Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2026.106829
Sara Brito Filipe , Paulo Duarte
This study analyzes the application of the Smart City concept to small towns. Current research on Smart Cities primarily focuses on metropolitan areas, creating a significant gap in our understanding of how these concepts can be effectively implemented in less urbanized regions. This work addresses this gap by linking territorial marketing and Smart City paradigms with a focus on cooperation. Based on a qualitative analysis, the study identifies the most relevant areas of intervention of three Portuguese inland municipalities classified as Smart Cities. The findings reveal the potential of territorial marketing and Smart City initiatives to revitalize inland regions and promote sustainable development. However, the absence of direct cooperative projects indicates a missed opportunity to establish a cohesive territorial identity. The analysis highlights shared challenges, such as addressing mobility disparities and enhancing digital inclusion, which demand a cooperative approach. The findings underscore the pressing need for municipalities to shift away from individualistic development approaches to foster inter-municipal synergies.
{"title":"The Smart City illusion: Why cooperation is the missing ingredient in rural development","authors":"Sara Brito Filipe , Paulo Duarte","doi":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106829","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106829","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study analyzes the application of the Smart City concept to small towns. Current research on Smart Cities primarily focuses on metropolitan areas, creating a significant gap in our understanding of how these concepts can be effectively implemented in less urbanized regions. This work addresses this gap by linking territorial marketing and Smart City paradigms with a focus on cooperation. Based on a qualitative analysis, the study identifies the most relevant areas of intervention of three Portuguese inland municipalities classified as Smart Cities. The findings reveal the potential of territorial marketing and Smart City initiatives to revitalize inland regions and promote sustainable development. However, the absence of direct cooperative projects indicates a missed opportunity to establish a cohesive territorial identity. The analysis highlights shared challenges, such as addressing mobility disparities and enhancing digital inclusion, which demand a cooperative approach. The findings underscore the pressing need for municipalities to shift away from individualistic development approaches to foster inter-municipal synergies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48405,"journal":{"name":"Cities","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 106829"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146175168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2026.106819
Lingling Deng , Xiangxin Wang , Qianhui Lian , Xiuqi Sun , Yixiao Shen , Yumeng Wang , Hongyu Qu
Public spaces are essential for promoting inclusion and children’s well-being in urban settings. However, entering a public space is still particularly challenging for neurodivergent (ND) children. ND conditions manifest through differences in cognitive, physical, and social functioning, which impact children’s participation in city life by limiting their ability to navigate, engage, and feel safe in public spaces. This study explores the barriers to spatial, social, and economic inclusion in public spaces for ND children in China, with a focus on Wenzhou. Using a mixed-methods approach including geographic mapping, caregiver surveys, expert interviews, and naturalistic observations, the study identifies significant challenges such as limited accessibility, low awareness, and unfriendly spatial characteristics. Findings reveal that existing public spaces often lack consideration for the specific needs of ND children. The investigation also identifies disparities in access to public spaces between urban and suburban areas, and strong demands for inclusive design and better support systems. Findings highlight the need for evidence-based, sensory-friendly design, community engagement, and policy-driven solutions to advance equity and inclusion. This study contributes to a growing discourse on inclusive urban planning, emphasizing the importance of designing public spaces that accommodate the needs of ND children, and providing recommendations for policy reforms.
{"title":"Exploring barriers to inclusion for neurodivergent children in public spaces: Case study evidence from urbanising Wenzhou","authors":"Lingling Deng , Xiangxin Wang , Qianhui Lian , Xiuqi Sun , Yixiao Shen , Yumeng Wang , Hongyu Qu","doi":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106819","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106819","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Public spaces are essential for promoting inclusion and children’s well-being in urban settings. However, entering a public space is still particularly challenging for neurodivergent (ND) children. ND conditions manifest through differences in cognitive, physical, and social functioning, which impact children’s participation in city life by limiting their ability to navigate, engage, and feel safe in public spaces. This study explores the barriers to spatial, social, and economic inclusion in public spaces for ND children in China, with a focus on Wenzhou. Using a mixed-methods approach including geographic mapping, caregiver surveys, expert interviews, and naturalistic observations, the study identifies significant challenges such as limited accessibility, low awareness, and unfriendly spatial characteristics. Findings reveal that existing public spaces often lack consideration for the specific needs of ND children. The investigation also identifies disparities in access to public spaces between urban and suburban areas, and strong demands for inclusive design and better support systems. Findings highlight the need for evidence-based, sensory-friendly design, community engagement, and policy-driven solutions to advance equity and inclusion. This study contributes to a growing discourse on inclusive urban planning, emphasizing the importance of designing public spaces that accommodate the needs of ND children, and providing recommendations for policy reforms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48405,"journal":{"name":"Cities","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 106819"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146147659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2026.106817
Mathias Chukwudi Isiani
Onitsha, once a traditional urban society in Eastern Nigeria, underwent a profound transformation with the advent of colonial rule. The city was divided into two distinct socio-economic spheres: one reserved for colonial officers and the other for indigenous inhabitants. Strategically positioned along the banks of the River Niger, Onitsha thrived on centuries of trade with European companies, notably the Royal Niger Company. The 1857 Niger Expedition, led by the pioneering Black bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, opened new vistas for colonial traders and administrators, altering Onitsha's socio-economic fabric. The promises of prosperity and progress were soon undone by extractive colonialism. As migration surged in response to drastic socio-economic changes driven by colonial economic policies, slum development accelerated around Onitsha, becoming a defining feature of its urban landscape. Despite the fervent aspirations of post-independence leaders, the tumultuous civil war of 1967–1970 shattered dreams of urban renewal, leaving a fractured cityscape and a disillusioned populace. The Onitsha of our dreams is yet to come. Ultimately, this study critically examines the colonial forces of urban segregation and the infrastructures that shaped Onitsha's urban evolution during colonial rule. Its arguments present the challenges and opportunities inherent in pursuing a more equitable and sustainable urban landscape.
{"title":"The tapestry of city life: Colonial modernity and everyday urban experiences in twentieth-century Onitsha, Nigeria","authors":"Mathias Chukwudi Isiani","doi":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106817","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106817","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Onitsha, once a traditional urban society in Eastern Nigeria, underwent a profound transformation with the advent of colonial rule. The city was divided into two distinct socio-economic spheres: one reserved for colonial officers and the other for indigenous inhabitants. Strategically positioned along the banks of the River Niger, Onitsha thrived on centuries of trade with European companies, notably the Royal Niger Company. The 1857 Niger Expedition, led by the pioneering Black bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, opened new vistas for colonial traders and administrators, altering Onitsha's socio-economic fabric. The promises of prosperity and progress were soon undone by extractive colonialism. As migration surged in response to drastic socio-economic changes driven by colonial economic policies, slum development accelerated around Onitsha, becoming a defining feature of its urban landscape. Despite the fervent aspirations of post-independence leaders, the tumultuous civil war of 1967–1970 shattered dreams of urban renewal, leaving a fractured cityscape and a disillusioned populace. The Onitsha of our dreams is yet to come. Ultimately, this study critically examines the colonial forces of urban segregation and the infrastructures that shaped Onitsha's urban evolution during colonial rule. Its arguments present the challenges and opportunities inherent in pursuing a more equitable and sustainable urban landscape.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48405,"journal":{"name":"Cities","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 106817"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146147664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2026.106886
L. Verdoes , J. Dikken , J. van Hoof
Introduction
Dementia-friendly societies are an essential development as the global population ages. The physical and social environments shape and support the independence, safety, and quality of life of people living with dementia. The World Health Organization developed a framework comprising ten domains that guide dementia-friendly initiatives, but to date operational definitions are missing which limit its applicability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to define and operationalise the ten domains defined by the World Health Organization by synthesizing empirical and conceptual literature on people living with dementia, their carers, and communities.
Methods
This study conducted a large-scale scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR protocol. Using tailored search strategies across multiple academic databases, the literature was systematically synthesised. In addition to traditional database searches, a linguistic search strategy using AI-driven tools was employed to identify relevant studies that might not have surfaced in conventional keyword-based searches; these tools supplemented, not replaced, hand screening. The review focused on the lived experiences of people living with dementia, their carers, and community members.
Results
This scoping review shows how the ten WHO domains can be operationalised and how they interact, emphasising safety beyond infrastructure, housing as identity, and meaningful social participation. Two cross-domain barriers proved crucial for translating these domains into effective, inclusive strategies: ‘stigma’ and ‘constrained accessibility‘: (i) the physical environment (transport, buildings, wayfinding) and (ii) access to communication, information and technology.
Conclusion
Policymakers, urban planners and healthcare providers can use these operational features to design, implement and evaluate targeted interventions. Implementation brings challenges in capacity, coordination and equity; accordingly, the features are presented as a flexible basis for context-appropriate adaptation and staged evaluation.
{"title":"Social and physical environments in dementia-inclusive societies: A scoping review of the dementia-friendly cities and communities' literature","authors":"L. Verdoes , J. Dikken , J. van Hoof","doi":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106886","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106886","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Dementia-friendly societies are an essential development as the global population ages. The physical and social environments shape and support the independence, safety, and quality of life of people living with dementia. The World Health Organization developed a framework comprising ten domains that guide dementia-friendly initiatives, but to date operational definitions are missing which limit its applicability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to define and operationalise the ten domains defined by the World Health Organization by synthesizing empirical and conceptual literature on people living with dementia, their carers, and communities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study conducted a large-scale scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR protocol. Using tailored search strategies across multiple academic databases, the literature was systematically synthesised. In addition to traditional database searches, a linguistic search strategy using AI-driven tools was employed to identify relevant studies that might not have surfaced in conventional keyword-based searches; these tools supplemented, not replaced, hand screening. The review focused on the lived experiences of people living with dementia, their carers, and community members.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This scoping review shows how the ten WHO domains can be operationalised and how they interact, emphasising safety beyond infrastructure, housing as identity, and meaningful social participation. Two cross-domain barriers proved crucial for translating these domains into effective, inclusive strategies: ‘stigma’ and ‘constrained accessibility‘: (i) the physical environment (transport, buildings, wayfinding) and (ii) access to communication, information and technology.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Policymakers, urban planners and healthcare providers can use these operational features to design, implement and evaluate targeted interventions. Implementation brings challenges in capacity, coordination and equity; accordingly, the features are presented as a flexible basis for context-appropriate adaptation and staged evaluation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48405,"journal":{"name":"Cities","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 106886"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146175166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-13DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2026.106825
Chen Zhu , Chien-Chiang Lee
Innovation has increased Chinese economic growth in recent decades and often occurs in big cities. Our analysis using a prefecture-level dataset from 1990 to 2023 suggests a causal linkage between the development of nationwide urbanization and innovation. With the help of quasi-natural experiment approaches, this paper shows that urbanization led to a significant influence on innovation. Specifically, cities that implemented “city-county consolidation” (chexianshequ) were more innovative than others resulting from the agglomeration mechanism. Further, the innovation promotion effect of city-county consolidation has the characteristics of heterogeneity. Although we focus on the Chinese experience, a causal role for urbanization will likely apply to other developing economies that have experienced industrialization and economic transformation.
{"title":"Big city, big innovation? Evidence from city-county consolidation in China","authors":"Chen Zhu , Chien-Chiang Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106825","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106825","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Innovation has increased Chinese economic growth in recent decades and often occurs in big cities. Our analysis using a prefecture-level dataset from 1990 to 2023 suggests a causal linkage between the development of nationwide urbanization and innovation. With the help of quasi-natural experiment approaches, this paper shows that urbanization led to a significant influence on innovation. Specifically, cities that implemented “city-county consolidation” (<em>chexianshequ</em>) were more innovative than others resulting from the agglomeration mechanism. Further, the innovation promotion effect of city-county consolidation has the characteristics of heterogeneity. Although we focus on the Chinese experience, a causal role for urbanization will likely apply to other developing economies that have experienced industrialization and economic transformation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48405,"journal":{"name":"Cities","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 106825"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146175163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-13DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2026.106878
Xiaohui Zheng , Bindong Sun , Tinglin Zhang
Unlike prior studies that usually focus on the overall economic performance of megaregions, this study investigates whether and how the polycentricity of megaregions affects the economic performance of individual cities in China. Empirical results indicate that polycentricity promotes economic development of both large and smaller cities. This arises because spillover effects are more distance-sensitive than siphoning effects, so shorter intercity interaction distances in polycentric systems tilt the balance between borrowed size and agglomeration shadows toward net positive spillovers. Further analysis reveals that polycentric megaregions improve city economic performance through industrial optimization, factor mobility, and infrastructure connectivity. Moreover, the benefits of polycentricity are especially pronounced for lower administrative level cities, and particularly for those in eastern/coastal megaregions and nurturing and emerging megaregions. These findings provide policy implications for improving the performance of cities of different sizes.
{"title":"Do polycentric megaregions contribute to the economic development of cities in China","authors":"Xiaohui Zheng , Bindong Sun , Tinglin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106878","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106878","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Unlike prior studies that usually focus on the overall economic performance of megaregions, this study investigates whether and how the polycentricity of megaregions affects the economic performance of individual cities in China. Empirical results indicate that polycentricity promotes economic development of both large and smaller cities. This arises because spillover effects are more distance-sensitive than siphoning effects, so shorter intercity interaction distances in polycentric systems tilt the balance between borrowed size and agglomeration shadows toward net positive spillovers. Further analysis reveals that polycentric megaregions improve city economic performance through industrial optimization, factor mobility, and infrastructure connectivity. Moreover, the benefits of polycentricity are especially pronounced for lower administrative level cities, and particularly for those in eastern/coastal megaregions and nurturing and emerging megaregions. These findings provide policy implications for improving the performance of cities of different sizes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48405,"journal":{"name":"Cities","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 106878"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146175171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2026.106867
Yuan Wang , Sabrina Yanan Jiang , Yu Li
Over the past years, the relationship between blue space and mental health has garnered significant attention with a growing body of research highlighting blue space’s beneficial effects on residents’ mental health. To update our understanding of this relationship, we conducted a systematic review to analyze and synthesize the existing evidence on the association between blue space and mental health outcomes (e.g., depression and anxiety). Our results revealed that proximity to saltwater blue space is positively associated with general mental health, subjective well-being, and reduced depression, while access to blue space is associated with enhanced well-being. Although the presence of general blue space does not directly correlate with depression and anxiety, the extent of freshwater coverage may be related to decreased depressive and anxiety symptoms. This systematic review updates and enriches current understanding of the substantial mental health benefits of blue space, which is essential for guiding future research directions on related topics. This review could also inform urban planning and policy aiming at fostering psychological well-being.
{"title":"The protective role of blue space in mental health outcomes: A systematic review","authors":"Yuan Wang , Sabrina Yanan Jiang , Yu Li","doi":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106867","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106867","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over the past years, the relationship between blue space and mental health has garnered significant attention with a growing body of research highlighting blue space’s beneficial effects on residents’ mental health. To update our understanding of this relationship, we conducted a systematic review to analyze and synthesize the existing evidence on the association between blue space and mental health outcomes (e.g., depression and anxiety). Our results revealed that proximity to saltwater blue space is positively associated with general mental health, subjective well-being, and reduced depression, while access to blue space is associated with enhanced well-being. Although the presence of general blue space does not directly correlate with depression and anxiety, the extent of freshwater coverage may be related to decreased depressive and anxiety symptoms. This systematic review updates and enriches current understanding of the substantial mental health benefits of blue space, which is essential for guiding future research directions on related topics. This review could also inform urban planning and policy aiming at fostering psychological well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48405,"journal":{"name":"Cities","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 106867"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146175159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2026.106845
Abir Labdani, Soufiane Fezzai, Lazhar Gherzouli
Despite the growing body of literature on Children's Urban Liveability (CUL) in recent years, most studies remain fragmented, focusing on individual themes such as safety, education, or public spaces, without addressing how these aspects interconnect. Moreover, existing comprehensive CUL frameworks are largely developed in high-income countries, with little consideration of their relevance or adaptability to rapidly urbanising contexts in the Global South. In Algeria, no integrative or context-sensitive model currently exists to inform urban policy and planning. To address these theoretical and practical gaps, this study introduces the Integrated Child-Centric Urban Liveability Model (ICCULM). The model reconceptualises CUL as the dynamic interplay of five interrelated dimensions: the physical environment, education, public spaces, health and safety, and governance. Using a PRISMA-informed systematic review of 18 published studies (2014–2024), we synthesised international perspectives and assessed their applicability to the Algerian context. Our findings highlight the persistent exclusion of children from urban planning in Algeria, revealing that their rights and needs are absent from the political agenda. In light of these shortcomings, we recommend that child impact assessments be made mandatory and that participatory planning mechanisms be embedded in policy frameworks. This paper contributes to CUL theory by positioning children at the centre of liveability debates and sustainable urban development strategies. It also outlines pathways for translating these theoretical shifts into practice, towards building inclusive and sustainable cities by, for, and with children, where children's well-being serves as a benchmark for good urban living.
{"title":"An overview of enhancing children's urban liveability in Algeria: A holistic approach to well-being","authors":"Abir Labdani, Soufiane Fezzai, Lazhar Gherzouli","doi":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106845","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106845","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite the growing body of literature on Children's Urban Liveability (CUL) in recent years, most studies remain fragmented, focusing on individual themes such as safety, education, or public spaces, without addressing how these aspects interconnect. Moreover, existing comprehensive CUL frameworks are largely developed in high-income countries, with little consideration of their relevance or adaptability to rapidly urbanising contexts in the Global South. In Algeria, no integrative or context-sensitive model currently exists to inform urban policy and planning. To address these theoretical and practical gaps, this study introduces the Integrated Child-Centric Urban Liveability Model (ICCULM). The model reconceptualises CUL as the dynamic interplay of five interrelated dimensions: the physical environment, education, public spaces, health and safety, and governance. Using a PRISMA-informed systematic review of 18 published studies (2014–2024), we synthesised international perspectives and assessed their applicability to the Algerian context. Our findings highlight the persistent exclusion of children from urban planning in Algeria, revealing that their rights and needs are absent from the political agenda. In light of these shortcomings, we recommend that child impact assessments be made mandatory and that participatory planning mechanisms be embedded in policy frameworks. This paper contributes to CUL theory by positioning children at the centre of liveability debates and sustainable urban development strategies. It also outlines pathways for translating these theoretical shifts into practice, towards building inclusive and sustainable cities by, for, and with children, where children's well-being serves as a benchmark for good urban living.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48405,"journal":{"name":"Cities","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 106845"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146147663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biochar is a climate-positive green material that has proven its potential application in various sectors related to the circular economy, including waste management, wastewater treatment, global climate change mitigation, sustainable agriculture, and the construction industry. Although many hundreds of studies have explored the applications of biochar, the existing literature remains highly segregated, largely focused on isolated or specific sectoral applications due to the diverse properties. To date, no comprehensive review has conceptualized biochar as a protagonist in the circular economy of cities. An approach is urgently needed to assess how biochar can contribute holistically to sustainable city development—bridging production, utilization, and long-term urban planning for resilience. This includes examining both economic and environmental returns, establishing sustainable supply chains for scaling up biochar solutions. Since biochar has diverse properties and context-dependent applications, it is also suitable to propose a model biochar-integrated city at a pilot scale to investigate real-world problems, limitations, and transformative potential. This demonstration can serve as a blueprint for future urban sustainability planning worldwide. Thus, by highlighting biochar as a crucial component of urban resilience, this article seeks to promote the idea of a sustainable city supported by the ideas of the circular economy.
{"title":"Biochar as a protagonist in sustainable city: Bridging green technologies and the circular economy","authors":"Manish Kumar , Sheetal Kumari , Sashini Gunarathna , Pabasari Arundathi Koliyabandara , Sarangi Madhavi Joseph , Upamali Peiris , Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha , G.Y. Jayasinghe , Manvendra Patel , Meththika Vithanage","doi":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106880","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106880","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biochar is a climate-positive green material that has proven its potential application in various sectors related to the circular economy, including waste management, wastewater treatment, global climate change mitigation, sustainable agriculture, and the construction industry. Although many hundreds of studies have explored the applications of biochar, the existing literature remains highly segregated, largely focused on isolated or specific sectoral applications due to the diverse properties. To date, no comprehensive review has conceptualized biochar as a protagonist in the circular economy of cities. An approach is urgently needed to assess how biochar can contribute holistically to sustainable city development—bridging production, utilization, and long-term urban planning for resilience. This includes examining both economic and environmental returns, establishing sustainable supply chains for scaling up biochar solutions. Since biochar has diverse properties and context-dependent applications, it is also suitable to propose a model biochar-integrated city at a pilot scale to investigate real-world problems, limitations, and transformative potential. This demonstration can serve as a blueprint for future urban sustainability planning worldwide. Thus, by highlighting biochar as a crucial component of urban resilience, this article seeks to promote the idea of a sustainable city supported by the ideas of the circular economy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48405,"journal":{"name":"Cities","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 106880"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146175169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-12DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2026.106843
Xiaoyan Wang , Luying Pan , Xiaoyu Shan , Haijun Bao
With the increasing degree of urbanization in China, the governance of urban communities is critical for sustainable societal development. Initiated by Zhejiang Province, the Future Community Initiative offers a novel approach that integrates modern urban renewal with multi-dimension needs. Despite amount of discussion about the effects of community governance, the results of existing research on the influencing factors on the governance effectiveness are not conclusive. This study investigates the influencing factors of the governance effectiveness of Future Community through fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) of thirty pilot communities in Zhejiang province, China. Combining with Organization-Resource-Technology framework, the research identifies three distinct pathways to enhance the governance effectiveness. The first path includes the whole factors of three dimensions, among which resident autonomy, neighborhood and digitization are necessary conditions. The second path includes the dimensions of organization and resource, and the third path includes the dimensions of resource and technology. This research makes substantial contributions to the development and the governance of urban communities.
{"title":"Factors influencing the governance effectiveness of Future Community: A qualitative comparative analysis","authors":"Xiaoyan Wang , Luying Pan , Xiaoyu Shan , Haijun Bao","doi":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106843","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cities.2026.106843","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the increasing degree of urbanization in China, the governance of urban communities is critical for sustainable societal development. Initiated by Zhejiang Province, the Future Community Initiative offers a novel approach that integrates modern urban renewal with multi-dimension needs. Despite amount of discussion about the effects of community governance, the results of existing research on the influencing factors on the governance effectiveness are not conclusive. This study investigates the influencing factors of the governance effectiveness of Future Community through fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) of thirty pilot communities in Zhejiang province, China. Combining with Organization-Resource-Technology framework, the research identifies three distinct pathways to enhance the governance effectiveness. The first path includes the whole factors of three dimensions, among which resident autonomy, neighborhood and digitization are necessary conditions. The second path includes the dimensions of organization and resource, and the third path includes the dimensions of resource and technology. This research makes substantial contributions to the development and the governance of urban communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48405,"journal":{"name":"Cities","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 106843"},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146175162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"经济学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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