Urban biodiversity helps with mental well-being, but we need to take more notice of it

February 5, 2026

As urbanisation continues globally, the interest in urban green space as a provider/supporter of mental well-being is still growing. The question has largely moved on from “Will a walk in the park help with mental well-being?” to “Will a walk in any park do?” Previous research suggested that urban green spaces with rich fauna and flora (i.e. rich biodiversity) improved mental well-being. However, the experimental evidence remains limited.

Read More »

Exploring the restorative and social value of urban running environments as third places, Manila, The Philippines

January 29, 2026

We asked runners across Metro Manila to rate their usual running spots, not just based on convenience or safety, but on how these places make them feel. Do they offer a sense of community? Do they reduce stress? Can people connect with others there, even informally? These questions are rooted in the idea of “third places”, spaces that are neither home nor work but still feel like a meaningful part of daily life.

Read More »

City farmers’ collaborations for biodegradable wet waste processing

December 16, 2025

Improper solid waste management causes significant environmental damage. In India, solid waste management is a major challenge, particularly for urban local bodies. While larger cities have access to sufficient funds to provide solid waste management services, smaller cities with limited resources struggle to sustain financially viable solid waste management operations. Consequently, solid waste often ends up in landfills, contaminating the environment instead of being processed effectively. At the same time, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture degrades soil health and further contaminates the environment.

Read More »

Regenerative urban design and planning: Insights from Turkey for cities worldwide

October 7, 2025

This study contributes to understanding the intersection of regenerative planning principles and legal frameworks. It identifies the extent to which Turkey’s urban planning legislation aligns with regenerative principles, highlights key gaps in the current system that restricts the integration of regenerative approaches and provides insights that can inform urban planning practices and legislative reforms globally.

Read More »

Four-walled or fourfold? Well-being in gated cities

October 7, 2025

Our study sheds light on the evolving dynamics of the Greater Cairo Region, adding depth to the understanding of whether gated communities act as true remedies or reflections of concrete houses. By incorporating a model based on critical factors for mental health, we offer insights into the nuanced dimensions of well-being in the context of urban development. This research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between city structure and residents’ overall well-being.

Read More »

Unlocking food access in rural Jordan: Evaluating land use regulations in Annuaymeh village

October 7, 2025

Through field observations, surveys with the residents, and interviews with decision-maker, we identified key variables that define food access in rural areas in Jordan, mapped access to food services according to the identified variable. and assessed food access in relation to land use regulations. Our work investigated frameworks governing the allocation of food service establishment locations, spatial requirements, integration into city masterplans, equitable distribution of food service types, and pertinent legislative frameworks.

Read More »