators provide valuable guidance for decision-makers during the planning and design phases. This research adopted a practical framework, a field survey, observations, evaluation, and a questionnaire, as its research methods. To assess the effectiveness of the street livability framework, it will be implemented and tested on two newly developed streets: Prince Mohammed bin Abdelaziz Street (Tahlia Street) in the Olaya District of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Dahshur Link Street in the Greater Cairo Region, Egypt. Through a comparative analysis of these locations, the study aims to derive meaningful conclusions and provide recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface energy partitioning directly connects to the urban heat island effect, which consequently changes regional climate, the health of the urban dwellers, and anthropogenic energy use. In order to quantify land-atmosphere fluxes from urban areas and the impact of the level of intensity of development, we use seven site-years of land-atmosphere flux data from three locations averaged to seasonal timescales through binning by temperature. Additionally, all three of our study sites include urban rivers, allowing us to examine urban areas with high and low amounts of potential evapotranspiration. As expected, the urban river decreases the Bowen Ratio of observed fluxes, primarily through lowering sensible heat fluxes. Latent heat fluxes are positively correlated with urban density with coming from the river areas and negatively correlated with latent and sensible heat fluxes when coming from the urban river. We conclude that effective urban redevelopment guidelines can adopt this knowledge to decrease the urban heat island effect and reach sustainability targets to counteract increased temperatures from climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density developments are widely claimed to make an important contribution to achieving sustainable growth of cities in developed countries. The 'compact city' model is claimed to be a suitable model for such cities. How far the high-density compact city model is relevant for sustainable urban growth in cities in developing countries which already have higher densities than those in developed countries is as yet unknown. This paper contributes to this theoretical debate with empirical evidence from eleven neighbourhoods of varying densities and built form patterns within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in India. In so doing, the critical aspects of social, economic and environmental sustainability as well as both physical and perceived dimensions of densities are discussed within the particular context of Mumbai. Evidence from this research suggests that higher densities and compact developments do have potential to achieve sustainable development in rapidly growing cities in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era of intense urban development and climate extremes, green infrastructure (GI) has become crucial for creating sustainable, livable, and resilient cities. However, the efficacy of GI is frequently undermined by haphazard implementation and resource misallocation that disregards appropriate spatial scales. This study develops a geographic information system (GIS)-based critical area detection model (CADM) to identify priority areas for the strategic placement of GI, incorporating four main indices—spatial form, green cover, gray cover, and land use change—and utilizing the digital elevation model (DEM), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), urban density index (UDI), and up-to-date land use data. By employing the developed method, the study successfully locates priority zones for GI implementation in Saitama City, Japan, effectively pinpointing areas that require immediate attention. This approach not only guarantees efficient resource allocation and maximizes the multifunctional benefits of GI but also highlights the importance of a flexible, all-encompassing GI network to address urbanization and environmental challenges. The findings offer policymakers a powerful tool with which to optimize GI placement, enhancing urban resilience and supporting sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An issue of concern in landscape and urban planning, articulated in the United Nation's (UN's) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is the increase in urban land consumption over time. Indicator 11.3.1 of the SDGs is dedicated to measuring it, underlining the importance of decreasing urban land consumption per person, a strategy that is understood to contribute positively to climate mitigation and to a host of other social, economic, and environmental objectives. This article aims to explore the practical implications of the official methods for measuring Indicator 11.3.1, as well as two alternatives, and to calculate and compare the global and regional trends of these indicators for the 2000–2020 period for a universe of 3470 cities and metropolitan areas that had 100,000 people or more in the year 2020. Built-up area and population data for this universe were obtained from the Global Human Settlements Layer (GHS-BUILT-S and GHS-POP) published by the European Commission. We applied methods adapted from New York University's Atlas of Urban Expansion to map the urban extents of all cities in 2000 and 2020, and then we used these urban extents, the built-up areas, and population estimates within them to calculate values for Indicator 11.3.1 and for two alternative indicators for the 2000–2020 period. We found that the current definition of Indicator 11.3.1 of the SDGs—"Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate"—has significant limitations in conveying meaningful information and interpretability for practical applications. We suggest two alternative indicators that address these shortcomings: the rate of change of land consumption per person and the rate of density change. Our analysis found that, for the world at large, urban densities declined at an annual rate of 0.5–0.7% between 2000 and 2020, with significant variation in the direction and magnitude of density trends by world region. Additionally, we found density declines to be faster in smaller cities than in larger ones and faster in cities with slower population growth or population declines compared to those with more rapid population growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Increasing population density in urban areas in recent decades has led to the need to develop the building environment in an accelerated way, being necessary for the construction of buildings and their vertical development for a higher percentage of occupancy of the population on a small area of land. Urban expansion has determined the need to impose restrictions on public law through laws and regulations, to reduce the negative impact on the environment and to increase the quality of life of the population. Integrating restrictions, rights and responsibilities into cadastral systems would be an important step in developing integrated real estate management systems. This article aims to monitor the impact of public law restrictions on buildings in the urban area and to present urban regulations and legislation in Romania with applicability in the field of construction through the study of case in which a 3D model of representation and visualization of the restrictions of public law of the buildings is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The densification of urban spaces globally has contributed to a need for design tools supporting the planning of more sustainable, efficient, and liveable cities. Urban Design Optimisation (UDO) responds to this challenge by providing a means to explore many design solutions for a district, evaluate multiple objectives, and make informed selections from many Pareto-efficient solutions. UDO distinguishes itself from other forms of design optimisation by addressing the challenges of incorporating a wide range of planning goals, managing the complex interactions among various urban datasets, and considering the social–technical aspects of urban planning involving multiple stakeholders. Previous reviews focusing on specific topics within UDO do not sufficiently address these challenges. This PRISMA systematic literature review provides an overview of research on topics related to UDO from 2012 to 2022, with articles analysed across seven descriptive categories. This paper presents a discussion on the state-of-the-art and identified gaps present in each of the seven categories. Finally, this paper argues that additional research to improve the socio-technical understanding and usability of UDO would require: (i) methods of optimisation across multiple models, (ii) interfaces that address a multiplicity of stakeholders, (iii) exploration of frameworks for scenario building and backcasting, and (iv) advancing AI applications for UDO, including generalizable surrogates and user preference learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the intricate relationship between urban density and social sustainability by examining the impacts of both physical and perceived density on key social sustainability criteria. Physical density is defined by measurable attributes such as building height, spacing, and population. Perceived density, on the other hand, is shaped by residents' subjective experiences influenced by visual, functional, social, and spatial factors. This study analyzes data from the literature using the thematic analysis method. It reveals that social sustainability can be negatively affected by increased density, depending on how residents perceive high density. Key factors such as building design, green spaces, availability of amenities, and street layout are crucial in shaping residents' perceptions of density. These perceptions, in turn, affect inclusivity, community engagement, quality of life, cultural diversity, and social cohesion within urban areas. The research highlights the importance of integrating green spaces, public areas, and community amenities to mitigate negative perceptions of density and enhance overall quality of life. The findings suggest that achieving social sustainability requires a nuanced understanding of both physical and perceived density. This paper provides a comprehensive framework for understanding these complex relationships and offers valuable insights for creating socially sustainable urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ‘leitmotif’ of the compact city has become a widely embraced template for sustainable urban development. Particularly infill and redevelopment areas, as well as many planned new settlements, have been built following the planning principles of urban compaction. Numerous positive effects are attributed to high-density settlements such as more efficient use of infrastructure and less reliance on automobile travel. Planning law and policies, in Germany as well as other countries around the world, regularly strive to advance high-density developments, but it is by no means clear whether the prescribed densities in planning policies actually lead to vibrant and healthy places which fulfill the expectations of their inhabitants with regards to their quality of life. The study aims to analyze the relation between binding land-use plans in Germany and individual perceptions of urban density through a case study-based survey. This paper contributes to providing new information on achieving compact urban form and quality of life in new urban quarters by analyzing the change of densities over the past three decades in ‘large’ urban developments across Germany, by an in-depth assessment of planned and built densities within an archetypal urban extension and finally by contrasting these ‘objective’ figures and findings with the ‘subjective’ feelings of inhabitants. For sources of information, this paper draws from literature, surveys and empirical analyses as well as desktop-studies.

This article focuses on the respondents' reactions to window views in dense urban environments. A representative sample of multistorey buildings in residential neighbourhoods in close-up window view was observed. To test the respondents' reactions to window views and the influence of various architectural features, the data was collected with an online questionnaire. The respondents were selecting a reaction to an individual window view, evaluated features and defined causes for their decisions. Results were analysed with descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test was used to analyse the relationship between the variables. The research indicates that window views in densely build urban environments that restrict the building from the context of the space received predominantly negative reactions, but due to various features and causes. As a general rule, the restricted window views increase importance of architectural details, increase importance of surface treatment of façades and decrease importance of the façade geometry. Specifically, the research indicates that the age of the respondents and the way they spend their day does not significantly influence their tolerance to unfavourable window views. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recreational open spaces (ROS), as essential public amenities, provide a multitude of benefits for city residents. The rapid growth of urban population is raising significant concerns about diminishing green infrastructure, shifts in land use, and erosion of valuable ecosystem services. This necessitates the equitable allocation of green infrastructure in appropriate proximity to the city residents. This study assessed disparity in ROS distribution, considering both availability and accessibility at varying administrative levels. The distribution is assessed with respect to resident population, providing special regard to the adolescent age group. Study is conducted taking Bhopal, India as the case. The Green Space Index and the Lorenz curve are utilized to assess social equity of ROS distribution. In addition, location quotient is employed to assess spatial equity concerning ROS distribution with respect to distribution of resident population. The study outcome illustrates that urban park accessibility varies at different administrative levels. Analysis reveals that higher number of ROS do not necessarily translate to higher ROS accessibility, especially for the adolescent age group. This is due to the inadequate size and proximity of ROS to residents, particularly in recent developments. A participatory GIS survey of 651 adolescents is conducted to further confirm the preceding spatial analyses by exploring associations between ROS accessibility and adolescents ROS visits. The prevailing urban ROS planning in India and several developing nations primarily relies on per capita availability and ratios of ROS to developed land. This approach alone is insufficient. The study results hold vital implications and can be incorporated in the existing urban ROS guidelines. This analysis is pivotal for sustainable ROS planning and policy-making, aiming to achieve environmental and social sustainability, centered on population, especially adolescents. Practical Applications: This study centers on assessing the spatial allocation of ROS with a focus on equity considerations. The particular emphasis lies in examining how well the spatial distribution of ROS aligns with the requirements of its population in the same planning region. The outcomes of this investigation reveal that the conventional metrics used in ROS planning, namely the per capita ROS area and ratio of ROS to urban land, do not adequately capture the equity dimensions of ROS provision. The results reveal that spatial misalignment exists in the allocation of ROS and its distribution among the population, especially among adolescents. Furthermore, the results highlight that urban growth and densification can result in a general decline in urban green infrastructure. Such results will help to implement green initiatives across identified administrative levels to enhance the wellbeing of residents with an understanding of the population distribution within a region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization has increased wealth disparity within the United States, impacting the urban landscape and species interactions. In particular, the interactions between street trees and the arthropod communities that live among them may be modified by both human population densities across urban to suburban locations, as well as income levels within these areas. We examined the effect of land use type (urban vs. suburban) and median household income on variation in leaf damage and arthropod abundance of red maples (Acer rubrum) in the District of Columbia metropolitan region. We compared these levels of leaf damage to rates observed in a nearby temperate deciduous forest. We predicted leaf damage would be positively correlated with urbanization (forested < suburban < urban) and negatively correlated with neighborhood income level (low > medium > high). Instead, we observed higher levels of leaf damage on trees in the forest environment compared to the urban and suburban areas. Leaves from urban medium and high-income areas were less likely to exhibit herbivore damage than those from suburban areas. Of the leaves with damage, those in urban high-income and suburban low-income areas exhibited the most leaf area missing. These trends may be related to specific factors associated with urbanization and income level, such as impervious surface coverage and tree coverage. This study highlights differences in biotic interactions across individual neighborhoods and the importance of including socio-economic variables when examining species interactions in urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Densification of urban areas and rapid urbanization result in land scarcity in the Sahelian cities of West Africa. Therefore, urban greenspaces are increasingly coveted for socio-economic development. This is the case of the peri-urban forest of Kua in Burkina Faso which has been subject of controversies between ecologists and decision makers who intended to declassify this forest for hospital project. The lack of ecological evidence on this forest fueled the dichotomous conflicts between environment protection and urban planning. Hence, this study aimed to assess the ecological characteristics of the peri-urban forest of Kua. Dendrometric measurements of 2993 individuals were performed in 106 plots across the peri-urban forests of Kua and Dindéresso. We computed and compared tree diversity metrics, structural parameters and carbon stocks between the two forests. The findings revealed a γ–diversity of 40 woody species from 38 genera and 16 families in Kua forest. Through the diversity metrics, we found that the peri-urban forest of Kua exhibited lower tree diversity than the peri-urban forest of Dindéresso (p-value < 0.05). Similarly, tree density was significantly lower (p-value < 0.05) in Kua (212.446 ± 291.65 ind. ha−1) than in Dindéresso (378.461 ± 298.89 ind. ha−1). However, carbon stock was two times significantly higher (p-value < 0.05) in Kua (26.21 ± 31.27 Mg.ha−1) than in Dindéresso (13.389 ± 15.95 Mg.ha−1), highlighting the high potential of this forest in carbon sequestration. This study demonstrated that the peri-urban forest of Kua – despite its lower tree diversity and density – constitutes important carbon pools and sinks. Therefore, this forest must not be declassified, but should rather be reinforced through management plans and conservation actions. To sustain urban development, land management policies promoting the conservation of greenspaces are required to reduce biodiversity loss and carbon emissions in urban centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport accessibility is crucial for defining urban clusters and evaluating a region's centrality and connectivity. To foster equitable growth in urban conglomerates, it is crucial to understand the relationship between transport accessibility and regional development. This study introduces the concept of 'regional efficiency'—the effectiveness of converting regional inputs into outputs—determined via the super-efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis methodology, to assess the progression of regional development. Employing a combination of bivariate spatial autocorrelation and spatial regression analysis, this research elucidates the spatial dynamics between transport accessibility and regional efficiency, both at macro and micro levels. A binary Logit model identifies the factors affecting the Moran's I correlation between regional efficiency and transport accessibility. Based on the diverse urban characteristics within a single conglomerate, tailored development strategies are suggested. Focusing on the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration in China as a case study, four distinct spatial clusters—High–High (HH), Low–Low (LL), High–Low (HL), and Low–High (LH)—are identified, based on the local correlation between regional efficiency and transport accessibility. The findings reveal that regions with a High–High Moran's I correlation between road accessibility and regional efficiency predominantly located in the eastern sectors of the Yangtze River Delta, exhibiting effective regional efficiency. These regions are characterized by superior road accessibility, aligning well with their regional efficiency metrics. For air accessibility, cities classified under the HH category, including Shanghai and its neighboring cities, demonstrate a significant spatial correlation with regional efficiency. Population density and urban tier are key predictors of the significance of the Moran's I correlation between road accessibility and regional efficiency. In contrast, for air accessibility, these factors assume an inverse role. The identified cluster types (HH, LL, LH, and HL) are proposed as predictive indicators for the significance of the Moran's I relationship between air accessibility and regional efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study assessed the carrying capacity of an urban aerial trails, considering physical and psychosocial dimensions of crowding. To evaluate physical crowding, the research utilized a quantitative approach to measure tourist density. Psychosocial crowding was assessed using a visual assessment technique. Data collection involved presenting participants with simulated imagery, facilitating the assessment of social and psychological perceptions of crowding on the mountain and sea trails in Xiamen, China. The study found that the discrepancy between physical and psychological crowding primarily arises from the uneven spatial distribution of tourists along the trails. The findings confirm that the proximity of individuals on the trails significantly influences perceived congestion, thereby highlighting the unique nature of congestion analysis and assessment in the context of aerial trails. The research proposes strategies to address the challenges associated with both physical and psychosocial crowding phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improper solid waste management is one of the causes of environmental and health problems in many cities worldwide. It is in this context that the study aimed to determine the solid waste management strategies used in Amaveni suburbs in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe and assess the health and environmental problems associated with the solid waste management strategies used in Amaveni. Researchers used a mixed method design in which quantitative and qualitative data was collected at the same time. Semi –structured interviews, field observations and questionnaires were used to collect data. The sample comprised 380 Amaveni residents, 3 Kwekwe City employees and one Environmental Management Agency (EMA) official. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was analyzed using inferential statistics. Open dumping and open burning were the dominant solid waste management strategies in Amaveni. The main health problems identified were cholera and malaria. Air pollution, water pollution and loss of urban beauty were the main environmental problems identified. From the findings it can be concluded that solid waste management strategies used in Amaveni were associated with many health and environmental problems and as a result sustainable solid waste management was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, significant changes in the urban–rural structure of population mobility have profoundly impacted provincial development, urbanization, and population redistribution in China. Based on China's fifth, sixth, and seventh national population census datasets, this study explores the effects of the inter-provincial floating population on regional economic development through statistical and empirical analysis, identifying both the scale and structural impacts of the floating population on regional economic development. The results found that while the scale of China's floating population has been continuously increasing, the spatial distribution pattern remains relatively unchanged, and the pattern is summed up as low in the middle and high on both sides. The floating population exerts both scale and structural effects on the economic development of both inflow and outflow regions, altering regional populations and production efficiency, and thereby influencing regional economic outcomes. Specifically, this study finds that the inflow population has no significant differential impact on high- and low-density regions. In contrast, the outflow population exhibits a significant differential impact, with the negative impact of the outflow population on low-density regions being more substantial than that on high-density regions. Inter-provincial migration supports achieving sustainable development goals (SDG-8 and 11) by shaping regional economic development. To address these dynamics, the high-density regions of China should transform and upgrade the industrial and population structure by promoting the trend of population return to low-density regions. This can be achieved by transferring low-end industries and low-skilled labor, thereby alleviating the pressure of overcrowding. Meanwhile, low-density regions should seize the opportunities for population return and industrial transfer, implement talent introduction, and accurately undertake industrial transfer. This approach can foster the in-depth development of new urbanization and rural revitalization initiatives, promoting balanced regional growth and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on sustainable consumption have predominantly focused on first-hand consumers, whereas research on second-hand consumers has been centered on the act of purchase. This has involved investigations into specific venues such as second-hand markets and thrift shops or the motivations, barriers, and meanings behind such acquisition behaviors. This article strives to enhance the understanding of second-hand consumption within the framework of sustainable development in peripheral countries and in contexts with a limited access to new products. Through interviews conducted in different households across the Metropolitan Region of Chile, we delved into the diverse channels through which used items are exchanged –including waste picking, inheritance, and sharing–. The findings underscore the pivotal role these objects play in numerous households and highlight how certain spatial and social factors –such as urban density, social networks, land use, family structure, and emotional attachment to belongings– are crucial in promoting the sustainable exchange of second-hand goods outside of the market economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban land consumption negatively impacts ecosystem services such as food production, carbon regulation, and water absorption. Despite indications of densification in some large cities, evidence shows that built-up land has been increasing faster than population globally. However, existing research disproportionally focuses on large cities, overlooking intermediate and rural territories. Our study examines the trajectories of urban land consumption along the urban-rural gradient in France between 1975 and 2020. We quantify built-up land per capita (BPC) and the changes therein and compare it to a 7-level classification of territories according to their density. BPC increased 59%, combining a 95% increase in built-up land and a 23% population growth. Yet, BPC change varied considerably across the seven territory classes: very scattered rural areas experienced the largest growth (+190 m2) while large cities grew more efficiently (+11 m2). Intermediate territories, such as peri-urban areas and small cities, increased BPC by 65% and 78%, respectively. Our findings confirm the hypothesis of urban land use polarization, as rural areas were sparser than large cities in the base year, and this difference increased over time. This underlines the urgency to address the distinct land use trajectories for effective no net land take policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the growing concern over the effects of heat on human health and the need to quantify and describe the thermal environment. It emphasizes the complexity of understanding the impact of thermal stimuli on humans and the necessity of considering multiple variables. The article highlights the importance of using appropriate thermal indices to evaluate the effects of the thermal environment on humans and identifies five indices that are suitable for biometeorological evaluation. It also emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary communication and the importance of considering cultural and social factors in thermal assessments. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of using the appropriate thermal index for specific locations and climates and the need for effective communication methods when working with non-experts. [Extracted from the article]

Intense urban development and high urban density cause the thermal environment in urban centers to deteriorate continuously, affecting the quality of the living environment. In this study, 707.49 hectares of land in the central area of Changsha were divided into 121 plots. 11 microclimate-related morphological indicators were comprehensively selected, and the K-means method was used for cluster analysis. Then, the relationship between morphological clusters and the thermal environment was explored by simulating the thermal environment of the study area with ENVI-met. First, five spatial types were found to characterize the area: high-level with high floor area ratio, low density, and low greenery; middle-level with high floor area ratio high density; medium-capacity with high density and small volume; low-level with low density and high greenery; and low floor area ratio, low density, and high greenery. Second, the building windward surface density, sky openness, building density, floor area ratio and green space rate affect the thermal environment. Third, Cluster3 had the highest average air temperature (Ta), followed by Cluster5, furthermore Clusters4, 1, and2 had relatively low Ta. The spatial vitality index and green space rate in Cluster1; the area-weighted building shape index, average building volume and sky openness in Cluster2; green space rate in Cluster3; indicators such as the floor area ratio and green space rate in Cluster4; indicators such as the impervious surface rate and green space rate in Cluster5 had greater influences on Ta. Fourthly, simply increasing the area of green space cannot maximize the cooling effect of green spaces. Instead, constructing an equalized greening network can better regulate the thermal environment. Fifthly, the results provide a scientific basis for the design and the regulation of urban centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing urban ecological welfare performance is essential for achieving sustainable urban development and fostering a comprehensive regional green transformation. This study develops a quantitative assessment framework for urban ecological welfare performance, grounded in both the welfare of urban residents and their consumption of ecological resources. Employing the spatio-temporal Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index model to dissect the ecological welfare performance across 108 key prefecture-level cities within China's Yangtze River Economic Belt, considering both temporal and spatial dimensions, the analysis reveals a "W"-shaped trajectory in the ecological welfare performance from 2006 to 2022, characterized by pronounced spatial disparities. Particularly in the downstream coastal regions and notably the Yangtze River Delta, advantages in social and economic structures, along with public fiscal outlays, contribute to a superior ecological welfare performance, exhibiting a notable spatial spillover effect. The study introduces six key factors—social benefit, economic benefit, population dispersion, population density in urban areas, urbanization scale, and ecological sustainability—to examine their influence on ecological welfare performance, uncovering substantial differences in the outcomes of temporal and spatial decomposition. Temporal decomposition indicates that economic benefit and urbanization scale are the primary drivers enhancing ecological welfare performance, whereas population dispersion is identified as the primary inhibitor. Spatial decomposition reveals that the determinants of above-average urban ecological welfare vary regionally and undergo dynamic shifts over time. Overall, a holistic understanding of the interplay among economic growth, ecological preservation, and the enhancement of residents' welfare can inform the development and execution of tailored policies by local governments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter presents the final results of a three-phase research project conducted between January and November 2022, consisting of a survey, interviews, and an environmental scan. During Phase 1, a survey was distributed to library managers and directors representing a variety of socioeconomic settings across the United States. It focused on population density and the urban/rural divide. Results from that survey revealed public librarians' concerns about their local government's response, patrons' refusal to receive accurate information, and the propagation of misinformation on social media. Phase 2 involved interviewing 29 library managers and directors, focusing on their pandemic response stories. The interviews found that library leaders were frustrated by uncertainty, a lack of authoritative, trusted local information to guide their decision-making, which they could provide to the public, and the politicization of data and information. Phase 3 consisted of an environmental scan of 13 communities, from small towns to urban hubs, examining how external community factors influenced libraries' community engagement and staff support. Across each phase of the study, the authors found examples of libraries and management committed to their communities despite uncertainties and political differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Rapid morphological and socioeconomic changes have accelerated the urbanization process and urban land use transformation in China. Megacities comprise clusters of urban cities and exhibit both newly formed and well-developed urban land use development beyond administrative boundaries. It is necessary to distinguish the changing effects of spatial-varying driving factors on newly formed urban land uses from well-developed built-up areas in megacities. This study proposed a multi-spatial urbanization framework to quantify region-level socioeconomics, cluster-level ecological morphologies, and grid-level urban functional morphologies. A three-level Bayesian hierarchical model was developed to investigate the impacts of multi-spatial driving factors on urban land use transformation in megacities. The study period focused on the urbanization process between 2000 and 2018 in Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Results revealed that compared with well-developed urban built-up land, changing impacts of three-level driving factors in urban land use transformation could be captured based on the proposed Bayesian hierarchical model. The region-level total population was associated with increasing possibilities in forming new residential land than the well-developed ones in 35 districts/counties/cities in GBA. Cluster-level ecological attributes with higher proportion, lower edge density of urban built areas, and lower-degree ecological complexity showed increasing probability on newly formed industrial and public land. Grid-level urban functional factors including public transportation density and shopping/dining distribution exhibited significantly decreasing probability (coefficients: −2.12 to −0.51) on contributing newly formed land uses compared with the well-developed areas, whereas business/industry distribution represented higher (coefficients: 0.99 and 0.15) and lower probabilities (coefficient: −0.22) of forming industrial/public land and residential land separately. This research shows a new attempt to distinguish multi-spatial morphological and socioeconomic effects in urban land use transformation in megacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]