Research

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19 pages, 1361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transformative Potential of Vertical Farming—An Urban Planning Investigation Using Multi-Level Perspective

by Jost Buscher, Julija Bakunowitsch and Kathrin Specht

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 15861; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215861 - 11 Nov 2023

Viewed by 2612

Due to different global trends, such as climate change and urbanization, challenges to the food supply in cities have become more permanent. As a new form of efficient and climate-resilient food production, vertical farming addresses these challenges but is not yet fully embedded [...] Read more.

Due to different global trends, such as climate change and urbanization, challenges to the food supply in cities have become more permanent. As a new form of efficient and climate-resilient food production, vertical farming addresses these challenges but is not yet fully embedded in the context of urban planning. Thus, from the perspective of urban planning, this investigation aims to assess the potential of vertical farming in the context of large-scale transformation. Therefore, this paper uses the multi-level perspective. In this context, vertical farming is a so-called niche innovation at a lower level that forces establishment in the superordinate regime—here, urban planning. By using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOTs) methodology, this paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of vertical farming, as well as its implications for urban planning. A final comparison of these aspects leads to six conditions paired with recommendations, which are considered necessary for the successful stabilization of this niche innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning for Urban Sustainability Transitions)

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19 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Outgrowing the Private Car—Learnings from a Mobility-as-a-Service Intervention in Greater Copenhagen

by Malene Freudendal-Pedersen, Malene Rudolf Lindberg, Katrine Hartmann-Petersen and Toke Haunstrup Christensen

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13187; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713187 - 01 Sep 2023

Viewed by 893

Abstract

This article discusses the potentials of reorienting traditional rational transport planning towards a mobilities approach that includes social perspectives of practices in everyday lives. Empirically, the discussion is based on results from a MaaS intervention project in two urban areas and one sub-urban [...] Read more.

This article discusses the potentials of reorienting traditional rational transport planning towards a mobilities approach that includes social perspectives of practices in everyday lives. Empirically, the discussion is based on results from a MaaS intervention project in two urban areas and one sub-urban area in Greater Copenhagen. This article argues that attention to context, experience, storytelling, identity, and inequality are fundamental in changing interlocked, non-sustainable practices. Achieving a sustainable transformation of transportation, including promoting shared mobility and MaaS solutions as alternatives to private car use, requires a holistic view of the role and organization of everyday mobilities as more than just a technological issue. This article concludes that MaaS has the potential to be a strong tool, but technologies and short experiments are not enough. New MaaS solutions need time to implement, and relying on the free market as a way forward is potentially problematic when this can lead to mobility inequalities between different areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning for Urban Sustainability Transitions)

22 pages, 3213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Evaluation of the High-Quality Development of the Ecological and Economic Belt along the Yellow River in Ningxia

by Chaochao Li, Wenfa Peng, Xiaojing Shen, Jingchao Gu, Yadong Zhang and Mingyang Li

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11486; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511486 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 929

Abstract

The measurement of high-quality economic development and regional research plays a crucial role in achieving ecologically led high-quality development. This paper aims to establish a comprehensive evaluation index system for the high-quality level of development in Ningxia’s Yellow River ecological and economic zone, [...] Read more.

The measurement of high-quality economic development and regional research plays a crucial role in achieving ecologically led high-quality development. This paper aims to establish a comprehensive evaluation index system for the high-quality level of development in Ningxia’s Yellow River ecological and economic zone, focusing on five dimensions: innovation, coordination, green, openness, and shared. By employing a factor analysis, this study estimates the level of high-quality development along the Yellow River Ecological Economic Belt in Ningxia for the year 2020. A multi-index panel data factor analysis and entropy weight TOPSIS method are employed to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of high-quality development across 10 counties from 2014 to 2020. The empirical findings reveal that, in 2020, the overall level of high-quality development in the region remained relatively low. Among the contributing factors, shared and coordinated development demonstrated the highest impact on high-quality development, while open, green, and innovative development showed limited influence. Only Xingqing District, Litong District, and Helan County in the 10 counties have a composite factor score of greater than 0 on the level of economic development, while the other 7 counties have a composite score of less than 0. The study also identified a significant spatial heterogeneity in the quality of high-quality development along Ningxia’s Yellow River Ecological Economic Belt. Through a cluster analysis, the regions along the Yellow River Ecological Economic Belt in Ningxia are classified into categories of high, medium, and low levels of quality development. Over the period from 2014 to 2020, each county exhibited a steady increase in high-quality development, while the differences in development levels among the 10 counties gradually diminished. Based on these findings, practical suggestions are provided to guide Ningxia in leading the path of high-quality development through ecological civilization construction along the Yellow River ecological economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning for Urban Sustainability Transitions)

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16 pages, 2816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Urban Planning Standards in Improving Lifestyle in a Sustainable System

by Abdullah Addas

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9171; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129171 - 06 Jun 2023

Viewed by 2406

Abstract

The current study aims to propose urban planning standards and urban sustainability transitions to improve the living quality in a sustainable residential area. The planning of urban standards plays a vital role in improving the quality of living in any city. We present [...] Read more.

The current study aims to propose urban planning standards and urban sustainability transitions to improve the living quality in a sustainable residential area. The planning of urban standards plays a vital role in improving the quality of living in any city. We present the intensity of land exploitation per inhabitant and the social infrastructure to determine a reasonable relationship between the housing development and the green spaces, type of services and indicators by considering the minimum requirement in establishing new sustainable systems and infrastructures. The research provides an in-depth analysis of urbanization developments through various indicators and addresses the exploitation of land use and the future of neighborhoods. New indicators have been developed, which include: the demographic indicators of demand for basic educational infrastructure depending on the current forecast; indicators to determine the exact space required for new infrastructure; academic indicators for each age group (i.e., nursery, preschool, junior and senior); and the minimum required urban green spaces (i.e., public parks, recreational areas and housing developments). The paper compares the proposed required areas and the standard area requirement according to the number of residents per hectare. It also considers the weighted average number of stories to the shared area in a plot. The research also develops a relationship between the proposed development intensity and the percentage share in the plot area, which provides the built-up area and the green area with leisure facilities. Then, we present the share in the plot area, calculated according to current indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning for Urban Sustainability Transitions)

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20 pages, 2951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plenty of Planning, Scanty Guidance: Evaluating the Implementation Degree of the General Master Plan in the City of Tampere, Finland

by Kaisu Kuusela and Jenni Partanen

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15197; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215197 - 16 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1455

Abstract

Digitalizing cities has become increasingly complex and difficult to control despite advanced computational tools. The comprehension of emergent, dynamic agent–pattern interaction is limited. Studies show that the implementation of large-scale plans occasionally fails to meet expectations due to uncertainty in urban actor processes [...] Read more.

Digitalizing cities has become increasingly complex and difficult to control despite advanced computational tools. The comprehension of emergent, dynamic agent–pattern interaction is limited. Studies show that the implementation of large-scale plans occasionally fails to meet expectations due to uncertainty in urban actor processes and institutions. Theories of complexity and resilience reflecting urban unpredictability and non-equilibrium enable understanding and planning methods for guiding actors. We explored empirically via close reading and spatial analyses the ability of the traditional master planning instrument to steer the actor allocation in Tampere, Finland. The plan apparently failed to appropriately guide the actors, who formed self-organizing patterns colliding with the planning aims enabled by deviations and lower-level planning instruments. The planning mode was either enabling or reactive. We recognized three types of self-organization: single-point attraction, emergent type, and location-based self-organization. Self-organization was the major force behind urban transition. Only certain large-scale projects in the city center somewhat complied with the planning aims, however through negotiations. We proposed planning solutions encouraging and guiding self-organizing patterns by recognizing complexity in strategies, and with loose plans, constant monitoring, correcting, and experimenting in planning. The results participate in building more general knowledge of planning considering self-organizing urban dynamics and provide applications for urban planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning for Urban Sustainability Transitions)

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19 pages, 7715 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multi-Scenario Simulation of Ecosystem Service Value in Wuhan Metropolitan Area Based on PLUS-GMOP Model

by Leizhou Zhu and Yaping Huang

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13604; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013604 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1634

Abstract

Rapid construction and development activities in large urban areas have significantly impacted land use and land cover (LULC). They have brought great pressure to urban sustainable development. Current studies have shown that changes in LULC structure significantly affect regional ecosystem service functions but [...] Read more.

Rapid construction and development activities in large urban areas have significantly impacted land use and land cover (LULC). They have brought great pressure to urban sustainable development. Current studies have shown that changes in LULC structure significantly affect regional ecosystem service functions but lack the sufficient scientific basis to provide reasonable strategies for the future development of urban areas. Based on land use and related data for the Wuhan metropolitan area (WMA) in 2000, 2010, and 2020, in this study, we construct a land use and ecosystem service value (ESV) simulation method based on a coupled PLUS-GMOP (patch generation land use simulation and grey multi-objective optimization) model and find that the changes in LULC structure from 2000 to 2020 are mainly reflected in the decrease in farmland and water area and the increase in built-up land, which are spatially reflected in Wuhan city center and other surrounding urban centers. The ESV also exhibits a slight increase and then a significant decrease, and a consistent overall pattern of high in the west and low in the east. By presupposing three scenarios for 2030 (ND, natural development; EFD, ecological first development; EECD, ecological and economic coordinated development), the analysis shows that although the ecological service value is still decreasing, the EECD scenario achieves a relatively high economic value (+90.134 billion yuan) by losing less ecological service value (0.27 million yuan) than EFD, which is the development model advocated in this study. The PLUS-GMOP coupling model proposed in this study provides a scientific reference for coordinating regional economic development and ecological protection in large cities, and provides a new technical path for metropolitan area sustainable development and planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning for Urban Sustainability Transitions)

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Review

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13 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Decade of Climate Action and the Mission towards Climate Neutrality and Adaptation in European Cities: Delivering Urban Transformations?

by Ana Corrêa do Lago, Teresa Sánchez Chaparro and Julio Lumbreras

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16665; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416665 - 08 Dec 2023

Viewed by 598

Abstract

Climate action in cities is increasingly recognized as of strategic importance to accomplish the global governance of climate change. In Europe, cities are adopting a “mission approach” to accelerate urban transformations and reach climate neutrality targets by 2030. While the “Mission” unfolds, it [...] Read more.

Climate action in cities is increasingly recognized as of strategic importance to accomplish the global governance of climate change. In Europe, cities are adopting a “mission approach” to accelerate urban transformations and reach climate neutrality targets by 2030. While the “Mission” unfolds, it is worth acknowledging that in the last decade, cities in Europe have engaged in climate action. Through a selection of empirical case studies, this review examines the main governance approaches that have been used to analyze the implementation of transformative adaptation and mitigation measures in the Global North. This approach aims to respond to the gap between policy rhetoric of urban transformations and the realities of on-the-ground implementation. This systematic literature review asks the following question: what are the challenges and key success factors amongst the governance approaches that have informed the implementation of transformative climate agendas in cities of the Global North? The findings cover conceptual approaches to analyze the governance of urban transformations, and cases illustrate the challenges in mainstreaming climate action, even in cities that are environmental champions. The need to strengthen collaborations to deliver transformative interventions is raised, while the authors also caution about power imbalances in network governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning for Urban Sustainability Transitions)

21 pages, 3236 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Examining the Role of Innovative Streets in Enhancing Urban Mobility and Livability for Sustainable Urban Transition: A Review

by Jin Rui and Frank Othengrafen

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 5709; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075709 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4848

Abstract

As an essential component of urban public spaces, urban streets play a crucial role in shaping cities and promoting urban sustainability. This article focuses on innovative streets as a catalyst for sustainable urban transition. It reviews the theoretical discussions, and empirical evidence on [...] Read more.

As an essential component of urban public spaces, urban streets play a crucial role in shaping cities and promoting urban sustainability. This article focuses on innovative streets as a catalyst for sustainable urban transition. It reviews the theoretical discussions, and empirical evidence on innovative planning approaches for urban streets. For that purpose, measures related to innovative streets are divided into two broad categories: urban mobility and urban livability. The results indicate that integrating smart street facilities with the Internet of Things (IoT), adopting a combination of grid and radial street networks, and fostering a safe street environment are vital in promoting urban mobility. Conversely, a walkable, rideable, and human-oriented street environment enhances social interaction and urban livability. The street’s dual function as a commuting and social space highlights the interplay between rising mobility and intensive street usage, leading to competition for street space. To mitigate these conflicts and advance sustainable urban transitions, enhancing street safety, reducing disparities in planning and user behavior, and accommodating the needs of all street users is crucial. Overall, the evidence supports the contribution of streets to sustainable urban transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning for Urban Sustainability Transitions)

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