home.social

#urbanplanning — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #urbanplanning, aggregated by home.social.

  1. The Dutch approach to floating architecture is often praised as a futuristic miracle, but for me it is just honest planning. They stopped fighting the water and started integrating it into the urban fabric. We could learn a lot from this logic when thinking about our own coastal cities. It is less about the tech and more about accepting the context of the land.

    #netherlands #urbanplanning #architecture

  2. The Dutch approach to floating architecture is often praised as a futuristic miracle, but for me it is just honest planning. They stopped fighting the water and started integrating it into the urban fabric. We could learn a lot from this logic when thinking about our own coastal cities. It is less about the tech and more about accepting the context of the land.

    #netherlands #urbanplanning #architecture

  3. The Dutch approach to floating architecture is often praised as a futuristic miracle, but for me it is just honest planning. They stopped fighting the water and started integrating it into the urban fabric. We could learn a lot from this logic when thinking about our own coastal cities. It is less about the tech and more about accepting the context of the land.

    #netherlands #urbanplanning #architecture

  4. In this case, #Trump has proposed building a 250-foot triumphal #arch near #ArlingtonNationalCemetery that he has said must be taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris [penis envy]. He has said the arch is meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, though he has also said that the arch is for himself [it’s the latter].

    #law #UrbanPlanning #DC #architecture #GreenSpace #PublicLands

  5. In this case, #Trump has proposed building a 250-foot triumphal #arch near #ArlingtonNationalCemetery that he has said must be taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris [penis envy]. He has said the arch is meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, though he has also said that the arch is for himself [it’s the latter].

    #law #UrbanPlanning #DC #architecture #GreenSpace #PublicLands

  6. In this case, #Trump has proposed building a 250-foot triumphal #arch near #ArlingtonNationalCemetery that he has said must be taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris [penis envy]. He has said the arch is meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, though he has also said that the arch is for himself [it’s the latter].

    #law #UrbanPlanning #DC #architecture #GreenSpace #PublicLands

  7. In this case, #Trump has proposed building a 250-foot triumphal #arch near #ArlingtonNationalCemetery that he has said must be taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris [penis envy]. He has said the arch is meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, though he has also said that the arch is for himself [it’s the latter].

    #law #UrbanPlanning #DC #architecture #GreenSpace #PublicLands

  8. In this case, #Trump has proposed building a 250-foot triumphal #arch near #ArlingtonNationalCemetery that he has said must be taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris [penis envy]. He has said the arch is meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, though he has also said that the arch is for himself [it’s the latter].

    #law #UrbanPlanning #DC #architecture #GreenSpace #PublicLands

  9. The rush to push ahead with work on the #arch follows a familiar pattern for #Trump. He has frequently embarked on large-scale changes to #historic properties in Washington without approvals from #Congress or anyone else. Trump last year abruptly tore down the historic East Wing of the White House after saying he would not touch the building.

    #law #UrbanPlanning #DC #architecture #GreenSpace #PublicLands

  10. The rush to push ahead with work on the #arch follows a familiar pattern for #Trump. He has frequently embarked on large-scale changes to #historic properties in Washington without approvals from #Congress or anyone else. Trump last year abruptly tore down the historic East Wing of the White House after saying he would not touch the building.

    #law #UrbanPlanning #DC #architecture #GreenSpace #PublicLands

  11. This muther f⁕⚠︎er

    #Trump is breaking ground on his 250-foot-tall “triumphal” #arch, before a review panel has approved the project.

    #DougBurgum, the #interior secretary, announced plans to start work on the site of the 250-foot-tall triumphal arch. Final approval of the project is still pending.

    #law #UrbanPlanning #DC #architecture #GreenSpace #PublicLands
    nytimes.com/2026/09/03/us/poli

  12. #SCOTUS lets #Trump continue construction on $400 million #WhiteHouse #ballroom

    The decision replaces a temporary order from Chief Justice #JohnRoberts previously issued hours before a lower-court decision halting the work would have gone into effect.

    The lawsuit will return to lower courts, but documents say that key portions of the project could be complete within months — a quick timeline.

    #law #architecture #UrbanPlanning #landmark #preservation
    apnews.com/article/trump-white

  13. Judge Reyes’ direction was delivered orally & was not included in a formal written order. A person familiar with the legal proceedings, who spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution, said the government has NOT notified the plaintiffs or the court about the recent #tree work.

    #Trump #law #EnvironmentalLaw #Congress #UrbanPlanning #GreenSpace #NaturePreservation

  14. During a May hearing in the lawsuit, brought by preservationists seeking to block the course overhaul, US District Judge Ana C. Reyes declined to stop the government from performing necessary maintenance but warned #Trump admin lawyers against presenting the #court with a fait accompli. She said she wanted advance notice before the government removed >10 #trees or brought equipment larger than a sedan onto the property.

    #law #EnvironmentalLaw #UrbanPlanning #GreenSpace #NaturePreservation

  15. #Tree removal is common in major golf course renovations, often to widen playing corridors, improve sight lines, & allow more sunlight & air to reach turf. But the #Trump #Interior Dept characterized the activity as routine maintenance & did not connect it to the proposed redesign, nor did it answer questions about whether notice of the work had been provided to the federal #court overseeing a #legal challenge to the admin’s plans.

    #law #Congress #UrbanPlanning #GreenSpace #NaturePreservation

  16. Among the most conspicuous was a #CherryTree near the 14th green of the Blue Course, one of East Potomac’s most picturesque holes, framed by cherry #trees near the southern end of Hains Point. Nearby, 2 large #sycamores had been removed around the fourth hole.

    #Trump #law #EnvironmentalLaw #Congress #UrbanPlanning #GreenSpace #NaturePreservation

  17. #Trees are coming down by the dozen as #Trump DC golf makeover nears

    Trump’s promised overhaul of the East Potomac course has not officially begun, but #tree removal has already been taking place for weeks.

    …An informal count found that >60 trees have been removed in recent weeks. Many were around the perimeter & parking lot, but others had been removed from playing corridors on the Blue, Red & White courses.

    #law #EnvironmentalLaw #Congress #UrbanPlanning #GreenSpace
    washingtonpost.com/sports/2026

  18. The latest short doco from #FrankFilms is an insightful, and depressing, look at why the rebuild of Christchurch city, NZ, after the earthquakes didn’t lead to the planned resurgence of inner city residents and communities. Spoiler: all the new inner city dwellings were built at the arrival of AirBnB into the city, and developers and landlords instead have been making lots of money renting out the properties to short-stay visitors. At the same time, there has been inaction by NZ’s national government to give our cities legislative powers to regulate the hotel-like businesses that are diluting real neighbourhoods.

    There’s definitely a lot to think about here.

    youtube.com/watch?v=ak_lZb-BpOM

    #nz #Ōtautahi #Christchurch #UrbanPlanning #AirBnB

  19. Using Geospatial Analysis and Explainable Machine Learning to Examine Risk Factors of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival Outcome
    --
    openscholar.uga.edu/record/269 <-- shared technical publication / dissertation
    --
    aag.org/award-grant/william-l- <-- shared @AAG William L. Garrison Award for Best Dissertation in Computational Geography
    --
    [again, way outside any expertise I might have, but fascinating spatial analysis use case…]
    H/T @Jielu Zhang | Postdoctoral Researcher @ Harvard University
    “[The authors] Ph.D. dissertation "Using Geospatial Analysis and Explainable Machine Learning to Examine Risk Factors of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival Outcome" [1st link above] has received the 2026 biennial William L. Garrison Award for Best Dissertation in Computational Geography from the American Association of Geographers… [2nd link above.]
    In [their] research, [they] develop[ed] Explainable GeoAI and Causal GeoAI methods that combine geographic data and artificial intelligence to expose and ameliorate health disparities by delivering models that not only predict risks but also illuminate how and where to intervene. While [their] dissertation focused on cardiovascular disease, these approaches are broadly applicable to public health, medicine, urban planning, environmental exposure, and resilience research…”
    #explainable #causal #AI #model #modeling #PublicHealth #GIS #spatial #mapping #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #AAG2026 #AAG #Award #geostatistics #Georgia #health #risk #hazard #cardiacarrest #cardiovacscular #usecase #metrics #midocine #urbanplanning #resilience #survival #OutofHospital #PhD #Dissertation #CardiacArrest #AutomatedExternalDefibrillator #SpatialOptimization #GeographicallyExplainableArtificialIntelligence #GeoAI #GeoXAI #SpatiallyAwareCausalInference #OverlayedSpatioTemporalOptimization #healthcare #medical #intervention #GIS #spatial #mappingt #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #heart #heartattack #AED #survival #survivaloutcomes #machinelearning #AI #publichealth #healthgeographers #counterfactual #explainable #deeplearning #model #modeling

  20. Als der vorletzte Bürgermeister beschloss, auf dem Marktplatz einen bodengleichen, befahrbaren Springbrunnen zu bauen, wurde das Projekt noch als „Krügers Unterbodenwäsche“ bespöttelt.
    Inzwischen haben viele gemerkt, dass eine nasse sprudelnde Betonfläche im Sommer viel besser ist als nur Beton.

    (Geschlossenes Wassersystem, man kann auch ne Bühne drauf bauen. Bäume können wegen Tiefgarage und Nutzung für große Veranstaltungen/ Konzerte nicht gepflanzt werden.)
    #urbanplanning #neubrandenburg

  21. The #Science of #SolarPunk -- why we need #GreenerCities!

    Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies

    Published: 02 July 2025
    Sayyed Kifayatullah, Zafeer Saqib, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq, Dmitry E. Kucher, Sajid Ullah & Aqil Tariq

    "Abstract:

    #UrbanGreenSpaces (#UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like #Islamabad, #Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreational, and social functions. The research also proposed sustainable strategies for managing UGS to address urban challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. The study developed a detailed spatial map of Islamabad’s UGS using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution satellite imagery. Seven typologies were categorized and analyzed, including parks, playgrounds, institutional green spaces, and waterways. Field surveys and random sampling validated the thematic maps, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.68% based on statistical metrics like Kappa coefficients. The study revealed significant disparities in UGS distribution.

    "Wealthier zones had larger, well-maintained green spaces, while denser areas lacked accessible and functional UGS. Recreational spaces, institutional greenery, and waterways played a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, urban aesthetics, and community well-being, though many remain underutilized or degraded. Institutional green spaces contributed significantly to urban sustainability, comprising 17.05 km² of the total UGS area. The research highlights UGS as an essential #NatureBasedSolution (#NBS) for addressing urban challenges like #HeatIslands, #stormwater management, and #SocialInequalities. The findings serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing cities seeking #ecological and social balance.

    [...]

    "Conclusion

    [T]his study underscores the pivotal role of UGS in fostering ecological #sustainability, social equity, and urban resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad. By leveraging GIS and high-resolution satellite imagery, the research provides a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution, typologies, and functional value of #GreenSpaces across the city. The findings reveal striking disparities, where wealthier neighborhoods enjoy better-maintained parks and green belts, while densely populated and economically underprivileged areas often lack accessible and functional green spaces. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for equitable planning and management of urban greenery.

    "The research affirms that UGS are more than aesthetic elements; they serve as vital ecological assets by regulating #UrbanMicroclimates, enhancing #biodiversity, managing stormwater, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Socially, they contribute to community well-being by offering recreation, relaxation, and physical activity spaces. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, such as the uneven distribution, poor maintenance, and underutilization of certain green spaces, which limit their potential to deliver these benefits.

    "To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating UGS into #UrbanPlanning policies to ensure #EquitableAccess for all city residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. It also highlights the value of #CommunityInvolvement in the upkeep and management of green spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local stakeholders. Sustainable funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, are proposed to ensure UGS’s regular maintenance and future expansion. Moreover, the research advocates for continued use of data-driven decision-making, leveraging GIS tools to monitor and optimize green infrastructure for long-term sustainability. While this study focuses on Zone I, expanding future research to other zones would offer a more comprehensive perspective on UGS distribution and accessibility across the entire city.

    "This research presents UGS as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle pressing urban challenges like #ClimateChange, flooding, and social inequalities, offering actionable strategies for policymakers and urban planners. While centered on Islamabad, these findings provide a valuable framework that other rapidly urbanizing cities can adapt to strike a balance between development and ecological integrity. The study reminds that sustainable cities must prioritize green spaces to ensure a livable, #equitable, and #resilient urban future."

    Full article:
    nature.com/articles/s41598-025

    #SolarPunkSunday #MoreTrees #GreenerCities #MoreGreenSpace #Microclimates #GreenInfrastructure #OpenAccess #OpenAccessJournals #LivableCities

  22. The #Science of #SolarPunk -- why we need #GreenerCities!

    Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies

    Published: 02 July 2025
    Sayyed Kifayatullah, Zafeer Saqib, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq, Dmitry E. Kucher, Sajid Ullah & Aqil Tariq

    "Abstract:

    #UrbanGreenSpaces (#UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like #Islamabad, #Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreational, and social functions. The research also proposed sustainable strategies for managing UGS to address urban challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. The study developed a detailed spatial map of Islamabad’s UGS using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution satellite imagery. Seven typologies were categorized and analyzed, including parks, playgrounds, institutional green spaces, and waterways. Field surveys and random sampling validated the thematic maps, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.68% based on statistical metrics like Kappa coefficients. The study revealed significant disparities in UGS distribution.

    "Wealthier zones had larger, well-maintained green spaces, while denser areas lacked accessible and functional UGS. Recreational spaces, institutional greenery, and waterways played a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, urban aesthetics, and community well-being, though many remain underutilized or degraded. Institutional green spaces contributed significantly to urban sustainability, comprising 17.05 km² of the total UGS area. The research highlights UGS as an essential #NatureBasedSolution (#NBS) for addressing urban challenges like #HeatIslands, #stormwater management, and #SocialInequalities. The findings serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing cities seeking #ecological and social balance.

    [...]

    "Conclusion

    [T]his study underscores the pivotal role of UGS in fostering ecological #sustainability, social equity, and urban resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad. By leveraging GIS and high-resolution satellite imagery, the research provides a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution, typologies, and functional value of #GreenSpaces across the city. The findings reveal striking disparities, where wealthier neighborhoods enjoy better-maintained parks and green belts, while densely populated and economically underprivileged areas often lack accessible and functional green spaces. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for equitable planning and management of urban greenery.

    "The research affirms that UGS are more than aesthetic elements; they serve as vital ecological assets by regulating #UrbanMicroclimates, enhancing #biodiversity, managing stormwater, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Socially, they contribute to community well-being by offering recreation, relaxation, and physical activity spaces. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, such as the uneven distribution, poor maintenance, and underutilization of certain green spaces, which limit their potential to deliver these benefits.

    "To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating UGS into #UrbanPlanning policies to ensure #EquitableAccess for all city residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. It also highlights the value of #CommunityInvolvement in the upkeep and management of green spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local stakeholders. Sustainable funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, are proposed to ensure UGS’s regular maintenance and future expansion. Moreover, the research advocates for continued use of data-driven decision-making, leveraging GIS tools to monitor and optimize green infrastructure for long-term sustainability. While this study focuses on Zone I, expanding future research to other zones would offer a more comprehensive perspective on UGS distribution and accessibility across the entire city.

    "This research presents UGS as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle pressing urban challenges like #ClimateChange, flooding, and social inequalities, offering actionable strategies for policymakers and urban planners. While centered on Islamabad, these findings provide a valuable framework that other rapidly urbanizing cities can adapt to strike a balance between development and ecological integrity. The study reminds that sustainable cities must prioritize green spaces to ensure a livable, #equitable, and #resilient urban future."

    Full article:
    nature.com/articles/s41598-025

    #SolarPunkSunday #MoreTrees #GreenerCities #MoreGreenSpace #Microclimates #GreenInfrastructure #OpenAccess #OpenAccessJournals #LivableCities

  23. The #Science of #SolarPunk -- why we need #GreenerCities!

    Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies

    Published: 02 July 2025
    Sayyed Kifayatullah, Zafeer Saqib, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq, Dmitry E. Kucher, Sajid Ullah & Aqil Tariq

    "Abstract:

    #UrbanGreenSpaces (#UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like #Islamabad, #Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreational, and social functions. The research also proposed sustainable strategies for managing UGS to address urban challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. The study developed a detailed spatial map of Islamabad’s UGS using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution satellite imagery. Seven typologies were categorized and analyzed, including parks, playgrounds, institutional green spaces, and waterways. Field surveys and random sampling validated the thematic maps, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.68% based on statistical metrics like Kappa coefficients. The study revealed significant disparities in UGS distribution.

    "Wealthier zones had larger, well-maintained green spaces, while denser areas lacked accessible and functional UGS. Recreational spaces, institutional greenery, and waterways played a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, urban aesthetics, and community well-being, though many remain underutilized or degraded. Institutional green spaces contributed significantly to urban sustainability, comprising 17.05 km² of the total UGS area. The research highlights UGS as an essential #NatureBasedSolution (#NBS) for addressing urban challenges like #HeatIslands, #stormwater management, and #SocialInequalities. The findings serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing cities seeking #ecological and social balance.

    [...]

    "Conclusion

    [T]his study underscores the pivotal role of UGS in fostering ecological #sustainability, social equity, and urban resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad. By leveraging GIS and high-resolution satellite imagery, the research provides a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution, typologies, and functional value of #GreenSpaces across the city. The findings reveal striking disparities, where wealthier neighborhoods enjoy better-maintained parks and green belts, while densely populated and economically underprivileged areas often lack accessible and functional green spaces. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for equitable planning and management of urban greenery.

    "The research affirms that UGS are more than aesthetic elements; they serve as vital ecological assets by regulating #UrbanMicroclimates, enhancing #biodiversity, managing stormwater, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Socially, they contribute to community well-being by offering recreation, relaxation, and physical activity spaces. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, such as the uneven distribution, poor maintenance, and underutilization of certain green spaces, which limit their potential to deliver these benefits.

    "To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating UGS into #UrbanPlanning policies to ensure #EquitableAccess for all city residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. It also highlights the value of #CommunityInvolvement in the upkeep and management of green spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local stakeholders. Sustainable funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, are proposed to ensure UGS’s regular maintenance and future expansion. Moreover, the research advocates for continued use of data-driven decision-making, leveraging GIS tools to monitor and optimize green infrastructure for long-term sustainability. While this study focuses on Zone I, expanding future research to other zones would offer a more comprehensive perspective on UGS distribution and accessibility across the entire city.

    "This research presents UGS as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle pressing urban challenges like #ClimateChange, flooding, and social inequalities, offering actionable strategies for policymakers and urban planners. While centered on Islamabad, these findings provide a valuable framework that other rapidly urbanizing cities can adapt to strike a balance between development and ecological integrity. The study reminds that sustainable cities must prioritize green spaces to ensure a livable, #equitable, and #resilient urban future."

    Full article:
    nature.com/articles/s41598-025

    #SolarPunkSunday #MoreTrees #GreenerCities #MoreGreenSpace #Microclimates #GreenInfrastructure #OpenAccess #OpenAccessJournals #LivableCities

  24. The #Science of #SolarPunk -- why we need #GreenerCities!

    Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies

    Published: 02 July 2025
    Sayyed Kifayatullah, Zafeer Saqib, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq, Dmitry E. Kucher, Sajid Ullah & Aqil Tariq

    "Abstract:

    #UrbanGreenSpaces (#UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like #Islamabad, #Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreational, and social functions. The research also proposed sustainable strategies for managing UGS to address urban challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. The study developed a detailed spatial map of Islamabad’s UGS using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution satellite imagery. Seven typologies were categorized and analyzed, including parks, playgrounds, institutional green spaces, and waterways. Field surveys and random sampling validated the thematic maps, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.68% based on statistical metrics like Kappa coefficients. The study revealed significant disparities in UGS distribution.

    "Wealthier zones had larger, well-maintained green spaces, while denser areas lacked accessible and functional UGS. Recreational spaces, institutional greenery, and waterways played a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, urban aesthetics, and community well-being, though many remain underutilized or degraded. Institutional green spaces contributed significantly to urban sustainability, comprising 17.05 km² of the total UGS area. The research highlights UGS as an essential #NatureBasedSolution (#NBS) for addressing urban challenges like #HeatIslands, #stormwater management, and #SocialInequalities. The findings serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing cities seeking #ecological and social balance.

    [...]

    "Conclusion

    [T]his study underscores the pivotal role of UGS in fostering ecological #sustainability, social equity, and urban resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad. By leveraging GIS and high-resolution satellite imagery, the research provides a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution, typologies, and functional value of #GreenSpaces across the city. The findings reveal striking disparities, where wealthier neighborhoods enjoy better-maintained parks and green belts, while densely populated and economically underprivileged areas often lack accessible and functional green spaces. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for equitable planning and management of urban greenery.

    "The research affirms that UGS are more than aesthetic elements; they serve as vital ecological assets by regulating #UrbanMicroclimates, enhancing #biodiversity, managing stormwater, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Socially, they contribute to community well-being by offering recreation, relaxation, and physical activity spaces. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, such as the uneven distribution, poor maintenance, and underutilization of certain green spaces, which limit their potential to deliver these benefits.

    "To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating UGS into #UrbanPlanning policies to ensure #EquitableAccess for all city residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. It also highlights the value of #CommunityInvolvement in the upkeep and management of green spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local stakeholders. Sustainable funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, are proposed to ensure UGS’s regular maintenance and future expansion. Moreover, the research advocates for continued use of data-driven decision-making, leveraging GIS tools to monitor and optimize green infrastructure for long-term sustainability. While this study focuses on Zone I, expanding future research to other zones would offer a more comprehensive perspective on UGS distribution and accessibility across the entire city.

    "This research presents UGS as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle pressing urban challenges like #ClimateChange, flooding, and social inequalities, offering actionable strategies for policymakers and urban planners. While centered on Islamabad, these findings provide a valuable framework that other rapidly urbanizing cities can adapt to strike a balance between development and ecological integrity. The study reminds that sustainable cities must prioritize green spaces to ensure a livable, #equitable, and #resilient urban future."

    Full article:
    nature.com/articles/s41598-025

    #SolarPunkSunday #MoreTrees #GreenerCities #MoreGreenSpace #Microclimates #GreenInfrastructure #OpenAccess #OpenAccessJournals #LivableCities

  25. The #Science of #SolarPunk -- why we need #GreenerCities!

    Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies

    Published: 02 July 2025
    Sayyed Kifayatullah, Zafeer Saqib, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq, Dmitry E. Kucher, Sajid Ullah & Aqil Tariq

    "Abstract:

    #UrbanGreenSpaces (#UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like #Islamabad, #Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreational, and social functions. The research also proposed sustainable strategies for managing UGS to address urban challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. The study developed a detailed spatial map of Islamabad’s UGS using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution satellite imagery. Seven typologies were categorized and analyzed, including parks, playgrounds, institutional green spaces, and waterways. Field surveys and random sampling validated the thematic maps, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.68% based on statistical metrics like Kappa coefficients. The study revealed significant disparities in UGS distribution.

    "Wealthier zones had larger, well-maintained green spaces, while denser areas lacked accessible and functional UGS. Recreational spaces, institutional greenery, and waterways played a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, urban aesthetics, and community well-being, though many remain underutilized or degraded. Institutional green spaces contributed significantly to urban sustainability, comprising 17.05 km² of the total UGS area. The research highlights UGS as an essential #NatureBasedSolution (#NBS) for addressing urban challenges like #HeatIslands, #stormwater management, and #SocialInequalities. The findings serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing cities seeking #ecological and social balance.

    [...]

    "Conclusion

    [T]his study underscores the pivotal role of UGS in fostering ecological #sustainability, social equity, and urban resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad. By leveraging GIS and high-resolution satellite imagery, the research provides a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution, typologies, and functional value of #GreenSpaces across the city. The findings reveal striking disparities, where wealthier neighborhoods enjoy better-maintained parks and green belts, while densely populated and economically underprivileged areas often lack accessible and functional green spaces. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for equitable planning and management of urban greenery.

    "The research affirms that UGS are more than aesthetic elements; they serve as vital ecological assets by regulating #UrbanMicroclimates, enhancing #biodiversity, managing stormwater, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Socially, they contribute to community well-being by offering recreation, relaxation, and physical activity spaces. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, such as the uneven distribution, poor maintenance, and underutilization of certain green spaces, which limit their potential to deliver these benefits.

    "To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating UGS into #UrbanPlanning policies to ensure #EquitableAccess for all city residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. It also highlights the value of #CommunityInvolvement in the upkeep and management of green spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local stakeholders. Sustainable funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, are proposed to ensure UGS’s regular maintenance and future expansion. Moreover, the research advocates for continued use of data-driven decision-making, leveraging GIS tools to monitor and optimize green infrastructure for long-term sustainability. While this study focuses on Zone I, expanding future research to other zones would offer a more comprehensive perspective on UGS distribution and accessibility across the entire city.

    "This research presents UGS as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle pressing urban challenges like #ClimateChange, flooding, and social inequalities, offering actionable strategies for policymakers and urban planners. While centered on Islamabad, these findings provide a valuable framework that other rapidly urbanizing cities can adapt to strike a balance between development and ecological integrity. The study reminds that sustainable cities must prioritize green spaces to ensure a livable, #equitable, and #resilient urban future."

    Full article:
    nature.com/articles/s41598-025

    #SolarPunkSunday #MoreTrees #GreenerCities #MoreGreenSpace #Microclimates #GreenInfrastructure #OpenAccess #OpenAccessJournals #LivableCities

  26. Raleigh’s Next Wave of Development: What RTP 3.0, Downtown South, and the Depot Historic District Could Mean for Affordability in the Triangle

    Raleigh is entering another major chapter of growth. Several high-profile development projects are moving forward that could reshape how people live, work, and spend time throughout the Triangle.

    Supporters see these projects as investments that will bring new jobs, housing, entertainment, and public spaces. Critics, however, worry that continued redevelopment and rising property values could accelerate gentrification and make Raleigh even less affordable for longtime residents.

    Here’s a look at three major projects that could influence the future of Raleigh.

    RTP 3.0: Reimagining Research Triangle Park

    Research Triangle Park is preparing for its next evolution through a long-term planning initiative known as RTP 3.0.

    The initiative is designed to transform the traditional office park into a more connected community by exploring:

    • Additional housing options
    • Walkable neighborhoods
    • Mixed-use development
    • Public gathering spaces
    • Improved transportation connections

    While detailed development plans have not yet been released, RTP leaders say the goal is to create an environment where people can live, work, and socialize without relying entirely on cars.

    Residents interested in learning more can attend the RTP 3.0 Lunch & Learn: Reimagine the Park on August 13.

    Potential Impact

    If successful, RTP 3.0 could diversify housing choices near one of the nation’s largest employment centers. However, increased demand around RTP may also place additional pressure on housing prices throughout Wake and Durham counties if affordability is not prioritized.

    Depot Historic District: Blending History with Modern Development

    Downtown Raleigh’s historic Depot area is also preparing for significant investment.

    Plans include:

    • A 170-room boutique hotel
    • More than 30,000 square feet of street-level retail
    • Outdoor gathering areas
    • Public plazas
    • Pedestrian-friendly connections between the Raleigh Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater
    • Preservation of the historic 1912 Depot building

    Developers say the project will strengthen downtown tourism while preserving an important piece of Raleigh’s history.

    Potential Impact

    The Depot Historic District could become another destination for visitors and residents alike, increasing foot traffic and economic activity. At the same time, nearby property values and commercial rents could continue to rise, raising concerns for existing small businesses and neighboring communities.

    Downtown South Returns

    After years of delays, Downtown South is once again moving forward.

    The proposed mixed-use development near Dorothea Dix Park would include:

    • New residential housing
    • Office space
    • Retail and restaurants
    • Entertainment venues
    • Public gathering spaces
    • A new soccer stadium associated with the ownership group of the NC Courage

    If construction begins, the project would dramatically reshape southern downtown Raleigh and create an entirely new urban district.

    Potential Impact

    Downtown South has the potential to generate significant economic activity and attract new businesses. However, nearby neighborhoods could also experience increasing housing costs and redevelopment pressures as investment expands beyond downtown.

    What Does This Mean for Housing Affordability?

    Large mixed-use developments often bring new housing, jobs, and amenities that strengthen a city’s economy. However, without a substantial supply of housing at a range of price points, increased demand can contribute to higher home prices and rents.

    Some residents have expressed concern that continued redevelopment in Raleigh is accelerating gentrification and making it more difficult for longtime residents to remain in their neighborhoods. Others argue that adding more housing through projects like these can help accommodate growth over time.

    The ultimate impact on affordability will depend on several factors, including:

    • The amount and type of housing ultimately built
    • Whether affordable housing is included
    • Local zoning and land-use policies
    • Regional population growth
    • Infrastructure and transit investments

    As these projects continue to evolve, they are likely to remain central topics in conversations about Raleigh’s future.

    The Bottom Line

    Raleigh continues to attract new residents, employers, and investment at a rapid pace. Projects like RTP 3.0, the Depot Historic District, and Downtown South represent significant opportunities for economic growth and urban transformation.

    At the same time, they raise important questions about affordability, neighborhood preservation, and how the city balances growth with the needs of current residents.

    As plans become more detailed, DoRaleigh.com will continue following these developments and what they could mean for the future of the Triangle.

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    Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro |

    #DepotHistoricDistrict #DevelopmentNews #DoRaleigh #DorotheaDixPark #downtownRaleigh #DowntownSouth #economicDevelopment #Gentrification #Housing #HousingAffordability #MixedUseDevelopment #NCCourage #News #RaleighDevelopment #RaleighNews #RaleighRealEstate #ResearchTrianglePark #RTP30 #TriangleNC #TriangleNews #urbanPlanning #WakeCounty
  27. Urbanists.video is a PeerTube video server for everyone interested in walkable, livable places who wants to watch or publish videos about them.

    This PeerTube server is currently accepting new members who can upload videos, click "Request an account" on the server's website to sign up.

    :Fediverse: urbanists.video

    You can find out more at urbanists.video/about/instance or contact the admins @alex & @mattcaff

    #FeaturedServer #Urbanism #Urbanists #Cities #CityPlanning #UrbanPlanning #PeerTube

  28. दिल्ली में 6 लेन की द्वारका टनल को मंजूरी; पीएम मोदी की अगुवाई में केंद्रीय कैबिनेट बैठक।

    aliyesha.com/sub/articles/news

    #Delhi #DwarkaTunnel #PMOIndia #UrbanPlanning #NHAI #DNDFlyway #ModiGovernment #SmartCityDelhi #Transportation #News

    Enjoy tracker free reading with us. #privacy #privacymatters

  29. On March 4, days after the start of the #war with #Iran, #Trump personally negotiated the price of concrete [?!?!] to be provided by one of Clark’s wholly owned subsidiaries, according to a summary of the terms that notes his involvement. The summary indicates the price, initially more than $47 million, dropped $2.3 million during the negotiation.

    #law #EastWing #ballroom #TaxPayersMoney #GovernmentWaste #oversight #UrbanPlanning #architecture

  30. After signing the #EastWing contract, Clark officials notified the White House that the company planned to award #NoBid deals to at least 11 subcontractors for demolition, abatement, excavation, fencing & other services, according to copies of correspondence obtained by The Post. Two of those subcontractors are Clark subsidiaries.

    #Trump #law #ballroom #TaxPayersMoney #GovernmentWaste #oversight #landmark #UShistory #UrbanPlanning #architecture

  31. The role of the Executive Residence “does not include maintenance or repair involving structural building elements or major utility systems for those areas, which are handled by GSA or NPS,” acc/to the memorandum, which expires in 2029.

    …Clark’s internal construction cost estimates rose from $200 million in July 2025 to $600 million by March 2026, WaPo previously reported.

    #Trump #law #EastWing #ballroom #TaxPayersMoney #GovernmentWaste #oversight #landmark #UrbanPlanning #architecture

  32. The #EastWing contract is the latest example of the admin turning to #NoBid deals to hasten a Trump-style makeover [ick — Mar-a-Lago face] of the nation’s capital, which has included handpicking firms to upgrade #LafayetteSquare next to the #WhiteHouse & to “renovate” the Lincoln Memorial #ReflectingPool.

    #Trump #law #ballroom #TaxPayersMoney #GovernmentWaste #oversight #landmark #UShistory #UrbanPlanning #architecture

  33. The confidential contract with Clark Construction, along with related correspondence & records obtained by The Post, reveal for the first time how the #Trump admin bypassed norms last summer as it set the #ballroom project in motion.
    
Records also show that Trump was directly involved in [badly] negotiating some costs for the #EastWing project.

    #law #TaxPayersMoney #GovernmentWaste #oversight #landmark #UShistory #UrbanPlanning #architecture

  34. The #WhiteHouse routed the contract through the Executive Residence, the document shows, an office that is exempt from rules that require federal agencies to solicit competitive bids & disclose details to the public. The office is typically responsible for routine repairs, entertainment expenses, & the purchase of furniture, art & other items for the executive mansion.

    #Trump #law #EastWing #ballroom #TaxPayersMoney #GovernmentWaste #oversight #landmark #UShistory #UrbanPlanning #architecture

  35. #WhiteHouse officials last year secretly awarded a #NoBid contract worth up to $500 million for the construction of the #EastWing #ballroom in an unusual arrangement that sidestepped typical contracting procedures designed to control costs, acc/to a copy of the agreement obtained by WaPo.

    #Trump #law #TaxPayersMoney #GovernmentWaste #oversight #landmark #UShistory #UrbanPlanning #architecture

  36. Sidewalk Nation: The Life and Law of America's Most Overlooked Resource

    Michael Pollack

    (Harvard University Press, 2026)

    "An illuminating ramble along the American sidewalk: routinely unnoticed, yet central to daily life, neighborhood vitality, and significant legal controversies.

    Public infrastructure is as essential to our communities as it is easily overlooked. A case in point is the humble sidewalk: constantly taken for granted, yet linked to nearly every pressing issue of local governance in urban, suburban, and even rural areas. From commerce, taxes, and property rights to policing, homelessness, and surveillance; from free speech and socioeconomic equity to public health and climate resilience—sidewalks, surprisingly, are at the core of numerous major debates.

    Sidewalk Nation offers a vivid travelogue spanning more than a dozen cities and towns across the United States to show how diverse communities are grappling with big challenges. Some are prosaic, if critical: How do we ensure that sidewalks facilitate mobility for disabled people? Whose job is it to clear snow from public space? And some touch on the most profound issues in law, including our rights under the First and Fourth Amendments. While traversing the country, Michael Pollack provides expert insight into the property, tax, and zoning laws that shape sidewalk management and land use more broadly. Offering a holistic vision for improving a vital resource, Pollack argues for reforms to ensure that local governments have both the obligation and the funding needed to give due attention to sidewalks and all that they offer.

    Whether elected officials, civil servants, engineers, developers, or voters, everyone has a stake in the question of where sidewalks should be placed and how they should be used. Indeed, as Sidewalk Nation makes clear, what’s under our feet should be at the front of our minds..."

    google.pt/books/edition/Sidewa

    #Cities #Urbanism #Sidewalks #Mobility #UrbanPlanning

  37. Geospatial Analysis of Urban Population Model Discrepancies Through Land Use and the Built Environment - A Case Study of Croatia
    --
    doi.org/10.3390/geographies602 <-- shared paper
    --
    H/T Olga Bjelotomić Oršulić
    “Using official Croatian census data as a reference, [the researchers] analysed three global population datasets across seven Croatian cities to investigate how population allocation differs between built-up and non-built-up areas.
    Although the datasets often produced similar population totals, their spatial allocation differed substantially. GHS-POP concentrated over 1 million more inhabitants within built-up areas, while WorldPop allocated approximately 290,000 more inhabitants to non-built-up land-cover classes, demonstrating how similar population totals can mask substantial differences in spatial population patterns.
    The question is not only how many people are estimated, but also where the model places them…”
    #GIS #spatial #mapping #gridded #population #urban #dataanalysis #shrinkingcities #census #censusvalidation #WorldPop #GHSPOP #GPWv4 #builtupareas #sustainability #SDG #casestudy #Croatia #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #populationdecline #demographics #urbanplanning #planning #city #cities #PopulationData #RemoteSensing #UrbanAnalytics #OpenData #SDG #model #modeling #urbanisation #density #QGIS #landcover
    @MDPI

  38. Geospatial Analysis of Urban Population Model Discrepancies Through Land Use and the Built Environment - A Case Study of Croatia
    --
    doi.org/10.3390/geographies602 <-- shared paper
    --
    H/T Olga Bjelotomić Oršulić
    “Using official Croatian census data as a reference, [the researchers] analysed three global population datasets across seven Croatian cities to investigate how population allocation differs between built-up and non-built-up areas.
    Although the datasets often produced similar population totals, their spatial allocation differed substantially. GHS-POP concentrated over 1 million more inhabitants within built-up areas, while WorldPop allocated approximately 290,000 more inhabitants to non-built-up land-cover classes, demonstrating how similar population totals can mask substantial differences in spatial population patterns.
    The question is not only how many people are estimated, but also where the model places them…”
    #GIS #spatial #mapping #gridded #population #urban #dataanalysis #shrinkingcities #census #censusvalidation #WorldPop #GHSPOP #GPWv4 #builtupareas #sustainability #SDG #casestudy #Croatia #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #populationdecline #demographics #urbanplanning #planning #city #cities #PopulationData #RemoteSensing #UrbanAnalytics #OpenData #SDG #model #modeling #urbanisation #density #QGIS #landcover
    @MDPI