Land | Special Issue : Reflecting on the Future of the Built Environment

Research

22 pages, 6994 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Decision-Making for Dense Built Environments: The Logic Scoring of Preference Method for 3D Suitability Analysis

by Kendra Munn, Suzana Dragićević and Rob Feick

Land 2022, 11(3), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11030443 - 19 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2442

Abstract

As many urban areas undergo increasing densification, there is a growing need for methods that can extend spatial analysis and decision-making for three-dimensional (3D) environments. Traditional multicriteria evaluation (MCE) methods implemented within geographic information systems (GIS) can assist in spatial decision-making but are [...] Read more.

As many urban areas undergo increasing densification, there is a growing need for methods that can extend spatial analysis and decision-making for three-dimensional (3D) environments. Traditional multicriteria evaluation (MCE) methods implemented within geographic information systems (GIS) can assist in spatial decision-making but are rarely suited for 3D environments. These methods typically use a simplified decision logic that limits the number of evaluation criteria and variability of output suitability scores. In this study, the logic scoring of preference (LSP) as a generalized MCE method is used for 3D suitability analysis to better represent human reasoning through flexible soft computing stepwise decision logic operators. This research: (1) implements the LSP–MCE method to compare the suitability of high-rise residential units in 3D, and (2) performs criteria weight sensitivity and cost–suitability analyses using datasets for the City of Vancouver, Canada. LSP aggregation structures are developed for unique priorities and requirements of three demographic profiles. The results demonstrate the method’s flexibility in representing unique preference sets comprising 2D and 3D criteria, and that cost has a significant effect on residential unit attractiveness in a dense built environment. The proposed 3D LSP–MCE method could be adapted to benefit other stakeholders, such as property tax assessors, urban planners, and developers. Full article

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23 pages, 2748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Economic Valuation of Urban Green Spaces across a Socioeconomic Gradient: A South African Case Study

by Louis Gerhardus Lategan, Zene Steynberg, Elizelle Juanee Cilliers and Sarel Stephanus Cilliers

Land 2022, 11(3), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11030413 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4955

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGSs) may present economic contributions through increases in proximate property values, encapsulated in the proximity principle (PP). More data on the PP is required from the Global South, where the quality and equitable distribution of UGSs are important considerations. This [...] Read more.

Urban green spaces (UGSs) may present economic contributions through increases in proximate property values, encapsulated in the proximity principle (PP). More data on the PP is required from the Global South, where the quality and equitable distribution of UGSs are important considerations. This paper investigates the PP in Potchefstroom, South Africa following a quantitative approach, by statistically analyzing municipal property valuations in three districts differentiated according to their socioeconomic status (SES). Districts are divided into sample areas where three zones are demarcated according to their proximity to a UGS. The results show that property valuations are generally higher for properties in closer proximity to UGSs in lower- and higher-income samples, but are lower in middle-income areas. Neighborhood characteristics and SES, UGS amenity and maintenance, ecosystem services and disservices, domestic garden area and residential property size may be connected to the confirmation or rejection of the PP. The rejection of the PP in middle-income areas indicates a need to improve public UGSs as amenity destinations. The results confirming the PP in low-income areas could incentivize expenditures to improve UGS area and quality to increase the willingness to pay for proximity to such spaces and, reciprocally, increase revenue from municipal property taxes. Full article

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13 pages, 425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Urban Biodiversity: A Theory of Planned Behavior Study of the Factors Influencing Real Estate Actors’ Intention to Use Nature-Inclusive Design and Construction Concepts

by Mariët A. van Haaster-de Winter, Marijke W. C. Dijkshoorn-Dekker, Thomas J. M. Mattijssen and Nico B. P. Polman

Land 2022, 11(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11020199 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3516

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an exploration into the adoption of biodiversity-friendly practices by the real estate sector, by researching which factors determine companies’ intentions to use nature-inclusive design and construction concepts (NID). NID represents practices in which nature and building are [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of an exploration into the adoption of biodiversity-friendly practices by the real estate sector, by researching which factors determine companies’ intentions to use nature-inclusive design and construction concepts (NID). NID represents practices in which nature and building are inextricably linked when (re)designing building projects. We applied the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), a well-known framework for studying behavior. A telephone survey was carried out among 103 employees at different types of companies in the real estate sector. The findings showed that attitude, social norms, and perceived behavioral control are all significant explanatory variables for the intention of using NID. Perceived behavioral control is the strongest predictor. In addition, interest in NID strengthens the predictive value of perceived behavioral control. The empirical findings in this study serve as a first attempt to provide insights into the determinants of behavior in favor of using NID and, by extension, looking for drivers for change. The study was carried out in the Netherlands, but the results may be applicable or interesting to other countries as well when looking for opportunities to enhance biodiversity in urban areas or considering how the real estate sector could give substance to their vital role in spatial developments. Full article

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24 pages, 6988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using “Live” Public Sector Projects in Design Teaching to Transform Urban Green Infrastructure in South Africa

by Christina Breed and Helge Mehrtens

Land 2022, 11(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11010045 - 29 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3177

Abstract

Urban green infrastructure is not acknowledged in the Global South for the critical social and ecological functions it can provide. Contextual design solutions and innovative approaches are urgently needed to transform the status quo. University-local government collaboration could be a way to encourage [...] Read more.

Urban green infrastructure is not acknowledged in the Global South for the critical social and ecological functions it can provide. Contextual design solutions and innovative approaches are urgently needed to transform the status quo. University-local government collaboration could be a way to encourage new thinking, new roles and design skills to develop solutions to these complex problems. This paper presents a case study analysis of such a collaboration. Qualitative research was conducted to establish the degree to which the exposure to real-life projects stimulates postgraduate design students’ transformative learning. The researchers also inquired into the benefits of the collaboration for the municipality. The participants’ reflections were recorded by means of anonymous questionnaires. The findings show that the live project created a municipal setting for seeking alternative solutions in design processes and outcomes. For the students, the project created rich social dynamics and an interplay of familiarity and uncertainty, which aided transformative learning. The students’ deeper learning indicates greater social empathy, reconsidering the role of the profession, greater design process flexibility, and learning and valuing skills across disciplines. The findings hold promise for a more just and sustainable future built environment through collaborations that transform the design professionals involved, the outcomes they pursue, and the processes they follow. Full article

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11 pages, 1649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Approach for the Assessment of Cities through Ecosystem Integrity

by Ian MacGregor-Fors, Ina Falfán, Michelle García-Arroyo, Richard Lemoine-Rodríguez, Miguel A. Gómez-Martínez, Oscar H. Marín-Gómez, Octavio Pérez-Maqueo and Miguel Equihua

Land 2022, 11(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11010003 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4072

Abstract

To tackle urban heterogeneity and complexity, several indices have been proposed, commonly aiming to provide information for decision-makers. In this study, we propose a novel and customizable procedure for quantifying urban ecosystem integrity. Based on a citywide approach, we developed an easy-to-use index [...] Read more.

To tackle urban heterogeneity and complexity, several indices have been proposed, commonly aiming to provide information for decision-makers. In this study, we propose a novel and customizable procedure for quantifying urban ecosystem integrity. Based on a citywide approach, we developed an easy-to-use index that contrasts physical and biological variables of urban ecosystems with a given reference system. The Urban Ecosystem Integrity Index (UEII) is the sum of the averages from the variables that make up its intensity of urbanization and biological components. We applied the UEII in a Mexican tropical city using land surface temperature, built cover, and the richness of native plants and birds. The overall ecosystem integrity of the city, having montane cloud, tropical dry, and temperate forests as reference systems, was low (−0.34 ± SD 0.32), showing that, beyond its biodiverse greenspace network, the built-up structure highly differs from the ecosystems of reference. The UEII showed to be a flexible and easy-to-calculate tool to evaluate ecosystem integrity for cities, allowing for comparisons between or among cities, as well as the sectors/regions within cities. If used properly, the index could become a useful tool for decision making and resource allocation at a city level. Full article

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19 pages, 353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges and Opportunities for Public Participation in Urban and Regional Planning during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Lessons Learned for the Future

by Marijana Pantić, Juaneé Cilliers, Guido Cimadomo, Fernando Montaño, Olusola Olufemi, Sally Torres Mallma and Johan van den Berg

Land 2021, 10(12), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121379 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5874

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred significant changes in the fields of economic development, social issues, everyday life, etc. Activities that used to depend on face-to-face communication were firstly suspended and then shifted to new forms of communication. This includes the public participation process [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred significant changes in the fields of economic development, social issues, everyday life, etc. Activities that used to depend on face-to-face communication were firstly suspended and then shifted to new forms of communication. This includes the public participation process in urban and spatial planning. Therefore, this study explores the new domain developed in urban and spatial planning with regard to public participation and surmises future realms in the post-pandemic era. On the occasion of the virtual collaboration platform Cyber Agora organized by the ISOCARP (International Society of City and Regional Planners), chosen participants got together virtually to share, discuss, and compare their practical knowledge in public participation before and during COVID-19. In addition, they addressed the potential benefits of shifting from traditional to virtual participation and potential benefits in the post-COVID-19 era. Considering the collected data and understanding them in the light of the available literature, this study concludes that the application of a combined approach (using both traditional and virtual modes of participation) is recommended because it would enable a larger number and higher diversity of participants. The study also elaborates particular modes of virtual participation with the pros and cons of their use in a particular context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reflecting on the Future of the Built Environment)

29 pages, 6410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Embeddedness in the Maya Built Environment: Inspiration for Contemporary Cities

by Naji Akbar, Ismaila Rimi Abubakar, Ayesha Agha Shah and Wafa Al-Madani

Land 2021, 10(12), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121360 - 9 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4872

Abstract

Cities nowadays are the most significant source of environmental degradation threatening local and global ecosystems. Interestingly, many ancient settlements present excellent lessons and inspiration for addressing our current urban predicaments, given their environmental stewardship. This research explores how the ecologically embedded settlement patterns, [...] Read more.

Cities nowadays are the most significant source of environmental degradation threatening local and global ecosystems. Interestingly, many ancient settlements present excellent lessons and inspiration for addressing our current urban predicaments, given their environmental stewardship. This research explores how the ecologically embedded settlement patterns, building configurations, urban agriculture and home gardening, and water conservation of the Maya-built environment can offer insights about mitigating contemporary urban sustainability challenges. Mayans’ respect for nature not only guaranteed sustainable habitats but also engendered one of the most remarkable civilizations in a region that did not offer generous support for human accommodation. The Mayan world view promoted the idea of one spirit dwelling in all humans and other-than-human entities in an environment, making everything sacred and kin to everything else. The regional climate was kept under control by protecting the vegetation that also provided other ecological benefits. Land use was mixed, and residences were constructed with native and recyclable materials utilizing natural light and ventilation. The Mayan civilization inspires us to manage and protect plants, not cut them down; conserve water, not waste it; listen to the environmental feedback, not reject it; and, most importantly, it begs us to embrace nature as our own mother, not disown it as something dispensable. These principles have significant implications on urban land-use planning and policies today. Full article

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22 pages, 1063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does the Concept of Resilient City Work in Practice? Planning and Achievements

by Chuan Wang, Xinhua Li and Siheng Li

Land 2021, 10(12), 1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121319 - 1 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3604

Abstract

In the past decade, resilient cities (RCs) have gained extensive attention in academic and political debates as a vision of urban futures. In particular, with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Resilient City 100 Program (RC100), a number of cities worldwide have pushed [...] Read more.

In the past decade, resilient cities (RCs) have gained extensive attention in academic and political debates as a vision of urban futures. In particular, with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Resilient City 100 Program (RC100), a number of cities worldwide have pushed this concept forward from theory to practice through their RC plans/strategies. However, there is widespread doubt regarding how much this holistic idea of the future built environment contributes to urban practice. After developing a scoring evaluation matrix based on the synthesis of existing RC assessment frameworks, this review scrutinizes the plans, reports, city leaders’ speeches, official websites and academic reviews of five representative resilient cities and investigates their motivations, planning and achievements. The results demonstrate a huge theoretical and practical gap in RC: while RC plans attempt to expand as comprehensively as possible from cities’ initially narrow motivations, their achievements in implementation are limited. Although RC provides more holistic solutions to the cities, the limited resources mean that cities have to prioritize their urgent issues in their everyday practice. This paper calls for designating more feasible and specific features in RC visions and maintaining regular alignments from planning to actions in future RC practice. Full article

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18 pages, 10391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Planning: Towards a Mutually Inclusive Approach to Infrastructure Planning and Design

by Dario Hernan Schoulund, Carlos Alberto Amura and Karina Landman

Land 2021, 10(12), 1282; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121282 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2566

Abstract

Increasingly independent fields of specialization, civil engineering, and urban design find themselves practicing in isolation on the same urban issues. The result surfaces on the relative qualities of public spaces: projects that are functionally successful but spatially poor, and vice versa This is [...] Read more.

Increasingly independent fields of specialization, civil engineering, and urban design find themselves practicing in isolation on the same urban issues. The result surfaces on the relative qualities of public spaces: projects that are functionally successful but spatially poor, and vice versa This is critical in the global south, where infrastructure is prioritized, and politicized, as the key driver of change but often heedless of spatial consequences. The present study explores the dynamics of integration between logics arising from technical and spatial fields, and the planning processes under which such integration is feasible. An urban design/infrastructural project in Argentina, stalled for more than two decades under regulatory policies, was selected as a case study. An overview and background of the adopted planning/design methodologies are followed by a structural/spatial analysis, focusing on type, logistics, and construction on the one hand, and on indicators of successful public spaces on the other: access, uses, comfort and image. Aspects that a priori appeared as inevitable compromises found a common, but the critically logical ground in which urban and structural thinking complemented each other. More than a functional asset, infrastructure presents an opportunity to re-think the future of the built environment as a typology that could be conceived, designed and evaluated, on the same terms as successful public spaces. Full article

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20 pages, 508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Large Real Estate Companies’ Competitiveness: A Sustainable Development Perspective

by Bo Li, Rita Yi Man Li and Thitinant Wareewanich

Land 2021, 10(11), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10111239 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7409

Abstract

Strict policy control and real estate market downturn affects large-scale real estate enterprises performance. We surveyed large Chinese real estate enterprises and the internal factors that affect their competitiveness. Verified by the hierarchical regression and structural equation modelling approach, the results mainly show [...] Read more.

Strict policy control and real estate market downturn affects large-scale real estate enterprises performance. We surveyed large Chinese real estate enterprises and the internal factors that affect their competitiveness. Verified by the hierarchical regression and structural equation modelling approach, the results mainly show that profitability, capital ability, management and operation ability, human resource ability, brand name, and innovation ability play positive roles in the competitiveness of large real estate enterprises. Management and operation ability plays an intermediary role between human resources and the improvement of competitiveness. Real estate enterprises’ capital sources play an intermediary role between brand names and the improvement of competitiveness. Moreover, landbank area and quality and sales are three major factors that impact the competitiveness improvement of real estate enterprises, while the ability for marketing innovation and the payment collection of enterprises has a relatively small impact. All in all, this paper provides practical implications concerning factors that affect the competitiveness of large real estate enterprises. The findings are helpful to improve the sustainable development of real estate enterprises in the future. As research on factors that affect large-scale real estate enterprises is scarce, this study aims to fill this gap. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reflecting on the Future of the Built Environment)

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14 pages, 748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elevating the Value of Urban Location: A Consumer Preference-Based Approach to Valuing Local Amenity Provision

by Shanaka Herath

Land 2021, 10(11), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10111226 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

Estimating the non-market monetary values of urban amenities has become commonplace in urban planning research, particularly following Rosen’s seminal article on hedonic theory in 1974. As a revealed preference method, the hedonic approach decouples the market price of a house into price components [...] Read more.

Estimating the non-market monetary values of urban amenities has become commonplace in urban planning research, particularly following Rosen’s seminal article on hedonic theory in 1974. As a revealed preference method, the hedonic approach decouples the market price of a house into price components that are attributable to housing characteristics. Despite the potential contribution of this theory in a planning context, three main limitations exist in the conventional applications: (1) variable measurement issues, (2) model misspecification, and (3) the problematic common use of global regression. These flaws problematically skew our understanding of the urban structure and spatial distribution of amenities, leading to misinformed policy interventions and poor amenity planning decisions. In this article, we propose a coherent conceptual framework that addresses measurement, specification, and scale challenges to generate consistent economic estimates of local amenities. Finally, we argue that, by paying greater attention to the spatial equity of amenity values, governments can provide greater equality of opportunities in cities. Full article

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17 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Heterogeneous Influence of Infrastructure Construction on China’s Urban Green and Smart Development—The Threshold Effect of Urban Scale

by Lingyan Xu, Dandan Wang and Jianguo Du

Land 2021, 10(10), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10101015 - 27 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2993

Abstract

The construction of green and smart cities is an important approach to enhancing the level of high-quality development and modern governance, in which infrastructure construction is the antecedent condition. From the perspective of green total factor productivity (GTFP), this paper adopts the SBM–GML [...] Read more.

The construction of green and smart cities is an important approach to enhancing the level of high-quality development and modern governance, in which infrastructure construction is the antecedent condition. From the perspective of green total factor productivity (GTFP), this paper adopts the SBM–GML (Slack-Based Model and Global Malmquist–Luenberger) index to measure the urban green and smart development level (GSDL) considering smart input–output factors. Based on the panel data of China’s 223 prefecture-level cities from 2005 to 2018, the dynamic impacts, temporal, and spatial differences of energy, transportation, and telecommunication infrastructure construction on the urban GSDL are discussed, and the threshold effects of urban scale are tested. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) On the whole, energy infrastructure inhibits the urban GSDL, while transportation and telecommunication infrastructures significantly promote it. There are distinct spatial and temporal characteristics among the impacts of these three infrastructures on the urban GSDL, in which the facilitating role of transportation and telecommunication infrastructures are further enhanced during the period of 2013–2018. Furthermore, the impacts of these three infrastructures on the urban GSDL all show “U” shape in terms of non-linearity. (2) Economic development level and industrial structure have significant positive effects on the urban GSDL, whereas human capital only has positive effect in the northeast and southwest regions, and government scale shows no positive impact yet. (3) There is a single threshold for the impact of urban scale on these three infrastructures, among which the impacts of energy and transportation infrastructures on the urban GSDL remain consistent before and after the threshold, while the impact of telecommunication infrastructure on the urban GSDL varies from having no significance to being positive when crossing the threshold. Thus, capital investment for infrastructure construction should be further allocated reasonably, the positive potential of human capital should be fully released, and the urban scale should be appropriately controlled in the future. Full article

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17 pages, 1063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

House Price Forecasting from Investment Perspectives

by Song Shi, Vince Mangioni, Xin Janet Ge, Shanaka Herath, Fethi Rabhi and Rachida Ouysse

Land 2021, 10(10), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10101009 - 26 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2977

Abstract

Housing market dynamics have primarily shifted from consumption- to investment-driven in many countries, including Australia. Building on investment theory, we investigated market dynamics by placing investment demand at the center using the error correction model (ECM). We found that house prices, rents, and [...] Read more.

Housing market dynamics have primarily shifted from consumption- to investment-driven in many countries, including Australia. Building on investment theory, we investigated market dynamics by placing investment demand at the center using the error correction model (ECM). We found that house prices, rents, and interest rates are cointegrated in the long run under the present value investment framework. Other economic factors such as population growth, unemployment, migration, construction activities, and bank lending were also important determinants of the housing market dynamics. Our forecasting results show that the Sydney housing market will continue to grow with no significant price decline in the foreseeable future. Full article

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24 pages, 50764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Impact of Urban Built Environment on Public Emotions Based on Social Media Data: A Case Study of Wuhan

by Yuanyuan Ma, Yunzi Yang and Hongzan Jiao

Land 2021, 10(9), 986; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10090986 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5606

Abstract

In the era of public participation in government, public emotions and expectations are important considerations influencing urban construction, planning, and management. A desirable urban environment can make people feel at ease and comfortable and contribute to promoting positive public emotions. However, in the [...] Read more.

In the era of public participation in government, public emotions and expectations are important considerations influencing urban construction, planning, and management. A desirable urban environment can make people feel at ease and comfortable and contribute to promoting positive public emotions. However, in the process of rapid urban development, the high-density and overloaded urban built environment has triggered people’s mental tension and anxiety and has contributed to negative emotions. Thus, this study aimed to explore the spatial distribution of public emotions and urban built environments in cities and to thoroughly investigate the correlation between urban built environments and public emotions. Considering the lack of dynamic elements analysis and emotions spatial analysis in previous studies, this study takes Wuhan City as an example, uses social media big data as the basis for text emotion analysis, introduces dynamic traffic elements, and establishes a multidimensional urban built environment measurement index system from five aspects: land use, spatial form, road and traffic, green space and open space, and daily life service facilities. Subsequently, the spatial distribution characteristics of public sentiment and urban built environment elements in Wuhan were analyzed. Finally, a geographically weighted regression method was used to analyze the degree of influence of different urban built environment elements on public emotions. The results showed that public emotions in Wuhan are not homogeneously distributed in terms of score and space and that there are significant differences. The urban built environment has a significant influence on public emotions. Higher land use mix, higher road network density, higher number of public transportation facilities, higher number of public open spaces, lower traffic congestion, and impact of freight transportation play important roles in promoting positive emotions. Therefore, in the process of urban construction, planners and decision makers should purposefully improve the quality of the built environment. Measures can include improving the mix of land functions, alleviating traffic congestion, avoiding the negative effects of freight traffic, rationally constructing green and open spaces, and improving various living facilities. This can help contribute toward improving urban functions and urban environments, and promote the construction of a people-oriented healthy city. Full article

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20 pages, 1472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Land Use Efficiency under Resource-Based Economic Transformation—A Case Study of Shanxi Province

by Xin Janet Ge and Xiaoxia Liu

Land 2021, 10(8), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080850 - 14 Aug 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3474

Abstract

Shanxi, one of China’s provinces, has been approved by the State Council as the only state-level comprehensive reform zone for resource-based economic transformation in 2010. Consequently, the implementation of National Resource-based Cities Sustainable Development Planning (2013–2020) and The State Council on Central and [...] Read more.

Shanxi, one of China’s provinces, has been approved by the State Council as the only state-level comprehensive reform zone for resource-based economic transformation in 2010. Consequently, the implementation of National Resource-based Cities Sustainable Development Planning (2013–2020) and The State Council on Central and Western Regions Undertaking of Industrial Transformation Guide were also introduced. As a result, many agricultural lands were urbanized. The question is whether the transformed land was used efficiently. Existing research is limited regarding the impact of the government-backed transformation of the resource-based economy, industrial restructuring, and urbanization on land use efficiency. This research investigates urban land use efficiency under the government-backed resource-based economy transformation using the Bootstrap-DEA and Bootstrap-Malmquist methods. The land use efficiency and land productivity indexes were produced. Based on the empirical study of 11 prefectural cities, the results suggest that the level of economic development and industrial upgrading are the main determinants of land use efficiency. The total land productivity index declined after the economic reform was initiated. The findings imply that the government must enhance monitoring and auditing during policy implementation and evaluate the policy effects after for further improvement. With the scarcity of land resources and urban expansion in many cities worldwide, this research also provides an approach to determining the main determinants of land use efficiency that could guide our understanding of the impact of the future built environment. Full article

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30 pages, 16456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nature-Based Urbanization: Scan Opportunities, Determine Directions and Create Inspiring Ecologies

by Rob Roggema, Nico Tillie and Greg Keeffe

Land 2021, 10(6), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10060651 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4315

Abstract

To base urbanization on nature, inspiring ecologies are necessary. The concept of nature-based solutions (NBS) could be helpful in achieving this goal. State of the art urban planning starts from the aim to realize a (part of) a city, not to improve natural [...] Read more.

To base urbanization on nature, inspiring ecologies are necessary. The concept of nature-based solutions (NBS) could be helpful in achieving this goal. State of the art urban planning starts from the aim to realize a (part of) a city, not to improve natural quality or increase biodiversity. The aim of this article is to introduce a planning approach that puts the ecological landscape first, before embedding urban development. This ambition is explored using three NBS frameworks as the input for a series of design workshops, which conceived a regional plan for the Western Sydney Parklands in Australia. From these frameworks, elements were derived at three abstraction levels as the input for the design process: envisioning a long-term future (scanning the opportunities), evaluating the benefits and disadvantages, and identifying a common direction for the design (determining directions), and implementing concrete spatial cross-cutting solutions (creating inspiring ecologies), ultimately resulting in a regional landscape-based plan. The findings of this research demonstrate that, at every abstraction, a specific outcome is found: a mapped ecological landscape showing the options for urbanization, formulating a food-forest strategy as the commonly found direction for the design, and a regional plan that builds from the landscape ecologies adding layers of productive ecologies and urban synergies. By using NBS-frameworks, the potentials of putting the ecological landscape first in the planning process is illuminated, and urbanization can become resilient and nature-inclusive. Future research should emphasize the balance that should be established between the NBS-frameworks and the design approach, as an overly technocratic and all-encompassing framework prevents the freedom of thought that is needed to come to fruitful design propositions. Full article

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