Urban Science

27 pages, 2450 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Management of the Urban Water Cycle: A Synthesis of Impacts and Solutions from Source to Tap

by Nicolae Marcoie, Elena Iliesi, András-István Barta, Irina Raboșapca, Daniel Toma, Valentin Boboc, Cătălin-Dumitrel Balan and Bogdan-Marian Tofănică

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030175 - 23 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Urbanization fundamentally fractures the natural water cycle, leading to a cascade of interconnected problems including increased flood risk, degraded water quality, stressed groundwater resources, and inefficient distribution networks. Traditional, fragmented management approaches that address these issues in isolation have proven inadequate. This research [...] Read more.

Urbanization fundamentally fractures the natural water cycle, leading to a cascade of interconnected problems including increased flood risk, degraded water quality, stressed groundwater resources, and inefficient distribution networks. Traditional, fragmented management approaches that address these issues in isolation have proven inadequate. This research argues for a paradigm shift towards an Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) framework anchored in the concept of the “river-aquifer-pipe network continuum”, treating these components as a single, dynamic hydrological and infrastructural entity. Drawing upon a series of detailed case studies from Eastern Romania, this paper synthesizes the systemic impacts of development across the entire urban water system. Evidence from the Prut, Olt, and Bahlui river basins demonstrate how channelization exacerbates flood peaks and leads to severe biochemical degradation. Hydrogeological modeling of the Gherăești-Bacău wellfield reveals the vulnerabilities of over-extraction, while analysis of the Iași water network highlights the challenge of water losses in the aging infrastructure. In response, a modern, multi-tool approach is consolidated into a practical, three-stage framework for action: Diagnose, Prescribe, and Optimize. This framework advocates for (1) a comprehensive diagnosis using a suite of predictive numerical models (a “digital twin”); (2) the prescription of foundational, nature-based solutions, such as floodplain restoration, to heal core ecological functions; and (3) the continuous optimization of engineered infrastructure using smart, real-time control technologies. The synthesis concludes that an integrated, data-driven, and collaborative approach is the only sustainable path forward. Future research should focus on formally coupling these diagnostic models to create true Digital Twins of urban water systems—an essential step towards building resilient, water-secure cities for the 21st century. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources Planning and Management in Cities (2nd Edition))

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27 pages, 6364 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Accessibility to Regional Hubs Through Integrated DRT–Rail Services: Evidence from a Case Study in Southern Italy

by Antonio Russo, Tiziana Campisi and Giovanni Tesoriere

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030174 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 537

Abstract

Demand-responsive transport (DRT) services are increasingly recognised as an effective solution for enhancing accessibility, particularly in low-demand and peripheral areas. Existing scientific research has investigated DRT as a feeder service to modal interchange nodes, with a specific focus on railway hubs. In this [...] Read more.

Demand-responsive transport (DRT) services are increasingly recognised as an effective solution for enhancing accessibility, particularly in low-demand and peripheral areas. Existing scientific research has investigated DRT as a feeder service to modal interchange nodes, with a specific focus on railway hubs. In this study, an accessibility indicator is developed to compare direct road-based access to regional hubs with multimodal access combining road and rail, enabled by DRT services. The indicator is derived from a detailed analysis of road travel times and scheduled rail services and is applied within a regional-scale framework. Under the hypothesis that travel originates in the centre of each municipality in the area under consideration, two travel times are calculated: the time for the road alternative, based on the characteristics of the road network, and the time for the combined alternative, based on the attributes of the rail network. The resulting indicator allows for identification of the alternative that is more time-competitive for medium-distance travel on a regional scale and for mapping accessibility to attraction centres on a municipal basis. The methodology is applied to a case study in Sicily, Southern Italy. The analysis considers trips from all Sicilian municipalities to the metropolitan areas of Palermo, Catania, and Messina, assessing both the current situation and future scenarios based on planned railway infrastructure upgrades. The results indicate that, while direct road access remains the most efficient option for a large share of municipalities, the multimodal DRT–rail alternative becomes competitive in areas located near railway stations, particularly under scenarios that include major rail interventions, such as the upgrading and speed enhancement of the Palermo–Catania railway corridor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility Modeling, Land Use Patterns, and Intelligent Transportation Systems for Urban Mobility)

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24 pages, 1371 KB

Open AccessReview

Negotiating Autonomy: A Structured Literature Review of Equity and Governance Dimensions Within Autonomous Vehicle Acceptance Research

by Ziqian Gao and Mike Hynes

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030173 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 367

Abstract

Autonomous vehicle technology has rapidly advanced in recent years. Such technology is increasingly viewed not merely as a technical innovation but also as a social and behavioural transformation shaped by how these systems are interpreted, trusted, and integrated into everyday life. There are [...] Read more.

Autonomous vehicle technology has rapidly advanced in recent years. Such technology is increasingly viewed not merely as a technical innovation but also as a social and behavioural transformation shaped by how these systems are interpreted, trusted, and integrated into everyday life. There are mounting expectations regarding its potential to improve traffic safety, enhance energy efficiency, reduce congestion, and support sustainable mobility; however, key questions remain about how different groups and communities experience autonomous mobility. This review synthesizes equity, governance, and sustainability dimensions as they appear within the existing corpus of AV user acceptance research. A structured review of research on autonomous vehicles (AVs) and user acceptance was conducted using an initial database search followed by iterative literature refinement and structured thematic coding. Using this approach, the review identifies key thematic patterns, highlights structural research gaps, and explores regional differences, offering a framework that supports subsequent comparative analysis. AVs have the potential to shape accessibility, social relations, and sustainable lifestyles. By integrating technological advancement with local governance, community practices, and social equity considerations, automated public transit may serve as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive urban transformation. Full article

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23 pages, 409 KB

Open AccessArticle

Smart Mobility in Public Transport: Autonomous Bus Trials in the Baltic States

by Eugenijus Krikščiūnas and Jaroslav Dvorak

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030172 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 425

Abstract

Smart mobility is a vital part of a smart city. Autonomous public transport buses are becoming an increasingly noticeable and significant component of smart mobility. This study examines and compares trials of autonomous public transport buses in Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). [...] Read more.

Smart mobility is a vital part of a smart city. Autonomous public transport buses are becoming an increasingly noticeable and significant component of smart mobility. This study examines and compares trials of autonomous public transport buses in Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). This research covers the period from 2017 to 2024 and is based on qualitative research methods: case studies, secondary source analysis, conventional content analysis, and comparative analysis. This study found that Estonia was the first among the Baltic countries to begin testing autonomous public transport buses and was the most active, conducting as many as 11 trials. Moreover, Estonia tested autonomous buses at the highest speeds and over the longest distances. Despite relatively promising trials, autonomous public transport buses have encountered certain challenges and disruptions in all three countries. These results suggest that the Baltic States still have room for improvement in the field of smart mobility and autonomous public transport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities—Urban Planning, Technology and Future Infrastructures)

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15 pages, 3485 KB

Open AccessArticle

Added Value for Urban Heat Island Quantification from Machine Learning Downscaling of Air Temperatures

by Hjalte Jomo Danielsen Sørup, Maria Castro, Kasper Stener Hintz, Rune Magnus Koktvedgaard Zeitzen, Peter Thejll, Quentin Paletta, Mark R. Payne, Inês Girão and Ana Oliveira

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030171 - 20 Mar 2026

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Abstract

The urban heat island effect is well recognized and has been quantified using ground observations within and outside urban areas. Earth Observation has further revealed small-scale local spatial differences, especially in urban surface temperatures, that have been shown to be highly correlated with [...] Read more.

The urban heat island effect is well recognized and has been quantified using ground observations within and outside urban areas. Earth Observation has further revealed small-scale local spatial differences, especially in urban surface temperatures, that have been shown to be highly correlated with differences in the urban fabric. However, surface temperatures do not directly translate to human-experienced temperatures, and hence high-resolution air temperature data is of high relevance. However, air temperature is not easily measured from space, and seldom do ground measurements allow for small-scale differences to be quantified to a satisfactory degree. In the present study, we assessed the added value of an air temperature product downscaled using machine learning compared to the high-resolution reanalysis model that formed its foundation. The downscaled product was developed using satellite data, local observations from privately owned weather stations, and high-resolution reanalysis. The comparison focused on Denmark’s four largest urban areas and examined the two data product’s ability to describe the urban heat island effect at the city scale as well as intra-city differences in air temperatures. Both data products show similar urban heat island effects at the city scale, while the downscaled product shows greater intra-city variance in air temperature, with patterns that are somewhat correlated with both urban density and urban green spaces. Generally, the downscaling product offers city planners a better data basis for evaluating where to prioritize contingency and mitigation measures within the urban space. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and E-Government: Leveraging Big Data for Urban Development)

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22 pages, 3070 KB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Disorder, Fear of Crime, and Safety in Urban Parks: A Structural Equation Modeling Study from a Large Metropolitan Green Area in Florence, Italy

by Claudio Fagarazzi, Matteo Andaloro, Giacomo Cappelli, Nicola Marini, Federico Olimpi and Iacopo Bernetti

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030170 - 20 Mar 2026

Viewed by 318

Abstract

Urban parks are key components of metropolitan green infrastructure, contributing to residents’ well-being. However, perceptions of disorder and safety may substantially shape how these spaces are experienced, particularly during evening hours. This study investigates the structural relationships between perceived disorder, fear of crime, [...] Read more.

Urban parks are key components of metropolitan green infrastructure, contributing to residents’ well-being. However, perceptions of disorder and safety may substantially shape how these spaces are experienced, particularly during evening hours. This study investigates the structural relationships between perceived disorder, fear of crime, avoidance behaviors, perceived safety, and service satisfaction. The primary objective is to disentangle the pathways linking disorder perceptions to behavioral and perceptual outcomes using a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) framework. A structured survey was administered to users of a large metropolitan urban park (N = 742). Latent constructs representing Perceived Disorder, Fear of Crime, Avoidance Behaviors, and Service Satisfaction were specified, controlling for Age and Gender. The SEM was estimated using robust methods for ordinal indicators. The measurement model demonstrated good reliability and validity. Results indicate that Perceived Disorder acts as a strong precursor to Fear of Crime. Fear of Crime emerged as a pivotal mediator, significantly increasing Avoidance Behaviors and strongly reducing Perceived Safety at night. Furthermore, significant demographic effects were observed: female users reported significantly higher levels of fear, while age showed a direct positive association with perceived safety. While disorder strongly impacted the emotional and behavioral dimensions (fear and avoidance), its direct link to Service Satisfaction was less prominent compared to safety perceptions. The findings suggest that the impact of disorder on the park experience is largely channeled through psychological mechanisms of fear. Integrated policies addressing social disorder and fear reduction are likely to be more effective than purely physical interventions to enhance safety perceptions and park usage. Full article

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31 pages, 1809 KB

Open AccessArticle

Working to Move the Transportation Disadvantaged—Challenges for Community-Based Transportation Providers

by Sowmya Balachandran, Laura M. Keyes, Jintak Kim, Simon Andrew, Sara Kuttler and Aparajita Sengupta

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030169 - 20 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Transportation-disadvantaged (TD) populations, including many older adults and people with disabilities, often face mobility barriers linked to fragmented transportation services, limited information about available ride options, and weak coordination across providers. While One-Call/One-Click (1C1C) systems have emerged as solutions to centralize transportation information, [...] Read more.

Transportation-disadvantaged (TD) populations, including many older adults and people with disabilities, often face mobility barriers linked to fragmented transportation services, limited information about available ride options, and weak coordination across providers. While One-Call/One-Click (1C1C) systems have emerged as solutions to centralize transportation information, support trip planning, and coordinate services across public, nonprofit, and private actors, their capacity to scale remains limited. Using a mixed-methods design, this study examined the institutional arrangements, functional scope, and service scale of 67 operational 1C1C systems to identify systemic barriers to expanding coordinated service access. Quantitative analysis revealed substantial variation in governance, service configurations, costs, and coverage relative to conservative population-based benchmarks, with most systems operating at limited scale. Qualitative interviews with system administrators provide explanatory insight into these patterns, identifying three recurring institutional constraints: funding instability, limited capacity for technology and data integration, and shallow vendor networks for specialized transportation services. The findings indicate that limits to 1C1C performance are rooted in institutional and financial conditions rather than system design. Situating coordinated transportation within the Age-Friendly Cities framework, the study argues that mobility coordination must be treated as durable public infrastructure if equitable, age-friendly mobility is to be achieved at scale. Full article

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21 pages, 751 KB

Open AccessArticle

RE-SAT: Spatial-Aware Transformers with Semantic-Guided Prompting for Urban Region Embedding

by Genan Dai, Zitao Guo, Bowen Zhang, Xianghua Fu, Li Dong, Jinzhou Cao and Hu Huang

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030168 - 19 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Learning transferable region embeddings is a fundamental problem in urban computing, as such representations support a wide range of downstream prediction tasks. Existing methods leverage multi-view and multimodal urban data but often fail to explicitly model spatial relations across views or effectively align [...] Read more.

Learning transferable region embeddings is a fundamental problem in urban computing, as such representations support a wide range of downstream prediction tasks. Existing methods leverage multi-view and multimodal urban data but often fail to explicitly model spatial relations across views or effectively align general region embeddings with task-specific objectives. In this paper, we propose a spatial-aware Transformer (RE-SAT) network with semantic-guided prompting for urban region embedding. RE-SAT adopts a two-stage learning paradigm. In the first stage, a spatial-aware Transformer encoder injects connectivity and distance-based spatial priors into the attention mechanism to learn task-agnostic region embeddings from multi-view urban data. In the second stage, RE-SAT adapts the learned embeddings to downstream tasks via a semantic-guided prompt learning mechanism, which generates task-aware soft prompts from textual task descriptions without modifying the universal embeddings. Extensive experiments on multiple urban prediction tasks across different cities demonstrate that RE-SAT consistently outperforms state-of-the-art methods, achieving maximum relative improvements of 12.2% in MAE, 12.2% in RMSE, and 6.7% in R², validating its effectiveness and generalizability. Consequently, this framework serves as a robust decision-support tool for urban planners and policymakers, facilitating efficient resource allocation and intelligent city management across diverse scenarios. Full article

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32 pages, 366 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Public Service Maturity and Municipal Governance Performance: A City-Level Diagnostic Framework for Armenia

by Khoren Mkhitaryan, Gagik Aslanyan, Anna Sanamyan, Armenuhi Ordyan and Hayk Harutyunyan

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030167 - 18 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Digital transformation of municipal public services remains uneven in transition economies, while national e-government indices often obscure substantial disparities across cities. This study develops a composite E-Government Maturity and Performance Index (EGMPI) to evaluate eleven Armenian municipalities across four governance dimensions: digital service [...] Read more.

Digital transformation of municipal public services remains uneven in transition economies, while national e-government indices often obscure substantial disparities across cities. This study develops a composite E-Government Maturity and Performance Index (EGMPI) to evaluate eleven Armenian municipalities across four governance dimensions: digital service availability, administrative efficiency, transparency and accountability, and citizen interaction and participation. Using publicly available data for Q1 2024, the analysis reveals pronounced metropolitan concentration, with large cities significantly outperforming smaller municipalities. Although performance correlates with population size and fiscal capacity, institutional and managerial factors strongly mediate outcomes, as comparable municipalities display substantial differences in service maturity. Results further show that local governments tend to prioritize transparency measures over functional efficiency, indicating symbolic digitalization rather than substantive service transformation. Unlike national e-government indices, this study provides a city-level diagnostic framework enabling intra-country performance comparison and actionable municipal policy design. Based on the findings, a multi-level policy roadmap is proposed, including shared national platforms, regional digital hubs, targeted capacity building, and leapfrogging strategies for low-maturity cities. The proposed governance-oriented framework offers a replicable tool for transition economies and demonstrates that effective digital transformation depends primarily on institutional coordination and citizen-centric management rather than financial resources alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities and E-Government: Leveraging Big Data for Urban Development)

37 pages, 679 KB

Open AccessArticle

Smart-City Transfer by Design: A Paired Problem-Solution Study Regarding Astana and Ottawa

by Marat Urdabayev, Ivan Digel, Anel Kireyeva, Akan Nurbatsin and Kuralay Nurgaliyeva

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030166 - 18 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Although smart-city benchmarking has produced many indices and rankings, cities still lack a practical way to assess whether successful initiatives can be transferred across institutional contexts and converted into implementable urban roadmaps. In this study, we aimed to develop and empirically test a [...] Read more.

Although smart-city benchmarking has produced many indices and rankings, cities still lack a practical way to assess whether successful initiatives can be transferred across institutional contexts and converted into implementable urban roadmaps. In this study, we aimed to develop and empirically test a paired donor–recipient “problem–solution” methodology that bridges comparative city analysis with implementation readiness gap assessment, addressing the persistent disconnect between smart-city benchmarking and actionable transfer guidance. The smart-city ecosystem was decomposed into eight functional dimensions covering digital foundations, service platforms, finance and procurement, innovation capacity, governance, legal adaptability, and citizen participation. The method was applied to the Ottawa-Astana pair using a systematic desk-based analysis of publicly available strategic documents, legislation and policy frameworks, and implementation materials (e.g., roadmaps, program guidelines, departmental plans, and monitoring outputs). Data were analyzed using a structured gap analysis algorithm employing a three-level qualitative compliance scale (Full Compliance, Partial Compliance, and Non-compliance) to assess recipient city status against donor benchmarks across all eight functional dimensions. The results reveal Astana’s partial compliance with the Ottawa benchmark, with moderate readiness and pronounced “hard-soft” asymmetry; that is, greater progress in regard to infrastructure and platforms, but persistent gaps in adaptive regulation, experimentation-friendly legal instruments, and participatory governance. These findings suggest that progressing toward a Smart City 2.0 model requires prioritizing regulatory sandboxes, adaptive procurement pathways for pilots, and scalable civic-tech mechanisms alongside continued investment in talent and innovation ecosystems—understood here as interconnected networks of universities, technology parks, civic-tech communities, and incubation infrastructure that collectively sustain capacity for technology absorption and local adaptation. The proposed paired framework is replicable and supports phased, actionable transfer roadmaps for policymakers. Full article

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21 pages, 1149 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Formation Mechanisms of Intra-Urban Commuting Flows from a Relational Perspective: Evidence from Hangzhou, China

by Jianjun Yang and Gula Tang

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030165 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 282

Abstract

Intra-urban commuting plays a fundamental role in shaping urban spatial structure and daily mobility patterns. Existing studies have largely explained commuting flows using attribute-based or distance-centred approaches. Such approaches overlook the interdependent and relational nature of commuting within complex urban systems. This study [...] Read more.

Intra-urban commuting plays a fundamental role in shaping urban spatial structure and daily mobility patterns. Existing studies have largely explained commuting flows using attribute-based or distance-centred approaches. Such approaches overlook the interdependent and relational nature of commuting within complex urban systems. This study constructs a subdistrict-level commuting network using anonymised mobile phone signalling data from Hangzhou, China, and a valued exponential random graph model (valued ERGM) to examine how commuting flows are generated through the interaction of network self-organization, local job-housing conditions, and multi-dimensional proximity. The results reveal strong endogenous dependence exemplified by reciprocal commuting ties. Employment agglomeration and public rental housing provision are associated with stronger integration of subdistricts within the commuting network, while high housing prices and certain residential amenities are associated with reduced inter-subdistrict commuting. Beyond geographic distance, metro connectivity, administrative affiliation, and social interaction are significantly associated with commuting flows. This study advances a relational explanation of intra-urban commuting and demonstrates the methodological value of valued ERGMs for analysing weighted urban flow networks. The findings have implications for integrated transport, housing, and governance strategies, particularly transit-oriented development, cross-jurisdictional coordination, and the strategic siting of affordable housing, aimed at promoting more locally embedded and sustainable urban mobility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mobility Modeling, Land Use Patterns, and Intelligent Transportation Systems for Urban Mobility)

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17 pages, 391 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Interlinkages Between Sustainable Urbanization and Economic Inequality Using an Integrated AHP-DEMATEL-TOPSIS Approach

by Ch. Paramaiah, Shaik Kamruddin, Phani Kumar Katuri, Venkateswarlu Nalluri, V. V. Ajith Kumar, Jing-Rong Chang and Anitha Bhimavarapu

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030164 - 18 Mar 2026

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Abstract

This research is an analysis of the relationship between sustainable urbanization and economic inequality through smart city initiatives in developing countries such as India. Rapid urbanization in developing countries tends to have a detrimental impact on socioeconomic inequalities, and the effort to build [...] Read more.

This research is an analysis of the relationship between sustainable urbanization and economic inequality through smart city initiatives in developing countries such as India. Rapid urbanization in developing countries tends to have a detrimental impact on socioeconomic inequalities, and the effort to build smart cities may inadvertently increase exclusion when it is not planned with inclusiveness in mind. To reach this goal, an integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach using a combination of AHP, TOPSIS, and DEMATEL is adopted to systematically identify, assess, and identify the key criteria that affect the inclusive urban development. This study’s results show that infrastructure, governance, digital accessibility, and social inclusion play a key role in mitigating urban disparities and facilitating sustainable development. In particular, good governance and the availability of equitable digital infrastructure appear to be one of the critical factors in the reduction in inequalities and long-term urban resilience. This research provides policy-oriented insights for policymakers in designing inclusive smart city policies in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as theoretical contributions to urban sustainability research. Full article

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23 pages, 26694 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Do Urban Network Externalities Affect Regional Economic Growth? Evidence and Heterogeneity Analysis from China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt

by Shuhan Yang, Wei Song, Yang Li and Shuju Hu

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030163 - 17 Mar 2026

Viewed by 393

Abstract

Urban network externalities have emerged as a novel impetus for regional economic growth. However, the extent to which inter-urban network connections promote regional economic growth and the associated spatiotemporal heterogeneity remain underexplored. This study constructs a multi-dimensional urban network framework from the perspectives [...] Read more.

Urban network externalities have emerged as a novel impetus for regional economic growth. However, the extent to which inter-urban network connections promote regional economic growth and the associated spatiotemporal heterogeneity remain underexplored. This study constructs a multi-dimensional urban network framework from the perspectives of enterprise linkages, infrastructure connectivity, and innovation collaborations, capturing the multifaceted nature of intercity relationships and their critical role in shaping regional development. Utilizing the Cobb–Douglas production function and the spatial Durbin model, the study quantitatively assesses the impact of urban network externalities on economic growth and examines the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of these impacts. The main findings are as follows: Urban network externalities generally exert a positive influence on regional economic growth, yet this effect exhibits significant regional and city-size heterogeneity. Regions with more developed networks experience stronger growth effects from these externalities. Moreover, large cities benefit more substantially from network integration compared to small and medium-sized cities. Spatial decomposition of effects further reveals that urban network externalities promote economic growth through both local direct effects and spillover effects to neighboring areas. Approximately 70% of the economic growth contribution originates from direct effects within the region, while nearly 30% stems from spillover effects from adjacent regions. Additionally, the spatial spillover effects display clear distance decay, following an inverted U-shaped pattern with a bimodal distribution. Significant spillover effects are observed within 380 km, peaking at 180 km and 340 km. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Economy and Industry)

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27 pages, 727 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of the Private Sector and MSMEs in Advancing the Circular Economy in Arid Metropolitan Regions

by Abdulkarim K. Alhowaish

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030162 - 17 Mar 2026

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Abstract

The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a central policy framework for advancing sustainable urban development; however, empirical evidence regarding the role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in metropolitan CE transitions remains limited, particularly in arid regions. This study examines how [...] Read more.

The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a central policy framework for advancing sustainable urban development; however, empirical evidence regarding the role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in metropolitan CE transitions remains limited, particularly in arid regions. This study examines how private sector firms and MSMEs engage with CE practices within an arid metropolitan context, using the Dammam Metropolitan Area (Saudi Arabia) as an illustrative case study. Adopting a place-based and governance-sensitive analytical perspective grounded in urban studies scholarship, the research employs a structured quantitative survey of 180 firms across key urban–industrial sectors. The analysis investigates levels of CE awareness, adoption patterns, perceived barriers, support needs, and future expectations. The findings indicate that MSMEs primarily engage in resource-based and efficiency-oriented circular practices, while more systemic models, such as supply-chain integration and platform-based circular solutions, remain limited. Moreover, capability-related factors, particularly skills and technological capacity, exert a stronger influence on adoption than awareness alone. Importantly, the study identifies a high level of latent willingness among MSMEs to invest in circular practices under supportive policy and institutional conditions. The discussion reframes CE transitions as governance-mediated urban development processes, emphasizing the importance of metropolitan coordination, institutional capacity-building, and shared spatial infrastructure. By grounding the analysis in the case of the Dammam Metropolitan Area, the study contributes to urban studies and CE scholarship by positioning MSMEs as conditionally willing system-building actors whose engagement is essential for advancing inclusive and place-sensitive circular transitions in arid metropolitan regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Economy and Industry)

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15 pages, 4008 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Lignin as a Bio-Based Additive in Warm-Mix Asphalt for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

by Silvino Capitão, Luís Picado-Santos, Arminda Almeida, Josué Cardoso, Eliana Soldado and Fernando C. G. Martinho

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030161 - 17 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Forest waste is globally abundant and holds significant potential for valorisation in various sectors. This paper investigates its use in urban road infrastructures, utilising enzymatic lignin, a by-product from forest waste bioethanol production, as a bitumen extender for warm-mix asphalt. Since this asphalt [...] Read more.

Forest waste is globally abundant and holds significant potential for valorisation in various sectors. This paper investigates its use in urban road infrastructures, utilising enzymatic lignin, a by-product from forest waste bioethanol production, as a bitumen extender for warm-mix asphalt. Since this asphalt concrete is produced at about 40 °C below the traditional hot-mix asphalt temperature, this study evaluates lignin’s ability to ensure the required mechanical performance of asphalt concrete in both aged and non-aged states. The TEAGE—TEcnico accelerated AGEing device—applied UV radiation and wet/dry cycles to virgin bitumen, a lignin blend, and compacted asphalt concrete specimens to replicate urban weathering. Cylindrical specimens underwent indirect tensile tests to assess water sensitivity, while beam samples underwent four-point bending tests to evaluate stiffness and fatigue resistance. The results indicate that this warm-mix asphalt, with lower atmospheric emissions during manufacturing and pavement construction, meets the mechanical demands of urban roads, particularly with respect to fatigue and water resistance. However, the findings also show that asphalt concrete containing lignin experiences excessive ageing of small specimens, and further testing on compacted slabs is needed to better simulate exposure to UV radiation in pavement layers. Overall, the study concludes that lignin lowers asphalt production temperatures and partially substitutes conventional binders, with promising applications in urban pavement technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Valorization and Urban Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Transition and Resilient Environments)

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40 pages, 1067 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multispecies Biomonitoring of Metal(loid) Contamination and Human Health Risk in a Peri-Urban Transboundary River System (Brazil–Paraguay)

by Regiane Santana da Conceição Ferreira Cabanha, Paulo Renato Espindola, Elaine Silva de Pádua Melo, Marta Aratuza Pereira Ancel, Amanda Lucy Farias de Oliveira, Ana Carla Pinheiro Lima, Diego Azevedo Zoccal Garcia, Rita de Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães, Karine de Cássia Freitas, Marcelo Luiz Brandão Vilela and Valter Aragão do Nascimento

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030160 - 16 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Urban and peri-urban river systems subjected to intensive agriculture are vulnerable to diffuse metal(loid) inputs, yet the integration of hydrological compartments, bioindicators, and human health risk remains poorly explored. This study investigated the seasonal dynamics, bioaccumulation patterns, and potential human health risks associated [...] Read more.

Urban and peri-urban river systems subjected to intensive agriculture are vulnerable to diffuse metal(loid) inputs, yet the integration of hydrological compartments, bioindicators, and human health risk remains poorly explored. This study investigated the seasonal dynamics, bioaccumulation patterns, and potential human health risks associated with metal(loid)s in the Santa Virgem River (Brazil–Paraguay border), using water from backwater zones and three plant groups (Apiaceae angiosperms, mosses, and the liverwort Dumortiera sp.). Water and plant samples were collected during five seasonal campaigns (2019–2020) and analyzed by ICP OES. Multivariate analysis (PCA) was applied, and biological accumulation coefficients (BAC) and chronic daily intake (CDI) were estimated for adults and children under different ingestion scenarios. Results showed that Mg, Fe, K, S, and P dominated water chemistry, while As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Se were mostly below detection limits. PCA explained 77.6% of total variance, distinguishing agricultural and hydrological phases. Bryophytes exhibited markedly higher BAC values, particularly for Mn (up to 2.3 × 10⁵) and Fe, compared with Apiaceae. CDI and hazard assessment indicated negligible non-carcinogenic risk for most elements (HQ < 1), except phosphorus, which dominated the Hazard Index due to its low reference dose. Overall, the results demonstrate that hydrodynamic conditions and plant functional traits jointly control metal(loid) dynamics, highlighting the value of multispecies biomonitoring in peri-urban river systems. Full article

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26 pages, 6135 KB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Emission Efficiency Differences Between Coastal and Inland Cities in China: Insights from Climate Cost Analysis

by Cuicui Feng, Siqi Li, Xuhui He, Cheng Xue and Guanqiong Ye

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030159 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 308

Abstract

Global environmental issues are becoming increasingly severe, with climate change imposing varying degrees of economic impact on different cities. It is crucial for cities to pursue efficient, low-carbon, and sustainable development pathways to cope with climate change. Carbon emission efficiency (CEE) is an [...] Read more.

Global environmental issues are becoming increasingly severe, with climate change imposing varying degrees of economic impact on different cities. It is crucial for cities to pursue efficient, low-carbon, and sustainable development pathways to cope with climate change. Carbon emission efficiency (CEE) is an essential indicator for assessing their performance and progress toward low-carbon growth. However, traditional CEE assessments have yet to integrate regional differences in the socioeconomic costs of climate change. To fill this gap, we have built a combined efficient frontier Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model based on the weighted carbon emissions of each city’s climate costs to evaluate the CEEs of 252 cities in China from 2006 to 2021. Meanwhile, city classification and spatial Markov chains are used for spatio-temporal heterogeneity analysis, and finally, the efficiency is decomposed to determine the impact of different factors on carbon efficiency. The results indicate that the average CEE of coastal cities (0.57) is lower than that of inland cities (0.63), mainly due to higher climate costs and unbalanced development. In contrast, megacities and super-large cities in coastal areas have the highest CEE levels because of economies of scale and technological advantages. Efficiency decomposition shows that pure technical efficiency (PTE) is the primary driver of CEE differences, contributing 33.37% to inefficiency differences. Our findings emphasize the need for targeted, differentiated policies to address unique urban challenges. Green technology investments should be prioritized in areas with high emission reduction potential, while cross-regional technology diffusion mechanisms should be established in areas with medium reduction potential to foster innovation. Overall, this study could offer valuable insights into the sustainable and low-carbon transition of urban development. Full article

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27 pages, 1083 KB

Open AccessArticle

Al-Enabled Participatory Urban Planning for Sustainable Smart Cities: Evidence from the Dammam Metropolitan Area, Saudi Arabia

by Abdulkarim K. Alhowaish

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030158 - 16 Mar 2026

Viewed by 286

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in smart city strategies, yet its role in advancing participatory urban planning remains underexamined, particularly in rapidly urbanizing metropolitan contexts of the Global South. This exploratory, governance-centered study investigates how AI can support participatory urban planning for [...] Read more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in smart city strategies, yet its role in advancing participatory urban planning remains underexamined, particularly in rapidly urbanizing metropolitan contexts of the Global South. This exploratory, governance-centered study investigates how AI can support participatory urban planning for sustainable smart cities, emphasizing institutional mediation and trust dynamics. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the research combines a purposive stakeholder survey (n = 260) with qualitative thematic analysis to assess AI awareness and use, participation quality, institutional and technical readiness, and public trust in the Dammam Metropolitan Area, Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal a participation paradox: relatively high AI awareness and digital readiness coexist with low perceived influence and limited confidence in participatory outcomes. Institutional coordination gaps, skill constraints, and regulatory ambiguity mediate the translation of AI adoption into meaningful engagement. Stakeholders favor AI applications, such as interactive mapping, predictive analytics, and digital twin visualization, that enhance transparency and deliberation over automated decision systems. Qualitative evidence further indicates that AI is perceived not as a standalone solution, but as a catalyst for institutional reform, capacity development, and sustainability-oriented governance. The study contributes to urban science by empirically validating a socio-technical framework that positions AI as a facilitative governance instrument embedded within institutional and trust-building processes. The findings offer policy-relevant insights for cities seeking to align AI-driven innovation with inclusive, accountable, and sustainable urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Cities—Urban Planning, Technology and Future Infrastructures)

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26 pages, 10278 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Land Use Land Cover Impact on Surface Temperature and Urban Thermal Comfort: Insight from Saudi Arabia’s Five Most Populated Cities (2000-2024)

by Amal H. Aljaddani

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030157 - 13 Mar 2026

Viewed by 472

Abstract

Since 2025, 45% of the world’s population of 8.2 billion people has lived in cities, and by 2050, that number is expected to increase to 66%. As the number of people living in cities increases, natural landscapes will be transformed into impervious surfaces, [...] Read more.

Since 2025, 45% of the world’s population of 8.2 billion people has lived in cities, and by 2050, that number is expected to increase to 66%. As the number of people living in cities increases, natural landscapes will be transformed into impervious surfaces, leading to serious challenges and resulting in a phenomenon named the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Although urban thermal variation has been studied globally, few studies have examined the impact of land use transitions on local surface temperatures. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the impact of LULC transitions on the land surface temperature (LST) and the urban thermal field variation index (UTFVI) in the five most populated cities in Saudi Arabia between 2000 and 2024: Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and Dammam. This study provides not only a comprehensive overview of the cities in Saudi Arabia but also a detailed analysis of each city using a novel approach that integrates thermal land use analysis. In this study, Landsat TM-5, OLI-TIRS-8, and OLI2-TIRS2-9 were used to process the LULC using random forest machine learning and thermal indices. Fifteen LULC maps were generated and assessed based on four classifications across the cities and time periods: urban area, barren land, vegetation, and water. The difference-in-difference (DiD) analytical approach was used to compute the thermal effect size and compare the specified changed pixels (barren-to-urban, vegetation-to-urban) with stable urban. Then, the relationship between the LST and the NDVI–NDBI were investigated. The results show that the overall accuracy of the 15 LULC classifications ranged from 89.00% to 97.00%. The urban area increased across all the cities, with the greatest changes being 448.84, 179.67, 177.96, 126.33, and 95.69 km² in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah, and Makkah, respectively. Furthermore, the vegetation cover increased in most of the cities over time. The LST of the urban areas increased by 8.31 °C in Riyadh, 5.24 °C in Jeddah, and 1.41 °C in Makkah in 2024 compared to 2000, while those in Dammam and Madinah decreased by 2.67 °C and 0.60 °C, respectively. This study delivers robust insights into two decades of urban surface temperature dynamics across major Saudi Arabian cities, offering critical evidence to inform UHI mitigation strategies and support the long-term sustainability of urban environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Environment and Sustainability)

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22 pages, 4100 KB

Open AccessArticle

Explainable Machine Learning-Based Urban Waterlogging Prediction Framework

by Yinghua Deng and Xin Lu

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030156 - 13 Mar 2026

Viewed by 364

Abstract

Urban waterlogging has become a critical challenge to urban sustainability under the combined pressures of rapid urbanization and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. However, traditional predictive models struggle to achieve real-time, point-specific early warning effectively, primarily due to the interference of redundant high-dimensional [...] Read more.

Urban waterlogging has become a critical challenge to urban sustainability under the combined pressures of rapid urbanization and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. However, traditional predictive models struggle to achieve real-time, point-specific early warning effectively, primarily due to the interference of redundant high-dimensional data and the inability to handle severe data imbalance. This study proposes a lightweight and interpretable machine learning framework for real-time waterlogging hotspot prediction, based on a multi-dimensional feature space. Specifically, we implement a Lasso-based mechanism to distill 37 multi-source variables into five core determinants. This process effectively isolates dominant environmental drivers while filtering noise. To further overcome the recall bottleneck, we propose a Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique based on Weighted Distance and Cleaning (SMOTE-WDC) algorithm that incorporates weighted feature distances and density-based noise cleaning. Validating the framework on datasets from Shenzhen (2023–2024), we demonstrate that the integrated Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) model integrated with this strategy achieves optimal performance using only five features, yielding an F1-score of 0.808 and an Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve (AUC-PR) of 0.895. Notably, a Recall of 0.882 is attained, representing a 4.6% improvement over the baseline. This study contributes a cost-effective, high-sensitivity approach to disaster risk reduction, advancing predictive urban waterlogging management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flooding Prevention Strategies for Flood-Prone Cities Under Climate Change)

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7 pages, 347 KB

Open AccessOpinion

Urban Food Forests: From Theory to Empirical Research

by Francesco Ferrini, Antonella Gori and Ermes Lo Piccolo

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030155 - 13 Mar 2026

Viewed by 441

Abstract

Urban Food Forests (UFFs) are perennial, polyculture systems that integrate urban agriculture, forestry, and agroforestry. Like other urban green spaces, UFFs contribute to ecosystem services (i.e., enhancement of the urban resilience, biodiversity, social and health benefits) and additionally support the provision of food. [...] Read more.

Urban Food Forests (UFFs) are perennial, polyculture systems that integrate urban agriculture, forestry, and agroforestry. Like other urban green spaces, UFFs contribute to ecosystem services (i.e., enhancement of the urban resilience, biodiversity, social and health benefits) and additionally support the provision of food. Historically common in cities, urban food production is now reemerging as a public good and strategic green infrastructure. However, despite the growing interest, inconsistent definitions, limited design guidelines, and the scarcity of applied research hinder their implementation. Only by addressing these challenges can UFFs be better integrated into urban planning, enhancing their ecological and socio-economic contributions to sustainable and resilient cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Forestry as a Strategy for Promoting Greener and Healthier Cities)

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18 pages, 2482 KB

Open AccessArticle

Methodology for the Integration of Photovoltaics in Buildings for Inclusion in Territorial and Urban Planning with Low-Technology, Affordable Instruments

by Esteban Zalamea-León, Steeven Jaramillo-Arevalo, Ricardo Vera-Tandazo, Ángel Chica-Guayacundo, Jordan Tapia-Sacasari, Antonio Barragán-Escandón and Alfredo Ordóñez-Castro

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030154 - 13 Mar 2026

Viewed by 258

Abstract

Regional energy self-sufficiency based on microgeneration from clean, local energy sources is essential and strategic for meeting growing electricity demand. In this context, initiatives driven by local governments are decisive in achieving such progress. This study proposes a methodology for sizing photovoltaic (PV) [...] Read more.

Regional energy self-sufficiency based on microgeneration from clean, local energy sources is essential and strategic for meeting growing electricity demand. In this context, initiatives driven by local governments are decisive in achieving such progress. This study proposes a methodology for sizing photovoltaic (PV) capacity at the parish level, which is the basic political–administrative unit in Ecuador. Rooftop-based microgeneration and self-supply are considered to entail minimal environmental impact while offering significant potential to meet the basic energy demands of buildings in the Andean equatorial climate. The results demonstrate that, using accessible tools such as drones, computer-aided design software, and Agisoft Metashape, and through low-labour processes, it is feasible to estimate the PV potential of buildings at the parish scale. A total of 1698 rooftops were surveyed, and after discarding those with precarious construction materials, the estimated solar potential was found to be between ten and twenty-three times higher than the electrical demand of the analysed parishes. The estimated annual generation potential reaches 28,101 MWh, compared to an annual demand of 1827 MWh for both parishes combined. The proposed process enables the incorporation of rooftop-based technological capacity, relying on a low-technology, affordable methodological approach and instruments for low-income parish governance offices, with low-density populated areas as the main novelty, providing clear information to both authorities and the local population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Energy Justice, Circular Economy Pathways and Just Sustainability Transitions)

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17 pages, 500 KB

Open AccessArticle

Office Decentralization and Functional Obsolescence After COVID-19: Empirical Evidence from Hong Kong

by Ervi Liusman and Kwong Wing Chau

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030153 - 13 Mar 2026

Viewed by 339

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during its declared Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) period, has flattened the bid-rent curve and increased the rate of functional obsolescence of older office buildings. A critical question remains as to whether these trends have persisted or [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during its declared Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) period, has flattened the bid-rent curve and increased the rate of functional obsolescence of older office buildings. A critical question remains as to whether these trends have persisted or moderated following the official end of the PHEIC in May 2023. This study investigates the trajectory of office market dynamics in Hong Kong during and after the PHEIC period. Using secondary transaction data from Hong Kong, we find that the decline in the marginal value of proximity to the central business district (CBD), which was most pronounced during the PHEIC period, has subsequently moderated. In addition, this moderation is significantly stronger for high-end offices than for low-end ones. Furthermore, we find that the functional obsolescence of older office buildings not only accelerated during the PHEIC period but continued and further strengthened after the PHEIC period. Full article

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27 pages, 366 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Competitive Vulnerability in Tourist Cities: An Integrated Framework and Empirical Evidence from Spain

by Ana María Barrera-Martínez and Agustín Santana-Talavera

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030152 - 12 Mar 2026

Viewed by 323

Abstract

Urban competitiveness and vulnerability have traditionally been studied as analytically distinct dimensions, grounded in the assumption that competitive performance necessarily strengthens urban structures. However, empirical evidence from tourist cities reveals a paradox, as high levels of tourism competitiveness may coexist with cumulative processes [...] Read more.

Urban competitiveness and vulnerability have traditionally been studied as analytically distinct dimensions, grounded in the assumption that competitive performance necessarily strengthens urban structures. However, empirical evidence from tourist cities reveals a paradox, as high levels of tourism competitiveness may coexist with cumulative processes of structural fragilisation. This article introduces urban competitive vulnerability—an urban system’s propensity to competitive erosion driven by internal fragility accumulation, even during high performance. Using panel data from six major Spanish tourist cities (Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Palma, Seville, and Málaga) over 2014–2024, we develop an integrated framework with four dimensions: tourism competitiveness, sectoral specialisation, territorial pressure, and governance capacity. We construct the Urban Competitive Vulnerability Index (CVI) and test four hypotheses using panel-data models with fixed effects and interaction terms. Results confirm significant positive relationships between tourism competitiveness and structural vulnerability (β = 0.540, p < 0.001). Sectoral specialisation increases vulnerability both directly (β = 0.504, p < 0.001) and indirectly through competitiveness (65.8% mediated effect). Tourist housing intensity significantly increases housing prices (β = 0.288, p < 0.001) and evictions (β = 0.125, p < 0.05). Cities with high prior vulnerability experienced more severe COVID-19 impacts (β = −3.688, p < 0.05) and slower recovery. While limited to Spanish cities, this study provides the first urban-specific framework for competitive vulnerability with direct implications for urban tourism planning and governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Tourism and Hospitality: Emerging Challenges and Trends)

32 pages, 1639 KB

Open AccessReview

The Dis/Continuity of the Chain: The Negative Dialectic of Tabula Rasa and Palimpsest in Urban Design

by Hisham Abusaada and Abeer Elshater

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030151 - 12 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 779

Abstract

Rapid and large-scale urban transformations destabilize historical continuity in both the material fabric of cities and the theoretical assumptions guiding urban design. This review reconceptualizes tabula rasa and palimpsest as a negative dialectic through which historical dis/continuity can be critically interpreted. Drawing on [...] Read more.

Rapid and large-scale urban transformations destabilize historical continuity in both the material fabric of cities and the theoretical assumptions guiding urban design. This review reconceptualizes tabula rasa and palimpsest as a negative dialectic through which historical dis/continuity can be critically interpreted. Drawing on Henri Lefebvre’s account of the production of space and Marc Augé’s notion of non-place, tabula rasa is understood not as a neutral void but as a historically produced condition of erasure. Paul Ricoeur’s distinction between reconstruction memory and repetition memory informs an interpretation of the palimpsest as an active process of selective re-inscription, rather than a passive accumulation. Through engagement with Fredric Jameson’s cognitive mapping and Aldo van Eyck’s configurative discipline, the article advances methodological orientations for operating in contexts where historical anchors are attenuated or selectively preserved. Analyses of mapping and superposition techniques in the Parc de La Villette competition proposals by OMA/Rem Koolhaas and Peter Eisenman illustrate how dialectical strategies generate form under conditions of unstable continuity. The study argues that urban design necessitates neither presuming uninterrupted historical transmission nor treating erasure as neutral. By framing tabula rasa and palimpsest as mutually constitutive processes, the article clarifies how historical dis/continuity shapes contemporary urban form and proposes methodological instruments for engaging it critically. Full article

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29 pages, 11795 KB

Open AccessArticle

Empirical Evaluation of a CNN-ResNet-RF Hybrid Model for Occupancy Rate Prediction in Passive Ultra-Low-Energy Buildings

by Yiwen Liu, Yibing Xue, Chunlu Liu and Runyu Wang

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030150 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 241

Abstract

Accurate occupancy information is critical for optimizing energy efficiency in buildings. Hybrid machine learning models have demonstrated great potential in previous studies; however, their application in passive ultra-low-energy buildings remains underexplored. This study conducts an empirical evaluation of real-time occupancy rate prediction using [...] Read more.

Accurate occupancy information is critical for optimizing energy efficiency in buildings. Hybrid machine learning models have demonstrated great potential in previous studies; however, their application in passive ultra-low-energy buildings remains underexplored. This study conducts an empirical evaluation of real-time occupancy rate prediction using a CNN-ResNet-RF hybrid model based on multi-source environmental and behavioral data from a passive ultra-low-energy educational building. The model integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for local feature extraction, Residual Networks (ResNet) to enhance deep feature representation, and Random Forests (RF) for ensemble-based generalization. Indoor CO₂ concentration exhibits the strongest linear correlation with occupancy rate (r = 0.54), indicating a meaningful association with occupancy dynamics. The model demonstrates strong predictive performance on the test set, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.964, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.054, and a residual prediction deviation (RPD) exceeding 5. Compared with baseline models such as CNN, RF, and CNN-RF, the proposed framework exhibits generally lower prediction errors and improved stability. Further lightweight compression experiments reveal that the structured compact CNN-ResNet-RF-25 variant achieves even better accuracy (R² = 0.9748, RMSE = 0.0449, RPD = 6.327) while substantially reducing model complexity, demonstrating strong deployment potential in resource-constrained environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Geospatial AI: Systems, Model, Methods, and Applications)

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19 pages, 1499 KB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Expansion and Ecological Implications in Table Bay Nature Reserve: A Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Study

by Mosa Koloko, Thabang Maphanga and Benett Siyabonga Madonsela

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030149 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 397

Abstract

Urban expansion presents significant challenges and opportunities for ecological conservation in developing countries, particularly in regions such as the Table Bay Nature Reserve in Cape Town, South Africa, where urban development interfaces with sensitive ecosystems. This article examines the complex dynamics between urban [...] Read more.

Urban expansion presents significant challenges and opportunities for ecological conservation in developing countries, particularly in regions such as the Table Bay Nature Reserve in Cape Town, South Africa, where urban development interfaces with sensitive ecosystems. This article examines the complex dynamics between urban growth and ecological implications in this unique landscape, employing multi-temporal remote sensing techniques to analyze changes over time. By investigating the historical trajectory of urbanization in Table Bay, alongside its impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services, we aim to underscore the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and conservation strategies. To analyze land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics over a 24-year period, this study leveraged a time series of satellite imagery processed within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Data can be accessed using their respective collection IDs within the GEE platform. The use of remote sensing tools aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, which focuses on the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Urban encroachment analysis indicates that approximately 0.324 km² of built-up area expanded directly within the reserve boundary, highlighting a measurable degree of infringement into protected zones. The dominance of built-up and bare land classes highlights the early encroachment of urban infrastructure and anthropogenic disturbance, setting the stage for subsequent land cover transformations observed in later years (2012 and 2024). These findings demonstrate a persistent trend of urban encroachment and ecological alteration within the Table Bay Nature Reserve. With the increase in global population levels, urban expansion into protected conservation areas has become a critical environmental concern, threatening biodiversity globally. This challenge is particularly acute in developing countries as seen in regions like the Table Bay Nature Reserve in Cape Town, South Africa, where urban development is interfaced with sensitive ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Remote Sensing and GIS for Monitoring Land Use Change and Its Ecological Effects—2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 3569 KB

Open AccessReview

Advancing Urban Analytics: GeoAI Applications in Spatial Decision-Making and Sustainable Cities

by Sorin Avram

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030148 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 666

Abstract

The rapid growth of geospatial data and advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have driven GeoAI’s rise as a key paradigm in urban analytics. GeoAI methods support spatial planning, risk assessment, and policymaking in cities facing climate change, socio-economic disparities, and environmental challenges. Recent [...] Read more.

The rapid growth of geospatial data and advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have driven GeoAI’s rise as a key paradigm in urban analytics. GeoAI methods support spatial planning, risk assessment, and policymaking in cities facing climate change, socio-economic disparities, and environmental challenges. Recent research highlights improvements in methodology, decision-making support, and impacts on resilience, social inclusion, and fair governance. However, this review also addresses ongoing issues such as data access, model transparency, ethical concerns, and the varying relevance across Global North and Global South contexts. It explores opportunities to use GeoAI to enhance climate resilience, alleviate poverty, foster inclusive urban strategies, and develop better cities, while suggesting future research to ensure that GeoAI advances are fair, transparent, and aligned with urban policy goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue GeoAI-Driven Urban Analytics: From Spatial Data to Planning Decisions)

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18 pages, 782 KB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns of Loss: A Typology of Depopulating Cities in the USA

by Ivan N. Alov, Marko D. Petrović and Alisa M. Belyaeva

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030147 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 454

Abstract

Urban depopulation has become an increasingly visible phenomenon worldwide, affecting cities of different sizes and economic structures. This article develops a typology of U.S. depopulating cities beyond the Rust Belt’s iconic industrial cities, which dominate academic literature, to include a wider range of [...] Read more.

Urban depopulation has become an increasingly visible phenomenon worldwide, affecting cities of different sizes and economic structures. This article develops a typology of U.S. depopulating cities beyond the Rust Belt’s iconic industrial cities, which dominate academic literature, to include a wider range of shrinking settlements in the shadows. The analysis is based on a dataset of U.S. census places constructed from decennial census population data (1990–2020) combined with employment structure indicators and spatial classification variables identifying metropolitan position and industrial specialization. Using 1990–2020 population change and three explanatory dimensions—city size, industrial heritage, and peripheral location—the analysis identified 1082 places that lost at least 10% of their population. Logistic regression showed manufacturing and mining reliance, small size, and remoteness as significant predictors of depopulation. Based on these factors, settlements are divided into seven types, from large urban centers to small peripheral towns with fewer than 5000 people. The overwhelming predominance of small towns (97%) in the sample highlights their distinct development challenges and questions the narrative of decline focused solely on larger industrial cities. By situating American trajectories within the broader shrinking cities discourse, the findings demonstrate the value of typology as a methodological tool for identifying intra-group heterogeneity, capturing regional differences, and establishing a more reliable basis for comparative urban studies. Ultimately, the study shows that urban decline in the United States is not exclusively a Rust Belt phenomenon, but a multidimensional process encompassing different scales, sectors, and geographies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Economy and Industry)

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25 pages, 4319 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spaces of Culture, Places of Belonging—An Analytical Perspective on Participatory Governance and Placemaking in European Capitals of Culture

by Mădălina Glonți and Nicolae Popa

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(3), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10030146 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 636

Abstract

This article explores the extent of ECoCs (European Capitals of Culture) as placemaking laboratories. Methodologically, this study employed a mixed-methods approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with public and private stakeholders involved in the ECoC programming, and questionnaires were applied to capture personal insights [...] Read more.

This article explores the extent of ECoCs (European Capitals of Culture) as placemaking laboratories. Methodologically, this study employed a mixed-methods approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with public and private stakeholders involved in the ECoC programming, and questionnaires were applied to capture personal insights of citizens. Data were correlated within spatial contexts using ArcGIS spatial analyses. The findings show that placemaking within ECoCs is more effective when embedded in transparent governance structures. Local narratives anchor placemaking in the everyday life of citizens. This placemaking legacy depends less on tangible inputs and more on the cultivation of processes and policies that empower communities to articulate and negotiate their sense of belonging within an inclusive and understanding governance structure. Also, we highlight that the latest ECoC included an ecological dimension within placemaking processes. Ultimately, this study illustrates that ECoCs become critical lenses to understand how culture-driven placemaking adds value to places, changes perceptions and behaviours of residents, and contributes to a stronger feeling of collective belonging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Planning and Design)

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