The Impact of Extreme Heat Events on Physiological and Psychological Health: The Role of Urban Planning and Design
The intensifying frequency and severity of extreme heat events, driven by climate change, present significant challenges to human health. These events cause a range of physiological and psychological consequences, requiring urgent attention from public health officials and urban planners to develop effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Addressing these concerns in urban environments involves not only […]
Green Infrastructure: A Catalyst for Social Well-Being
Green infrastructure (GI) is increasingly recognized as a transformative approach to urban planning that promotes social well-being. Defined as a network of natural and semi-natural systems providing ecosystem services, GI encompasses parks, greenways, urban forests, and green roofs, among others (Tzoulas et al., 2007). Unlike traditional grey infrastructure, which prioritizes mechanical solutions, GI integrates ecological […]
Navigating Urbanization: Prioritizing Mental Health in City Planning
The phenomenon of urbanization is one of the most defining features of the contemporary world, with over half of the global population now living in urban areas. This trend is particularly pronounced in developing countries like India, where rapid urban expansion is both a source of economic opportunity and a significant challenge for public health. […]
Sustainable Urban Development: Nature-Based Solutions and Green Infrastructure
Sustainable urban development is essential in addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate change. Cities, which are home to over half of the world’s population, are increasingly recognizing the need to integrate sustainable practices into their development strategies. A key aspect of this transformation is the incorporation of nature-based solutions (NbS) […]
AI for Urban Development: Sustainable Solutions Unveiled at COP29
At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) held in Baku, groundbreaking solutions for sustainable urban development were showcased, with a special focus on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into urban planning. The collaboration between IBM and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) introduced AI-driven platforms that are poised to reshape how cities plan their […]
World Urban Forum Insights: Academic Collaborations for Sustainable Urbanization
The 12th World Urban Forum, hosted in Cairo, brought together global thought leaders, urban planners, and organizations to discuss sustainable and inclusive urbanization. A key highlight of the event was the contribution of the Bartlett School of Planning from University College London (UCL), a leading academic institution known for its research on urban sustainability. The […]
Paving the Path to Sustainable Mobility: EU’s Push for Active Transportation in Cities
Paving the Path to Sustainable Mobility: EU’s Push for Active Transportation in Cities Urban centers across Europe are embracing a transformative shift toward sustainable mobility, with the European Union (EU) leading the charge. As cities face challenges like congestion, pollution, and public health concerns, the EU’s latest initiatives emphasize active transportation—specifically, walking and cycling. These […]
Green Roofs: Enhancing Urban Sustainability in India’s Growing Cities
Urbanization is a defining characteristic of modern society, posing significant challenges to environmental sustainability, particularly in densely populated regions like India. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches, and green roofs offer a compelling solution. As a nature-based intervention, green roofs provide multifaceted benefits, from mitigating urban heat to enhancing biodiversity and improving air quality, aligning […]
Gothenburg’s Vertical Ambitions: Scandinavia’s Tallest Building Redefines Sustainable Urban Living
Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, is undergoing a transformative urban development that blends architectural innovation with sustainability. The recent completion of Karlatornet, a 74-story skyscraper standing at 246 meters, marks a significant milestone as the tallest building in Scandinavia and the European Union’s highest residential structure. This development is a cornerstone of the city’s ambitious Älvstaden […]
