ObjectiveThe intensification of climate change has led to a significant escalation in flood risk within shallow mountainous areas, posing a severe threat to human life, health, and ecological security. These transitional areas, often situated at the interface between mountainous terrain and urbanized plains, are uniquely vulnerable to the hydrological impacts of extreme precipitation. Existing research has established that green infrastructure (GI), through its influence on fundamental hydrological processes such as the rainfall – runoff and runoff – sediment relationships, can play a pivotal role in stormwater management. However, the current body of literature predominantly focuses on two main scales: the effectiveness of individual GI elements at the localized plot level and the impact of the broader green space matrix at the large basin scale. Consequently, a critical knowledge gap persists concerning the influence of the spatial configuration of GI patches — such as their shape, size, and degree of fragmentation — on hydrological responses at the finer, sub-basin scale, which is the most relevant scale for understanding flood generation. Clarifying the mechanisms through which GI spatial patterns affect mountainous stormwater runoff and subsequently optimizing these patterns are crucial steps toward enhancing the flood prevention and control capabilities of shallow mountainous areas. This research aims to bridge the knowledge gap by elucidating these mechanisms and developing an optimization framework to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme rainfall in the sensitive shallow mountainous areas.MethodsThis research adopts a two-stage research framework, comprising the two stages of mechanism exploration and pattern optimization. In the stage of exploration of hydrological mechanisms, two sample basins are selected within the shallow mountainous area of Beijing and, based on historical meteorological data and land cover data, the SWAT (soil and water assessment tool) model is used to simulate runoff generation in mountainous sub-basins with high spatiotemporal resolution. Meanwhile, machine learning methods, specifically an XGBoost-based model, are applied to the sample data to construct a high-accuracy predictive model for stormwater runoff generation, with a focus on GI spatial pattern characteristics as predictor variables. To interpret the machine learning results, the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) framework is employed to quantitatively elucidate the impact mechanisms of various GI spatial pattern metrics on mountainous stormwater runoff. In the pattern optimization stage, key GI spatial metrics are identified as optimization variables based on their hydrological influence. Under a dual-objective framework emphasizing both cost-effectiveness and flood mitigation efficacy, the NSGA-Ⅱ (nondominated sorting genetic algorithm Ⅱ) is used to optimize GI configuration for a representative shallow mountainous area. The effectiveness of these optimizations in reducing flood risks is validated through extreme historical rainfall scenarios.ResultsThe resulting predictive model for mountainous runoff generation demonstrates excellent simulation and forecasting capabilities, especially in modeling the influence of GI spatial pattern changes on runoff processes in complex mountainous terrains. The interpretive analysis using SHAP on the trained model provides crucial insights into the underlying mechanisms. Among the numerous GI landscape metrics evaluated, two features emerge as the most critical drivers positively correlated with increased mountainous stormwater runoff: the patch density (PD) of closed-canopy deciduous broad-leaved forests and the percent of landscape (PLAND) occupied by grasslands. The analysis reveals that an increase in either of the aforesaid two metrics consistently contributes to higher predicted runoff volumes. In contrast, the spatial pattern characteristics of other vegetation types, such as closed-canopy evergreen coniferous forests and closed-canopy deciduous coniferous forests, are found with a comparatively weak and less significant influence on the hydrological response. During the multi-objective pattern optimization process, using the two most influential metrics (PD and PLAND) as adjustable variables for a typical area, the optimized spatial pattern is able to reduce flood risk by 13.5% under the scenario of once-in-a-century extreme rainfall.ConclusionThe XGBoost machine learning model displays outstanding applicability for flood risk assessment and hydrological scenario simulation in shallow mountainous areas. An in-depth analysis of the GI spatial metrics identified by SHAP interpretation suggests that the fragmentation resulting from increased PD of closed-canopy deciduous broad-leaved forests, together with the impact of grassland PLAND on the runoff coefficient, are the core driving factors of stormwater runoff generation in these mountainous contexts. Additionally, the shape and configuration of grassland patches may further promote stormwater runoff. Accordingly, in the process of optimizing GI spatial arrangements in shallow mountainous areas, enhancing the connectivity of closed-canopy deciduous broad-leaved forest while reducing the size of large grassland patches is found conducive to forming optimal GI layouts that reduce flood risk under extreme precipitation. Through the application of interpretable machine learning techniques, this research reveals the underlying mechanisms by which different GI spatial pattern metrics influence mountain runoff generation and, based on these findings, effectively reduces regional flood risk during extreme rainfall events. The methodological approach and practical guidance provided by this research offer robust technical support for flood-mitigating green space planning in similar shallow mountain terrains and contribute valuable experience for regional adaptation to intensified climate-driven stormwater challenges.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Architectural drawing and design
ObjectiveRiver defence plays a vital role in the development of the Ming Great Wall’s military defence system. The spatial arrangement of river defence, represented by the Yellow River defence, embodies the ancient practice of adapting to local conditions, optimizing resource utilization, and transforming challenges into the guide of construction. This research takes river as a focal point to investigate the intricate relationship between the water system and military defence system. The analysis of the spatial pattern of river defense can improve the theoretical framework of the Great Wall defense system, thus fully integrating the multiple resource values of the Great Wall and the Yellow River. MethodsThe quantitative analysis is conducted using the ArcGIS geographic information platform, involving the review of historical documents, the field investigation of existing sites, the utilization of drones for low-altitude image data collection for purpose of generating 3D real scene model, and the integration of historical aerial films and other multi-source data.The specific methodology comprises two key components: Firstly, analyzing the constituent elements of the defense system of river defence space and summarizing their functional attributes based on the theoretical framework of the Ming Great Wall’s military defence; secondly, summarizing the spatial distribution characteristics of river defence elements by incorporating changes in geographic location, hydrology, environment, and other natural factors. Indicators such as elevation, slope, and distribution distance are extracted to analyze the spatial characteristics of river defense under varying conditions. Then, the spatial distribution characteristics of the defense system in different modes were quantified. Ultimately, historical aerial films and real 3D point cloud data are utilized to reproduce the original appearance of defence facilities at river defence nodes. ResultsResearch results are summarized as follows. 1) In terms of the composition of element systems, the military river defense space focuses on strengthening the construction of the border wall system, military settlement, and beacon transmission system within each subsystem of the Ming Great Wall defense system. These systems are combined through points and lines to form a tight defense network of “waterfront warning−border defense−information transmission−reinforcement and response−military command−logistics support” to jointly realize the construction of a military defense pattern in the river defense space. 2) In terms of spatial distribution and site selection, military defense facilities have formed three geographical spatial distribution patterns under the influence of river morphology and specific natural factors. Starting from Laoniuwan, the Yellow River in the research area runs from north to south through Louziying to Hequ, with its southernmost end reaching Shiti Pass. During this process, the Yellow River experiences changes in elevation from high to low and water velocity from fast to slow, forming a geographical spatial change pattern from a curved river valley to an accumulation of shoals. 3) In the development of node facilities, city defense facilities and border wall nodes are tailored to cater to the requirements of river defense. This includes expanding corner ramparts for frontal enemy protection and incorporating passes and water gates on border walls to manage water flow. Using data extracted from historical aerial photos and 3D Real Scene point cloud, the original historical original appearance of Hequying City (a river defense node) and its border walls is restored.ConclusionDriven by the intricate river water environment and military defense demands, a layered military defense network has emerged within the spatial pattern of river defense, and a comprehensive defense layout has been established by fully leveraging the natural terrain. Research results underscore the intrinsic relationship between the Great Wall’s military defense system and the natural river elements, which can promote the value research and comprehensive preservation of the military river defense space in Ming Dynasty. This research is envisioned to interconnect the Yellow River and the Great Wall National Cultural Park networks through river systems, thus contributing to the establishment of a comprehensive national cultural park system and the creation of significant symbols of Chinese culture.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Architectural drawing and design
Local resources can provide industrial production opportunities to improve processes while enhancing biodiversity and the use of raw materials. This research profiles currently underused bast plant fibres for environmentally sound textile applications in architecture – a sector heavily reliant on non-renewable resources – by comparing their technical properties and environmental impacts to support material selection. It also reconstructs production scenarios by evaluating fibre material typologies, their processability in textile-based building materials, and the existing fibre processing and textile manufacturing infrastructure.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Architectural drawing and design
In questo saggio approfondiremo il comportamento di uno dei principali elementi che caratterizza i nostri paesaggi: le piante. La comprensione di un paesaggio non può esimersi da una profonda conoscenza del mondo vegetale e dalle dinamiche che intercorrono tra le comunità di piante che lo compongono. Lo scopo è di andare oltre la visione del verde come mero sfondo e linguaggio compositivo per considerarlo, più propriamente, come il principale attore del paesaggio, con i suoi bisogni, le sue peculiarità e la sua… intelligenza. Dopo un breve excursus sulle straordinarie abilità cognitive delle piante, ci soffermeremo sulle complesse relazioni che le piante sanno tessere al fine della sopravvivenza. Concluderemo, con una riflessione sull’importanza del verde non solo per la progettazione dei nostri paesaggi ma anche per la salvaguardia della biodiversità e gli ecosistemi.
Architecture, Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying
How uneven is the proximity to public amenities like libraries and schools among racial groups, or children and older people? This paper uses a catchment area approach to evaluate walkable proximity to four common public amenities (parks, libraries, schools, and transit stops), looking at four racial categories and a set of variables that one might reasonably expect proximity to be related to (e.g., population density). For each of the 10 largest US cities examined, location quotients for each amenity (libraries, parks, schools, and transit stops) were calculated at three distances (0.25 miles, 0.5 miles, and 1 mile). Across all amenities, the racial group whose LQ had the greatest increase when comparing net median change between distance bands (i.e., between .25 miles and 1 mile) was Black Americans. There were large differences between the location quotient means and medians in non-White racial groups for each amenity, indicating a large amount of skew. In most cities and with most amenities, the difference between mean and median was considerably smaller in White populations, indicating a more normal curve and fewer outliers. Proximity, in other words, seems to be more homogenous in White populations. The LQs were also significantly higher in White populations across cities. Further, in all cities except Los Angeles, Asian populations were generally the most under-represented group for each catchment area around each amenity. The fact that non-White residents predominantly had lower LQs and therefore lower access (with some exceptions, for example, in the case of schools) is a generalized and problematic finding that adds to the body of evidence documenting the spatial injustices that American cities continue to manifest.
The term ‘regeneration’ has become ubiquitous in urban planning and is often used loosely to describe many urban interventions, including those of a purely commercial nature that renew (and often destroy) urban fabric purely for private profit. There is nothing inherently wrong with development for profit, but regeneration should imply something subtler, complex and multi-faceted. If, as urban practitioners, we ignore the social dimension of urban change and fail to redress existing imbalances then we are complicit in perpetuating social inequalities. Urban regeneration should be driven by an agenda to improve social wellbeing. As practitioners we have a moral imperative to address inequalities and develop design strategies to remove barriers to social integration, real or perceived.
On the surface, London appears to be a multi-cultural city without the political or stark socio-spatial divisions that are seen, for example, in the banlieues of Paris. There are wealthier and poorer neighbourhoods of course but, due to its history and post war planning policies, most neighbourhoods are socially mixed. The divisions in London, however, are subtler and fine grained. The city is open (and indeed there are few, if any areas that are too dangerous to enter) but perceived barriers exist – invisible lines that divide the city, isolate some of its inhabitants and inhibit social mobility. This paper will look at the conditions that create divisions in London and will examine strategies that can break down the physical and psychological barriers within cities. It will use the Kings Cross regeneration scheme as a central case study.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Anthropology
The five sections of this essay explore the way some of the old world’s leading architects, especially from Northern Europe, develop their architectural design by creating an intrinsic and natural blend of disciplines. The scope is to achieve a unity of content and form, signifier and signified, whose process cannot be fragmented into phases, mansions and specialism for procedural terms only, whereas we maintain it must inevitably be progressively carried out as a project-based unity in any case.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Architectural drawing and design
Com suporte na investigação da génese e das características da Estrutura Verde do Bairro de Alvalade, e com incidência na documentação dos arquivos municipais de Lisboa, o artigo observa, no contexto do planeamento e do projeto, os traços conceptuais que, na definição do espaço urbano da Avenida dos Estados Unidos da América, propiciaram a implementação de um Corredor Verde no Bairro de Alvalade e na Cidade.Partindo do enquadramento da avenida no Plano de Urbanização da Zona a Sul da Avenida Alferes Malheiro (aprovado em 1945) e do Plano Geral de Urbanização e Expansão de Lisboa (elaborado por Étienne De Gröer entre 1938 e 1948), o artigo revisita o crescimento da cidade e as propostas de implantação ao longo da avenida (1951, 1956 e 1959). Em paralelo, elenca os projetos dos conjuntos habitacionais do Bairro influenciados pela publicação em Portugal da Carta de Atenas (1948) e pelo surgimento do Movimento Moderno que, no seu conjunto, propiciaram a abertura do logradouro e a redefinição do espaço urbano da avenida.Num segundo momento, o artigo aborda a conceção do espaço urbano da avenida nos finais da década de 1950 na sequência do ensino da arquitectura paisagista em Portugal a partir de 1942 por Francisco Caldeira Cabral e da sua prática na Câmara Municipal de Lisboa pela primeira geração de técnicos com esta formação específica a partir de 1950, cuja matriz ecológica, artística e aberta à dialética interdisciplinar permitiu explorar os espaços intersticiais do bairro e implantar um corredor verde segundo o conceito de continuum naturale.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Urban groups. The city. Urban sociology
Statistics about citizen satisfaction regarding urban facilities and services are required for governing urban areas. Such statistics are often unavailable or outdated. At times, existing statistics are irrelevant to the major problems of most citizens. In this article, we propose a cost-effective method for estimating citizen satisfaction regarding urban facilities and services using crowdsourced place data. Two indicators are proposed based on place data derived from the Foursquare social media application. Both indicators are based on the hypothesis that the higher the number of places is that belong to a facility or service type on social media, then the higher the satisfaction of citizens regarding this facility or service type will be. This hypothesis was tested by using the Eurobarometer survey data as reference. The accuracy assessment revealed strong and statistically significant linear relationships ([Formula: see text]) between the reference percentage of very satisfied citizens and some categories (i.e. “ Sport facilities”, “ Cultural Categories,” and “S treets & buildings”). Other categories showed moderate and statistically significant linear relationships (i.e. “ Public spaces” and “ Green spaces”). Therefore, the proposed indicators provide estimates about citizen satisfaction with regard to these five categories. The new indicators can be used to better design public opinion surveys by making them more relevant to the public in terms of topics, space, and time.
This paper narrates three short stories that occurred during the development of different urban interventions, aka participatory projects for the making of shared public spaces, initiated by atelier urban nomads between 2011-2013. Each of the three projects share the intention of being catalysts for the social and spatial transformation of neglected urban spaces aiming to enhance the life quality of the inhabitants of those territories. Each story illustrates a different approach to time in the development or delivery of the interventions - time becoming a core element for an understanding of the intentions and outcomes of the urban interventions themselves. Together, all stories aim to challenge the ubiquitous paradigm conferred to participatory projects as supposed means of exerting democratic values and of promoting a fairer way to create our built environment. The different stories will scrutinize some of the complexities ingrained in interventions of this nature: participatory and situated at the intersection between art, activism and urban space.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Urban groups. The city. Urban sociology
The enhancement of dismissed military barracks is a big problem in Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The changed geo-politic conditions caused the abandonment of the numerous structures and the transfer of their property from State to Region and then to local municipalities. The regional government has not defined guidelines for their re-use and the work for the Patussi barracks, done to produce a re-use program, became a case study to explore possible strategies of intervention and the right method to adopt in order to give technical support to local governments. The paper describes the analysis, the scenarios, the proposal produced for the case-study.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Architectural drawing and design
The social housing complex located in Via Barzoni 11, Milan, was singled out in 2009 for a demolition and rebuilding plan, featuring a volume growth, strongly opposed by the inhabitants. Between April and June 2012 ALER1 Milano, with the involvement of Comune di Milano – Direzione Casa2, commissioned a working group supervised by Anna Delera, Politecnico di Milano, to devise an alternative plan aiming at preserving the social and typological characteristics of the complex, in order to enforce the sustainability and the direct involvement of the inhabitants in a process of participatory planning.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Architectural drawing and design
<p>Relación de tesis doctorales y trabajos de investigación de tercer ciclo y de máster (TIT), defendidos en el departamento de Historia del Arte y Música de la Universidad de Granada, durante el curso académico 2008/2009</p><p> </p>
History of the arts, Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying
<p>Tras la incorporación de Granada a Castilla, en 1492, la ciudad se erige pronto en un centro artístico de primera magnitud, pues la necesaria cristianización del territorio exigirá la masiva importación de obras y de artistas. Mas, pasado este estadio inicial, pronto será capaz de abastecer de obras y de maestros a todo su entorno geográfico. Precisamente esto explica las frecuentes y positivas relaciones artísticas entre Granada, Murcia, Málaga, Jaén, etc., desde los mismos albores del Quinientos. La oferta granadina en el campo de la plástica escultórica era tan variada, abundante y diversa que favoreció a esos territorios vecinos donde la demanda superaba con creces a la oferta y no sólo en obras sino también en maestros. De ahí que, algunos artistas, que no lograban abrirse camino plenamente en estas tierras, lo buscaran en esos otros territorios, donde eran bien recibidos, los trabajos necesarios y, en última instancia, la fama anhelada.</p>
History of the arts, Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying
4º grupo de ponencias, Ciudad - Área construida, ciudad y arquitectura
Se resumen seis ponencias acerca del tema de “Ciudad y Arquitectura”, dentro del congreso celebrado en La Serena (Chile) en agosto de 2009, que convocó a alumnos, expertos, técnicos, docentes y profesionales preocupados por la sostenibilidad, con un alcance práctico e instrumental y además considerando el marco social y ambiental del mundo latinoamericano.
Abstract:
This book summarizes six papers on the topic of "City and Architecture" of the Congress of La Serena (Chile) on August 2009, which brought together students, experts, technicians, teachers and professionals concerned with sustainability, with a practical range and instrumental and also considering the social and environmental framework of the Latin American world.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying