Abstract: This research assesses the involvement of green urban spaces in creating social interaction among the residents of a neighborhood. It emphasizes the significance of urban parks, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia's New Vision 2030, and showcases the proactive approach of Jubail Industrial City in planning and distributing parks. The study delves into the legibility of parks, exploring factors that impact user experiences, including accessibility and amenities. It highlights how park design can influence social interactions. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of social interaction within neighborhood parks, especially among diverse cultural and age groups. The results prove to be a significant output for future use in enhancing the quality of green spaces and providing efficient means of social interaction among people. Recommendations are provided to improve the park user experience and promote increased utilization of neighborhood parks.

Abstract: Advances in Machine Learning (ML) present new opportunities to systematically analyze the spatial complexity of urban form. This study presents a proof-of-concept for an interpretable methodological framework for clustering urban typologies. The methodology employs the Getis-Ord Gi* spatial autocorrelation metric as positional information to encourage the creation of spatially homogenous clusters. Clustering is performed using UMAP, a non-linear dimensionality reduction algorithm along with BIRCH, a scalable unsupervised clustering algorithm. The method utilizes 17 morphological indicators that capture urban form attributes at the block, plot and building scale. The proposed framework is pilot tested on the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki, Greece, revealing 14 distinct urban typologies that are organized into 5 families with similar characteristics. The typologies reveal, in an almost Conzenian fashion, patterns of urban development that are rooted in the city’s modern history. Results are validated both quantitatively with performance indicators and qualitatively using aerial imagery and established knowledge on Thessaloniki’s urban planning and evolution.

Abstract: The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a pivotal strategy for cities to reconcile economic growth with environmental sustainability. However, its implementation in resource-dependent Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) contexts remains underexplored. This study investigates expert perceptions of CE readiness, barriers, and opportunities in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA), Saudi Arabia, a critical industrial hub for Saudi Vision 2030. Through a cross-sectional survey of 230 policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics (SPSS) and qualitative coding (NVivo), this study identifies renewable energy (mean = 4.10) and municipal waste management (mean = 3.78) as top sectoral priorities. However, systemic challenges, including fragmented governance, limited public awareness (mean = 3.65), and funding gaps (mean = 3.52), underscore the gap between Vision 2030’s ambitious targets and localized capacity. Statistical analyses reveal strong associations between institutional fragmentation and financial inefficiencies (X2 = 23.45, p = 0.010), while mid-career workforce dominance (54.8%) and underrepresentation of policymakers (6.5%) highlight governance gaps. This study advocates for hybrid strategies: stricter waste regulations (40.0% stakeholder priority), CE training programs, and public–private partnerships (PPPs) to scale waste-to-energy infrastructure and industrial symbiosis. Despite pragmatic optimism (48.7% foresee 21–40% recycling by 2030), limitations such as reliance on expert perspectives and exclusion of citizen voices necessitate future interdisciplinary and longitudinal research. By aligning regulatory rigor with inclusive governance, the DMA can model a Gulf-centric CE transition, advancing regional sustainability while contributing actionable insights for resource-dependent economies globally.

Abstract: Urban allotment gardens are increasingly recognised as multifunctional spaces that contribute not only to ecological sustainability, but also to social cohesion, civic engagement and community resilience. This study explores the role of urban gardens in the city of Valencia as green spaces that (re)produce social capital, as well as spaces produced by consolidated social capital. Using a qualitative methodology, fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants involved in the coordination, participation and study of urban gardening initiatives. The analysis focuses on three interconnected dimensions: the strategic objectives guiding organisations involved, the core elements of social capital (networks, belonging, trust, reciprocity and values) and the governance models underpinning these initiatives. The results reveal that urban gardens function as relational infrastructures, facilitating intergenerational learning, intercultural exchange and inclusive participation through both formal and informal mechanisms. These processes are often rooted in local traditions and are underpinned by shared responsibilities and symbolic reciprocity. However, exclusionary attitudes and fragmented governance can limit their potential. In general, the results emphasise the value of urban gardens as platforms for the creation and reproduction of social capital and the improvement of community well-being, which suggests important implications for urban policy and sustainable development.

Abstract: Integrating smart technologies into historic cities presents a challenge, as they must balance modernisation with cultural heritage preservation. This study explores the intersection of urban cultural heritage and smart city development through a multidisciplinary literature review encompassing urban planning, smart technologies, heritage conservation, and place making. Using qualitative content analysis, key themes and patterns were identified to construct a conceptual framework. The findings reveal that cultural heritage sites play an active role in smart city planning by reinforcing historical identity and promoting urban sustainability. Additionally, the study highlights a gap in smart city frameworks, which often overlook cultural heritage preservation. The proposed framework offers insights for local governments and urban planners to develop culturally responsive smart cities while acknowledging the challenges of cross-city data comparisons due to varying contexts.

Abstract: Heritage-based urban regeneration is a crucial strategy for preserving cultural identity while fostering sustainable urban development. This study examines the case of Tarout Island, one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest continuously inhabited sites, which faces challenges related to urbanization, infrastructure deterioration, and heritage conservation. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, urban regeneration efforts must balance modernization with the protection of historical and cultural assets to maintain the island’s unique identity. Through a review of global, regional, and local case studies, this research identifies best practices in heritage-driven urban renewal, emphasizing adaptive reuse, sustainable tourism, community engagement, infrastructure integration, and environmental sustainability. The findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive regeneration framework that not only safeguards historical sites but also fosters economic growth, cultural continuity, and community participation. The study proposes a strategic framework for heritage-based urban regeneration in Tarout Island, integrating conservation policies, sustainable tourism models, and participatory planning approaches. Key challenges such as legal enforcement, funding constraints, and the risks of over-commercialization are also addressed. By adopting a holistic and sustainable approach, Tarout Island can serve as a model for heritage-driven urban development in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating how cultural preservation and modernization can coexist harmoniously.

Abstract: Under China’s dual urban-rural land ownership system, the unequal legal status of collective and state-owned land hinders the realization of “equal rights and equal prices” for both. This paper analyzed the impact of ownership on construction land prices using micro-level land transaction data from Wujin District, Changzhou City from 2015 to 2021, and investigated the role of government decision-making in this relationship. The results show that collective ownership has a negative impact on land prices, and the development of adjacent COCL has a positive impact on land prices. Besides, the planning scope of downtown areas determined by spatial planning enhances the negative impact of collective ownership on land prices, thus widening the price gap between state and collective-owned land within the downtown areas. Furthermore, the proportion of COCL in the annual land supply determined by land supply plan strengthens the negative impact of collective ownership on land prices, meaning that a increase in COCL supply leads to further downward pressure on land prices. This study can provide insights for policy-making aiming to achieve “equal rights and equal prices” for land of different ownership in China and in other countries with a dual land ownership system.

Abstract: Cities face growing challenges from climate change, including rising temperatures, extreme rainfall, and intensifying urban heat islands, resulting in significant socio-cultural costs. Urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to food insecurity during disasters, yet the potential of urban agriculture (UA) to address this challenge remains underexplored. This study focuses on Wellington, New Zealand (NZ), a region highly prone to earthquakes, to evaluate the role of UA in enhancing post-disaster food security. The study calculates vegetable self-sufficiency by mapping potential productive land, estimating vegetable yields, and assessing post-disaster food demands across multiple scenarios. Potential productive land was quantified using a reproducible GIS-based method, considering three soil-based UA types: private yards, communal gardens, and urban farms. Due to Wellington’s mountainous topography, slopes and aspects were used to select four land scenarios. Three yield scenarios were estimated using aggregated data from previous studies, cross-checked with local UA and NZ conventional farming data. Food demands were based on NZ's recommended vegetable intake and three targeted population scenarios: the entire population, displaced populations, and vulnerable populations. Results indicate that potential productive land is primarily evenly distributed in the eastern part within city boundary, accounting for 0.3% to 1.5% of the total area. Vegetable self-sufficient rates for Wellington through UA range from 3% to 75%, with higher rates for displaced and vulnerable populations. These figures significantly exceed the current self-sufficiency rate estimated in the authors' preliminary research, indicating Wellington's considerable potential to enhance post-disaster food security through expanding UA and promoting related initiatives. However, realizing this potential will require stronger policy support, integrating UA with urban planning and disaster preparedness.

Abstract: As urban challenges intensify amid rapid growth, climate change, and resource scarcity, aligning smart city development with sustainability goals has become a global imperative. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of 615 publications indexed in Scopus from 2012 to 2024, exploring the evolving landscape of research at the intersection of smart cities and sustainability. Using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, the study maps co-authorship patterns, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic structures to identify dominant trends, gaps, and emerging themes. The results reveal a strong focus on core concepts such as “smart cities,” “sustainability,” and “climate resilience,” with emerging interest in artificial intelligence, big data, and social equity. China, Italy, and Spain lead in global scholarly contribution, while collaboration networks remain concentrated in the Global North. Thematic evolution indicates a transition from purely tech-driven frameworks toward integrated, human-centric approaches addressing inclusivity, resilience, and governance. Despite increased contributions, social dimensions of sustainability remain unexplored, especially in Global South contexts. This study offers actionable insights for researchers, urban planners, and policymakers aiming to leverage digital innovation for inclusive and sustainable urban transformation aligned with SDG 11 and beyond.

Abstract: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into urban planning represents a transformative shift, offering unprecedented opportunities for data-driven decision-making, enhanced citizen engagement, and more efficient urban governance. However, this technological advancement also poses significant challenges to democratic principles, public participation, and social equity. This article explores the intersection of democratic theory, urban planning ideology, and public participation in the era of AI, examining how AI reshapes traditional paradigms and impacts the inclusivity and fairness of urban development. Drawing on classical and contemporary political theories, the article critically analyzes the ethical and ideological implications of AI in urban planning, highlighting issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the digital divide. Through case studies and theoretical frameworks, the article argues that the successful integration of AI into urban planning must be guided by a commitment to transparency, equity, and active citizen participation. By addressing these challenges, AI can serve as a tool for empowerment, fostering more inclusive, resilient, and democratic urban environments.

Abstract: Comprehensive land consolidation (CLC) significantly impacts farmers' sustainable development, particularly in southwestern mountainous areas with limited alternative livelihood options. However, existing studies have rarely considered the impact of CLC on farmers' livelihoods under different terrain gradients in mountainous areas. Therefore, this study employs elevation, slope, and the terrain position index to divide terrain gradient zones. Based on 307 household survey data, it measures the changes in farmers’ livelihood capital and livelihood strategies before and after CLC, and analyzes the heterogeneity of the impact of CLC under different terrain gradients. The results show that: (1) The growth of farmers' livelihood capital and the net effect of CLC showed the terrain gradient effect of medium terrain areas > low terrain areas > high terrain areas. (2)Traditional agricultural type are transitioning to modern agricultural type and agriculture multi-employment type, while agriculture multi-employment type are shifting to non-agriculture multi-employment type. (3) The direct impact of CLC on livelihood transformation is significant in the low terrain areas, whereas in the medium terrain and high terrain areas, the effects are primarily indirect through livelihood factors. This study can provide suggestions for sustainable development of farmers in different topographic gradients in Anning River basin.

Abstract: This article presents a landscape enhancement proposal for the UNESCO site of Pineta Park in Montecatini Terme, Italy. This experience is framed within the Research-through-Design (RTD) methodology, serving as an opportunity to explore the broader issue of rethinking traditional spa towns in crisis. In particular, the paper defines two research questions, focusing on the role of landscape design in the protection of cultural sites and in the creation of new scenarios and values for highly protected contexts. Referring to the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach, the article examines the need to mediate between conservation requirements and the dynamic evolution of heritage. As a result of this design and research experience, it is argued that landscape design plays a crucial role in establishing an integrated system capable of supporting development strategies for UNESCO cultural sites while ensuring their sustainability.

Abstract: Several literature studies have emphasized that public open spaces such as recreational parks in the residential neighborhoods play a crucial role in enhancing the social interaction among neighborhood residents. Hence, access to recreational parks is one of the prominent issues that may influence the use of the park and subsequently will influence the quality of social interaction. The traditional literature on park accessibility that depend only on physical distance have significant limitations, since proximity alone fails to forecast park use. Consequently, physical accessibility must be augmented by assessments of perceived accessibility (Psychological Accessibility). The study designed to propose a framework for enhancing social interaction through improved access to recreational parks in the residential neighborhoods in the Saudi context. This study follows two main methods, firstly, the observational behavioural mapping that was conducted to extract the appropriate influencing factors depending on the behavior of the individuals in the selected case studies. Secondly, the end user questionnaire survey. The study reveals several factors that influence access to recreational parks, including periodic maintenance, proximity, physical attributes, climatic environment, and location. The questionnaire survey indicates that most people visit parks for exercising, family outings, and nature relaxation. Therefore, more focus should be placed on amenities related to these factors, as individuals' perceptions significantly affect their psychological accessibility to recreational parks. Finally, this study concluded with some key findings and implications to achieve the objectives of the research study

Abstract:

Social interaction is crucial for social sustainability and quality of life. This research focuses on recreational parks in residential neighborhoods in Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA) to enhance social interaction. The study is designed to identify and prioritize factors affecting the social interaction in the recreational parks in the residential neighborhoods in Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA). All factors are extracted from literature studies relevant to the social interaction among individuals in the recreational parks. This study follows the methodology of expert-based questionnaire to weigh each factor according to the scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree regarding the extracted factors that may influence the social interaction in the recreational parks. The findings emphasized the importance of demographic characteristics of the neighborhood residents, physical characteristics of the recreational parks and social sustainability characteristics in influencing the social interaction among neighborhood residents in the recreational parks in DMA. The analysis of the demographic characteristics showed that the age group of the neighborhood residents is the most effectiveness factor on social interaction in the recreational parks in DMA with score (4.53). Secondly, the analysis of the physical characteristics of the recreational parks showed that the periodic maintenance of the recreational park is the most effective factor on social interaction in DMA with score (4.79). Thirdly, the analysis of social sustainability characteristics showed that safety and security is the most effectiveness factor on social interaction in the recreational parks in DMA with score (4.74). Finally, this study concluded with some recommendations to address the probable factors that may influence the social interaction in the recreational parks in the Saudi contexts, particularly in DMA.

Abstract:

Utilizing underground space has become a means to address urban issues, however, heritage protection in underground development has become an unavoidable challenge. Whether to proceed with underground development in a heritage site requires a suitability study that considers various influencing factors to guide comprehensive protection planning. Therefore, conducting a suitability study for underground development in heritage sites is a critical issue that must be addressed before policy and planning decisions. Based on preliminary research, this study identifies and summarizes the influencing factors of underground heritage development suitability, innovatively constructs “Underground Resource Development Suitability Index System of Cultural Heritage, URDSIS-CH”, and employs the “Dependency Analytic Process, DAP” method for evaluation. It explores spatial development issues arising from underground heritage development and clarifies the relationship mechanisms between relevant influencing factors. The study seeks to resolve the contradiction between underground space development and cultural heritage protection through technological and methodological approaches, providing insights for a more scientific approach to underground heritage preservation and utilization.

Abstract: The visual environment of landscape views in historic districts faces challenges from high population density and tall modern buildings. This study takes the Historic Districts of Macau as an example, collecting eye-tracking data from 30 residents and tourists and data from 237 questionnaires to verify the differences in visual behavior and place-identity emotions of different visual elements and to explore the correlation between landscape visual perception and place identity. The results show that: (1) Residents and tourists exhibit the same visual behavior when viewing the same landscape images, but there are significant differences in their place-identity psychology. (2) There are significant differences in the visual behavior of different visual elements in landscape images. In particular, the visual elements of landmark buildings have significant visual attractions, but the proportion of landmark buildings in visual elements is low. (3) The visual aesthetic evaluation factors of 13 landscape elements, including the color vividness of landmark buildings, the color vividness of water, the color vividness of mountains, and the color vividness of landmark buildings, have a significant impact on the sense of place identity in historic districts. In addition, the method of combining eye-tracking and psychometric measurement used in this study can effectively evaluate the urban landscape visual experience. The research results help to understand the attractiveness of important landscape views in historic districts and provide data support and reference for the visual control and protection of historic district landscapes.

Abstract: As Saudi Arabia advances it’s Vision 2030 agenda, sustainable urban development has become a key national priority. Green municipal bonds (GMBs) have emerged as a pivotal financial instrument to support sustainable urban development worldwide. This paper explores the potential of GMBs as a financing mechanism to advance sustainable urbanism in Saudi Arabian cities. It addresses the synergy between innovative finance and urban sustainability in a unique, arid, fossil-fuel-dependent context. By adopting a multi-dimensional framework that integrates financial, governance, and sustainability perspectives, this study examines how GMBs can bridge funding gaps for low-carbon infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and resilient urban systems. Given that GMBs are a relatively new concept in the Kingdom, this study requires an exploratory and interpretive approach focused on analyzing existing knowledge, regulatory frameworks, and best international practices to assess the feasibility and implementation strategies for GMBs in the Kingdom. The findings suggest that GMBs can enhance resilience, promote green investments, and facilitate public–private partnerships essential for urban sustainability in the Saudi context. GMBs offer a transformative financing tool for Saudi sustainable urbanism, fostering climate resilience and economic growth. Key challenges, including regulatory fragmentation, limited market maturity, and stakeholder coordination, are critically evaluated. Policy recommendations emphasize institutional capacity-building, standardized green taxonomy, and public–private partnerships to align GMB issuance with sustainable urban priorities.

Abstract:

Revitalizing Japan’s remote areas has become an urgent challenge, particularly in regions with ageing populations. Despite their rich cultural and natural resources, these areas struggle to attract younger demographics, including young families and children. To address this, local governments have introduced temporary events to enhance urban vibrancy and create inclusive spaces. However, research on optimizing event design faces significant challenges due to the vast amount of data required for comprehensive analysis, making it difficult to gain deeper insights into user experience.On the other hand, recent advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and AI, particularly models like ChatGPT-4, have significantly enhanced data-driven decision-making. However, a major challenge in multi-person and multi-event analysis remains the need for structured user metadata, which is a critical gap. By integrating visual segmentation, spatial perception analysis, and NLP, this research introduces a novel, scalable approach to refining the design of temporary event spaces, using Matsue City as a case study.From an architectural perspective, this method enhances the visual attractiveness of temporary event spaces by optimizing spatial layout, product visibility, and user engagement, ensuring they remain appealing and inclusive despite demographic challenges.On the data-driven side, a specialized model has been developed to process multi-person interview data, addressing the complexities of analyzing multi-dimensional datasets. Furthermore, advancements in keyword extraction algorithms improve the identification of shared themes from interviews, enabling more accurate and insightful analysis of public event experiences. This integrated approach not only bridges spatial design and participant engagement but also establishes a replicable AI-assisted framework for systematically enhancing temporary event spaces, overcoming current limitations in large-scale data processing.

Abstract: Urban regeneration in historic city centers often encounters tensions between planning strategies, public expectations, and heritage preservation. This study examines the redevelopment process of Sant’Ana Hill in Lisbon, a site historically occupied by many hospitals now subject to closure and repurposing. The transformation of all this 16-hectare area has sparked significant public contestation, highlighting governance challenges and the role of citizen engagement in shaping urban futures. Using a case study approach, this research draws on urban planning documents, public debate records, media coverage, and semi-structured interviews to analyze the political, social, and architectural dimensions of the regeneration process. Findings reveal that prolonged decision-making, opaque governance, and inadequate public participation have fueled uncertainty, delaying project implementation and increasing public skepticism. The study argues that inclusive participatory frameworks and transparent governance are essential to mitigating conflicts in urban redevelopment. This study also contributes to debates on urban voids, adaptive reuse, and participatory planning, offering insights into the dynamics of contested regeneration in historic districts. Lessons from Sant’Ana Hill highlight the need for a more integrated, democratic, and heritage-conscious approach to large-scale urban transformation projects.

Abstract: Rapid urbanization and climate change are driving forces that are changing the urban landscape and affecting the resources and environment, particularly in the megacities of arid regions. Many of these cities face an acute water crisis leading to over-exploitation of groundwater resources. This over-exploitation has led to the depletion of aquifers, land infertility, saline intrusion, land subsidence, and harm to the hydrological ecosystems. Globally, numerous studies have documented the potential of groundwater recharge (GWR) using GIS and remote sensing techniques. However, its spatial implementation and benefits for urban landscape improvement are underexplored. In this study, we introduced the concept of landscape-based GWR by conducting a case study of Karachi (Pakistan). By taking hydrology and contextual landscape systems (surface and sub-surface) as the foundation, we explored favorable conditions for the social-ecological inclusive spatial transformation of the urban landscape. Moreover, we highlighted the multiple benefits of this approach besides recharging the depleted ground hydrological conditions, i.e., improving the city's biodiversity and social, economic, and ecological values. We found that landscape-based GWR can be one of the potential solutions not only for the critical water crisis of the city but also for improving the overall quality of life and urban landscape. Furthermore, this holistic approach towards groundwater recharge can guide future urban development patterns, preservation of high groundwater recharge potential sites, and evolution towards sustainable regional development in arid regions where groundwater is the most significant yet vulnerable resource.