UrbanPlanning
Listen: How trees boost your focus and mental health
Listen: How trees boost your focus and mental health University of Chicago psychologist Marc Berman’s research explores how trees boost attention and improve mental health. Berman’s work on “soft fascination” reveals that natural environments have a profound impact on our minds and bodies, often going unnoticed. The study’s findings suggest that spending time in nature […]
🏥 Health
Inside an urban heat island, one street can be much hotter than its neighbor – new tech makes it easier to target cooling projects
Inside an urban heat island, one street can be much hotter than its neighbor – new tech makes it easier to target cooling projects Urban heat islands are areas within cities where temperatures are significantly higher than surrounding neighborhoods due to pavement, buildings, and lack of green spaces. New technologies are being used to identify […]
📰 News
How a new bus line in Philadelphia is defying post-pandemic transit trends
How a new bus line in Philadelphia is defying post-pandemic transit trends SEPTA’s new bus line, Route 49, has defied post-pandemic transit trends by seeing ridership growth, making it one of the few Philly bus or train lines to experience an increase in riders. The route connects two residential neighborhoods (Strawberry Mansion and Grays Ferry) […]
📰 News
Detroit voters have an opportunity to pick a mayor who will ease zoning, improve transit and protect long-term residents
Detroit voters have an opportunity to pick a mayor who will ease zoning, improve transit and protect long-term residents Detroit’s next mayor has an opportunity to improve life in the city by making it easier to build new homes and businesses, improving transit service, and making property taxes fairer. Easing zoning and building rules can […]
🏛️ Politics
Real-world map data is helping make better games about farms and transportation
Real-world map data is helping make better games about farms and transportation City Bus Manager uses OpenStreetMap (OSM) data to populate its maps, providing a realistic setting for players. The game allows players to build and manage bus routes, aiming to provide efficient public transportation services to city residents. City Bus Manager is part of […]
💻 Technology
The right city park design can support both people and wildlife
The right city park design can support both people and wildlife Urban parks can support both people and wildlife if designed thoughtfully, according to a new study by University of Florida scientists. The study found that the size of the green space is a strong predictor of both human utility and biodiversity, highlighting the need […]
🔬 Science
Cities that want to attract business might want to focus less on financial incentives and more on making people feel safe
Cities that want to attract business might want to focus less on financial incentives and more on making people feel safe Research suggests that when it comes to attracting business investment, cities should focus more on making people feel safe rather than offering financial incentives. The study found that employees and entrepreneurs prioritize perceived safety […]
🏛️ Politics
Can neighborhood tree layout benefit your health?
Can neighborhood tree layout benefit your health? A long-term Switzerland-wide study has found that neighborhoods with numerous, well-arranged trees exhibit lower mortality risks than other areas. Beyond creating a serene and open atmosphere in urban areas, trees and parks also contribute to human well-being. There are various reasons for this: trees filter pollutants out of […]
🏥 Health