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The Usage and Constraints of Urban River Corridor from a Socio-ecological Perspective: a Systematic Review: A Systematic Review

April 2024
Landscape Online

DOI:10.3097/LO.2024.1121

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CC BY 4.0

Authors:

Lin Shi

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Sreetheran Maruthaveeran

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof

Universiti Putra Malaysia

River corridors, acknowledged as "blue-green infrastructure," have gained increasing attention due to their potential benefits on individual quality of life and social well-being in urban areas. However, there remains a lack of a comprehensive synthesis of evidence through a systematic literature review on the usage and associated constraints of urban river corridors. The paper aims to systematically review those attributes that influence the usage of urban river corridors and to analyse their complex interactions from a socio-ecological perspective. Results comprise an overview of the reviewed literature, including authorship, journal, geographical distribution, sample characteristics, data collection and analysis methods, and critical findings. Fifty-nine peer-reviewed papers published between 2012 and 2023 met the authors' inclusion criteria. The findings highlight the significant influence of individual, social, and physical factors on the usage of urban river corridors. Additionally, time reason also impact users' decisions regarding the usage of urban river corridors. Finally, a conceptual framework was proposed to guide urban planners, designers, and policymakers in enhancing urban river corridors' design and management standards, ultimately creating a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive leisure space catering to diverse needs.

Steps involved in a systematic review.

…

Number of publications on usage and constraints of urban river corridors from 2012 to 2023.

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Landscape Online | Volume 98 | 2024 | Article 1121

Submitted: 26 September 2023 | Accepted in revised version: 2 April 2024| Published: 11 April 2024

Shi Lin1, Sreetheran

Maruthaveeran1*, Mohd Johari

Mohd Yusof1

1) Universi Putra Malaysia, Department

of Landscape Architecture, Serdang,

Malaysia

* Email correspondence author:

sreetheran@upm.edu.my

Lin Shi

hps://orcid.org/0009-0007-5305-9478

Sreetheran Maruthaveeran

hps://orcid.org/0000-0003-0593-7807

Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof

hps://orcid.org/0000-0002-7258-7328

Abstract

River corridors, acknowledged as “blue-green infrastructure,” have gained

increasing attention due to their potential benefits on individual quality

of life and social well-being in urban areas. However, there remains a

lack of a comprehensive synthesis of evidence through a systematic

literature review on the usage and associated constraints of urban river

corridors. The paper aims to systematically review those attributes that

influence the usage of urban river corridors and to analyse their complex

interactions from a socio-ecological perspective. Results comprise an

overview of the reviewed literature, including authorship, journal,

geographical distribution, sample characteristics, data collection and

analysis methods, and critical findings. Fifty-nine peer-reviewed papers

published between 2012 and 2023 met the authors’ inclusion criteria.

The findings highlight the significant influence of individual, social, and

physical factors on the usage of urban river corridors. Additionally, time

reason also impact users’ decisions regarding the usage of urban river

corridors. Finally, a conceptual framework was proposed to guide urban

planners, designers, and policymakers in enhancing urban river corridors’

design and management standards, ultimately creating a sustainable,

resilient, and inclusive leisure space catering to diverse needs.

Keywords:

river corridor, riverside, riverfront, riparian zone, urban blue-green

space, use, socio-ecological model

The Usage and Constraints of Urban River Corridor from a

Socio-ecological Perspecve: a Systemac Review

hps://doi.org/10.3097/LO.2024.1121

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Lin et al. Page 2

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1 Introduction

Due to rapid urbanization and climate change, riv-

ers have undergone significant physical and spatial

transformations, resulting in severe social and eco-

logical issues (Best, 2019; Nguyen et al., 2019; Re-

mondi et al.,2016; Zainal Abidin & Lee, 2011). In

response to this growing concern, countries world-

wide have recognized this phenomenon and actively

striving to restore river ecosystems through ecolog-

ical design approaches while enhancing their recre-

ational and leisure value (Scott et al., 2016). Today,

with the gradual improvement of water quality, ur-

ban river corridors have gained increasing promi-

nence in urban ecology planning, green infrastruc-

ture development, green space management, and

climate change adaptation strategies (Zhang et al.,

2022a; Zheng et al., 2019).

River corridors refer to the vegetated areas along

river channels and their adjacent zones, serving as

transitional zones between the river and surround-

ing terrestrial ecosystems (Forman, 1995). Given

the complexity and uniqueness of river corridor

landscapes, experts from various disciplines adopt

diverse terms to define river corridors (Zhang et

al., 2022a). For instance, ecologists commonly use

“riparian zone” or “riparian area,” while hydrolo-

gists refer to the “floodplain.” In the field of land-

scape, terms such as “waterfront green space” or

“riverside” are frequently employed. Additionally,

the terms “river corridor” and “stream corridor”

are often used interchangeably. It is essential to ac-

knowledge that certain concepts extend beyond the

boundaries of river corridors, such as greenways,

blue ways, and ecological corridors, which may en-

compass broader areas, including natural vegetation

zones on both sides of rivers or roads (Zhang et al.,

2022a). River ecological corridors, riparian zones

and areas, riparian vegetation buffers, riparian buff-

er strips, and green river corridors are all elements

of river corridors.

Research has demonstrated that urban river corri-

dors, as blue-green infrastructure, perform a dual

role as natural and social corridors, thereby contrib-

uting significantly to urban stability, comfort, and

sustainability (Janiszek & Krzysztofik, 2023; Ji et al.,

2012). On the one hand, urban river corridors act

as ecological corridors, facilitating the migration of

organisms, enhancing biodiversity, and providing

habitats and migration routes for wildlife (Baschak

& Brown, 1995; Bennett & Mulongoy, 2006). These

corridors establish unique habitats within urban

areas, creating energy and material flow pathways

between urban green spaces, effectively mitigating

landscape and habitat fragmentation (Beatley, 2000;

Vermaat et al., 2016). On the other hand, urban

river corridors hold the potential to serve as urban

greenways, regulating the urban microclimate, mit-

igating urban heat island effects, preserving water

and soil resources, purifying water bodies, and of-

fering psychological benefits through attention res-

toration (Guimarães et al., 2021; Hathway & Shar-

ples, 2012; Kenwick et al., 2009; Vaeztavakoli et al.,

2018). Furthermore, natural riverbanks contribute

to the scenic beauty of cities and play a vital role in

shaping urban landscapes (Che, 2001). Urban river

corridors serve as excellent public spaces to show-

case vegetation and optimize the visual landscape of

cities. Moreover, these corridors provide water-re-

lated spaces for urban residents, attracting them to

connect with nature (Zainal Abidin, 2017). In this re-

gard, understanding the public’s usage of urban riv-

er corridors is of utmost importance, given their po-

tential impact on individual quality of life and social

well-being (Che, 2001; Garcia et al., 2017; Nguyen et

al., 2021; Oertli & Parris, 2019).

Given the myriad benefits of river corridors, exten-

sive research has been conducted to gain a deeper

understanding of the factors influencing public us-

age and constraints in these areas. Researchers are

increasingly focusing on comprehending the inter-

play between the physical characteristics of river

corridors and the “human dimension,” encompass-

ing socio-cultural attributes of individuals and social

groups that offer valuable insights for urban planning

(Garcia et al., 2020; Pouya & Baskaya, 2018). Among

individual attributes, gender, age, occupation, race,

education level, socio-economic status, and modes

of transportation play pivotal roles in determining

the usage of urban river corridors (Xie et al., 2023).

Studies have shown that natural elements like wa-

ter features and green vegetation, well-maintained

facilities, and the presence of wildlife are appealing

features that entice regular visits to urban river corri-

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dors (Garrett et al., 2019; Luo et al., 2022; Van Hecke

et al., 2016). Conversely, uncivil behaviours such as

graffiti, littering, and the presence of troublesome

individuals can impede usage (Eid et al., 2021; Smith

et al., 2022; Vert et al., 2019). A survey conducted

in Hangzhou on the suitability of urban waterfront

spaces revealed five common factors influencing the

satisfaction of older adults with urban blue-green

spaces: environment, functionality, transportation,

socio-culture, and vision (Gong et al., 2019). On the

other hand, children tend to prioritize natural ele-

ments and engage in physical activities involving

water, such as swimming and water slides (Man-

sournia et al., 2021). Furthermore, the accessibility

and distance to urban river corridors also play sig-

nificant roles in influencing public usage (Othman et

al., 2021; Wüstemann et al., 2017). Longer durations

of access to blue-green spaces have been associated

with higher levels of well-being (Garrett et al., 2019),

while feelings of insecurity act as significant barriers

to fully utilizing river corridors (Vierikko & Yli-Pelko-

nen, 2019). Therefore, a socio-ecological model that

incorporates individual, physical, and social environ-

mental factors provides a comprehensive theoretical

framework to understand the complex dynamics of

urban river corridor usage (Glanz et al., 2008). This

holistic approach enables a deeper comprehension

of the intricate interactions between various ele-

ments that influence public utilization of these spac-

es and provides valuable guidance for urban plan-

ners and policymakers aiming to create sustainable

and people-oriented urban environments.

However, there remains a lack of comprehensive

literature reviews investigating the relationship be-

tween urban river corridors and socio-ecological

perspectives. Hence, the primary objective of this

study is to systematically review the evidence of the

factors influencing the usage, constraints, and satis-

faction of urban river corridors, as well as the inter-

connections between these factors. Specifically, this

paper will (a) comprehensively review the existing

literature on the factors influencing the usage and

constraints of urban river corridors, encompassing

their authorship, journal, geographical distribution,

sample characteristics, data collection, and analysis

methods, as well as critical findings; (b) analyse the

attributes that impact the public’s usage and con-

straints of urban river corridors; and (c) propose a

conceptual framework for the usage and associated

constraints of urban river corridors based on the so-

cio-ecological method. The contribution of this study

will enhance the existing landscape design process-

es and provide up-to-date design and management

strategies for the future development and enhance-

ment of urban river corridors.

2 Research method

2.1 Search strategy

This study employed the PRISMA statement (Pre-

ferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and

Meta-Analyses) as a standardized tool for screening

and extracting literature, ensuring the traceability of

the screening process (Moher et al., 2009). The au-

thor searched peer-reviewed English-language aca-

demic literature using three widely recognized elec-

tronic databases (Science Direct, Web of Science,

and Scopus) to identify relevant papers on the usage

and constraints of urban river corridors. In order to

broaden the scope of literature search, we system-

atically employed an extensive set of keyword com-

binations. These terms encompass (1) river corridor,

stream corridor, riverfront, riverside, riparian, riv-

erscape, urban blue, and greenway; (2) usage, use,

recreation, activity, and behaviour; and (3) barrier,

disservice, constraint, and restriction. The search

was conducted until November 5, 2023, and includ-

ed the most current available literature.

2.2 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

The inclusion criteria are as follows: (i) the survey

area was urban river corridors or waterfront spaces,

(ii) the study is based on the usage and constraint of

people, (iii) the article is an empirical study subject

to peer review, and (iv) the language of the article is

English.

The exclusion criteria are as follows: (i) articles that

are unrelated to the topic, (ii) grey literature, includ-

ing conference proceedings, book chapters, litera-

ture reviews, MSc and Ph.D. theses, course notes,

and government reports, and (iii) duplicate articles.

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2.3 Study selection

Initially, a total of 26,368 articles were retrieved.

Subsequent to excluding 17,553 records based on

considerations related to publication title and sub-

ject areas, 8,815 articles remained. From this pool,

4,620 gray literature sources were systematically

eliminated. Rigorous scrutiny of titles, keywords,

and abstracts, coupled with a meticulous evaluation

based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion cri-

teria, led to the exclusion of 4,013 articles deemed

irrelevant to the research objectives. The remaining

182 articles underwent a secondary screening, dur-

ing which 18 duplicate entries were identified and

Figure 1. Steps involved in a systematic review.

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subsequently removed. To ensure the thoroughness

of the literature review, an additional 13 articles,

overlooked in the search process, were identified

through a systematic review of reference lists (snow-

balling). Following an exhaustive examination of the

full text of the initially selected 177 peer-reviewed

journal articles, 59 articles met the predetermined

inclusion criteria (Figure 1).

2.4 Data extraction

Following a comprehensive review of the selected

articles, the authors extracted pertinent informa-

tion for analysis and organized the data and findings

within a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The extracted

information encompassed various aspects such as

author names, publication dates, countries, journals,

sample characteristics, data collection methods,

sampling methods, sample sizes, data analysis tech-

niques employed, and primary research findings.

2.5 Quality appraisal

Some studies have shown that documenting the

steps taken by researchers to identify and recruit

participants and providing details on how they col-

lected and analysed outcome data contributes to

assessing the study based on appropriate criteria

(Garside, 2014). Therefore, it is necessary to con-

duct a quality assessment of the included studies.

In this study, the authors employed the Crowe Criti-

cal Appraisal Tool (CCAT) for analysis and evaluation

(Crowe et al., 2011). The CCAT has been widely ap-

plied in systematic reviews due to its validated effec-

tiveness and reliability in research design (Crowe &

Sheppard, 2011). The latest version of CCAT (Version

1.4) consisted of eight key categories, with scores

ranging from 0 to 5, resulting in a total score of 40

for each study (Crowe, 2013). The overall manu-

script score can be represented as a percentage, ob-

tained by dividing the total score by 40, where 40

is the sum of the scores from the eight categories,

each having a maximum score of five (Crowe, 2013).

Two authors independently assessed and rated each

study using the same quality rating scale. In cases of

divergent opinions, resolution was achieved through

discussion and deliberation. Although the CCAT does

not include a descriptive or qualitative data analysis

component, it is worth noting that alternative crit-

ical appraisal tools provide specific thresholds for

evaluation. For instance, Gascon et al. (2017) estab-

lished quality assessment criteria for studies in the

field of green spaces and provided corresponding

quality scores: excellent (≥81%), good (61-80%), fair

(41-60%), poor (21-40%), and very poor (≤20%).

3 Results

3.1 Synthesis of study findings

After review, a total of 59 original research articles

that underwent peer review were identified. These

articles were disseminated across 35 distinct jour-

nals, with the highest volume appearing in Sustain-

ability (9 articles), succeeded by Land (5 articles).

Four articles were published in Landscape and Urban

Planning, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, and the

International Journal of Environmental Research and

Public Health. Two articles were featured in Health

& Place, International Journal of Geo-Information,

and Frontiers of Architectural Research, while the

remaining 27 journals each contributed a single arti-

cle. Concerning regional distribution, except for one

article lacking specified research location, the major-

ity of studies (26 articles) were conducted in China,

followed by Germany (5 articles) and the USA (3 ar-

ticles). Hong Kong, Spain, Serbia, Poland, Egypt, and

the UK each contributed two articles. At the same

time, other regions (Cyprus, Taiwan, Finland, Bar-

celona, Bangladesh, Kurdistan, New Zealand, Chile,

Iran, and the Czech Republic) were represented by a

single article. Additionally, one article encompassed

a research scope of 15 European countries, and an-

other focused on the 14 EU Member States. From

the time perspective, the 59 papers were published

between 2012 and 2023. Over time, there has been

a significant increase in research on usage and con-

straints related to urban river corridors or riverfront

spaces, with 85% of the research output (50 articles)

mainly concentrated after 2019. The overall publica-

tion trend is depicted in Figure 2.

Among the 59 studies reviewed, all provided detailed

descriptions of their sample characteristics. Some

studies recruited interviewees, such as residents

(20%), users of river corridors (17%), and visitors

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(15%). Additionally, three articles (5%) specifically

included older adults as participants, while seven

articles (12%) targeted online users from platforms

like Tencent, Weibo, and Dianping. Other studies

involved general citizens, tourists, passers-by, vol-

unteers, students, experts, young people, children,

pedestrians, mobile phone users, camping people,

planning officials, and non-governmental organiza-

tions. Almost all studies investigated the usage of

urban river corridors by gender, and no reports ex-

clusively focused on a single gender.

In terms of data collection, a majority of the articles

(56%) employed quantitative methods such as ques-

tionnaires, field surveys, observations, Baidu heat

maps, GIS, GPS, and behavioral notation techniques.

Meanwhile, four articles (7%) utilized qualitative

methods such as interviews, while twelve (20%)

adopted mixed methods combining quantitative and

qualitative approaches. Furthermore, ten articles

(17%) relied on secondary data sources. It is worth

noting that several studies also tapped into online

data sources like Baidu heat maps, POI data, NDVI

data, Real-time Tencent user density data, morpho-

logical data, spatio-temporal cellular data, drone

aerial photography, crowd distribution heat map,

building vector data, and road network data.

In addition, a substantial number of studies (51%)

provided explicit descriptions, employing either

probability sampling techniques (such as random

sampling and stratified sampling) or non-probability

sampling methods (including convenience sampling,

quota sampling, snowball sampling, and voluntary

sampling). However, a notable proportion (49%) did

not provide detailed explanations of the sampling

methods employed. Meanwhile, 20 articles did not

specify the sample size used in their studies.

Furthermore, all articles comprehensively described

the data analysis methods employed. These meth-

ods encompassed qualitative approaches such as

content analysis, semantic differential methods, and

quantitative techniques, including descriptive anal-

ysis, regression analysis, ANOVA, kernel density es-

timation, analytic hierarchy process, t-tests, F-test,

Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA),

chi-square tests, and more.

3.2 Quality review

In accordance with the CCAT criteria, the authors

conducted quality assessments for the eight key cat-

egories and calculated total scores and percentag-

es. The result showed that all included studies (59)

achieved scores of ≥60%. Referring to the research

Figure 2. Number of publications on usage and constraints of urban river corridors from 2012 to 2023.

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quality assessment criteria established by Gascon et

al. (2017) in the field of green spaces, five studies

(8%) were rated as excellent, the majority (n=50) of

the included studies demonstrated good methodo-

logical quality, and the remaining four studies (7%)

received a fair overall quality rating. None of the

studies were classified as poor or very poor. Specifi-

cally, 36 studies obtained scores of four or five out of

five in the preliminaries category (i.e., title, abstract,

and text), while 23 received a score of three. In the

introduction section, most studies provided back-

ground information; however, six studies did not

summarize the primary objective, aims, or second-

ary questions. Concerning the study design (includ-

ing intervention, treatment, exposure, outcome,

output, predictor, measure, bias, etc.), 16 articles re-

ceived moderate scores in this category. Moreover,

29 studies achieved high scores (four or five out of

five) in the sampling procedures, 28 studies scored

medium (three out of five), and the remaining two

studies received low scores (two out of five). In data

collection, most studies obtained high scores (four

or five out of five), while only 15 attained a medi-

um score (three out of five). Only seven studies re-

ported ethical considerations. It is worth noting that

all results obtained scores of medium (three out of

five) or above (four or five out of five). Finally, in the

discussion section (including interpretation, gen-

eralization, and concluding remarks), most studies

(44) received high scores (four or five out of five), 13

studies scored medium (three out of five), and two

studies received low scores (two out of five) due to

the lack of detailed discussions or limitations.

3.3 Factors of urban river corridor usage

According to Mcleroy et al. (1988), factors affecting

the usage were structured employing a socio-ecolog-

ical framework model. This model recognize that in-

dividual behaviour is influenced by multiple factors,

including personal, social, and physical attributes.

3.3.1 Personal attributes

This study examined the usage of urban river cor-

ridors by scrutinizing individual attributes, encom-

passing demographic characteristics, activity moti-

vations, modes of transportation, frequency of visit /

familiarity, duration of stay, time of the day, and dog

ownership. However, within the pool of 59 includ-

ed studies, 12 articles failed to furnish demographic

data regarding the respondents.

The findings from 29 studies (49%) revealed that age

is the most frequently observed variable. Research

has found that adults constitute the primary user

group of urban river corridors (Djukić et al., 2020;

Giannakis et al., 2016; Vert et al., 2019), followed by

seniors and children (Vert et al., 2019). This predi-

lection may stem from the ability of younger indi-

viduals to rely on vehicular transport to access dis-

tant urban riverside (Wu et al., 2019b). Conversely,

due to declining health conditions, seniors tend to

engage in less physically demanding activities, such

as walking in nearby outdoor natural spaces (Gar-

rett et al., 2019; Gong et al., 2019; Rantanen et al.,

2012). However, a study focusing on using the Don-

ghu Greenway in China highlighted that seniors use

urban river corridors more due to their ample and

flexible leisure time (Börger et al., 2021; Xie et al.,

2023). Children and adolescents exhibit lower usage

of these areas as societal norms increasingly deem

children’s unsupervised use of the riverfront unac-

ceptable, reducing their utilization of such spaces

(Freeman & Tranter, 2012; Vert et al., 2019). Djukić

et al. (2020) discovered no discernible correlation

between specific age groups and their riverside us-

age frequencies.

Similarly, motivation stands out as the most fre-

quently discussed variable among individual factors.

An equal number of studies examine personal moti-

vation as a variable (n=29, 49%). Individuals visit ur-

ban riversides primarily for physical exercise, recrea-

tion and leisure, including activities such as walking

or jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, skateboard-

ing, rowing, dragon boat racing, water marathons,

dog walking, picnicking, dining, photography, social

gatherings, commuting, chess, and camping (e.g.,

Chen & Ma, 2023; Gargiulo et al., 2020; Guo et al.,

2022; Gong et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2023; Meng et

al. 2020; Vierikko & Yli-Pelkonen, 2019; wade et al.,

2023; Wu et al., 2019a; Yu et al., 2022; Zhang et al.,

2022b; Zingraff-Hamed et al., 2022). Furthermore,

two studies also discussed the motivation for res-

toration (Gargiulo et al., 2020; Jakstis et al., 2023).

River proximity is a significant attraction for many

individuals, as they prefer to be as close to the wa-

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ter as possible (Eid et al., 2021), particularly during

hot summers, eliciting feelings of relaxation or tran-

quillity upon encountering water (Ćwik et al., 2021).

People’s purposes for visiting urban riversides often

vary by gender and age. One study revealed that

middle-aged individuals exhibit the highest demand

for sports and leisure spaces, while seniors express a

heightened preference for social gatherings (Ouyang

& Wu, 2023). Children enjoy direct physical contact

with water (Mansournia et al., 2021). Conversely,

due to declining health conditions, seniors tend to

engage in less physically demanding activities, such

as walking in nearby outdoor natural spaces (Gar-

rett et al., 2019; Gong et al., 2019; Rantanen et al.,

2012). A study conducted in Wuhan, China, found

that women prefer to come to the riverside squares

in the morning to participate in square dancing for

physical exercise (Wu et al., 2019b).

Gender is another prominent factor that has re-

ceived considerable attention, with 25 studies (46%)

exploring it as an independent variable. The findings

revealed substantial variations in preferences be-

tween male and female users regarding different riv-

er corridors in terms of temporal and spatial aspects

(Wu et al., 2019b). Female users tended to spend

less time engaging with urban river corridors (Xie

et al., 2023). Two studies from China demonstrated

that the proportion of females in the spatial distri-

bution of users is slightly higher than males (Wu et

al., 2019b; Zhang et al., 2022b). However, another

study conducted in the Riverside area of Barcelona,

Spain, came to the opposite conclusion, suggesting

that men outnumbered women.

The frequency of visitation/familiarity (n=26, 44%)

also influences people’s willingness to visit. Djukić et

al. (2020) revealed that nearly one-sixth of individ-

uals partake in daily walks along the river, with the

majority (44%) indicating a regular monthly stroll.

This phenomenon signifies active engagement with

the urban riverfront. Visitation frequency significant-

ly correlates with the perceived walking distance

(Völker et al., 2018) and water quality (Börger et al.,

2021). Frequent physical access to riverfront green

spaces is only feasible when the vertical distance

is appropriate and the riverbank is not steep (Vian

et al., 2021). Moreover, Xie et al. (2023) reported

a positive correlation between greenway visitation

frequency and social cohesion. Participants’ satis-

faction with riverfront green spaces primarily stems

from their familiarity with these areas and their lev-

el of engagement in social interactions within them

(Vert et al., 2019). Additionally, the frequency of ur-

ban riverfront use is related to time and season. For

instance, Vierikko and Yli-Pelkonen (2019) observed

differences in visitation frequency between tourists

in summer and non-summer seasons. The frequen-

cy of nighttime use of open riverfront spaces signifi-

cantly decreases (Rakonjac et al., 2022).

In addition, 34% of the studies (n=20) investigated

the impact of residence on the utilization of urban

river corridors, yielding mixed findings. In Finland,

it was observed that during the summer season,

most visitors resided in rental apartments rather

than vacation homes, while non-summer visitors

predominantly stayed in their own detached houses

(Vierikko & Yli-Pelkonen, 2019). A study encompass-

ing fifteen European countries conducted separate

examinations for the Nordic, Central European, and

Southern European regions and found variations in

the frequency of urban river green space visits be-

fore and during the pandemic across the three dif-

ferent regions (Jakstis et al., 2023). Xie et al. (2023)

indicated a negative correlation between homeown-

ership rate and riverside utilization frequency. Addi-

tionally, the length of residency demonstrated a sig-

nificant positive association with familiarity, usage

patterns, and positive interactions with urban river

corridors (Haeffner et al., 2017). Due to their long-

term residency in the local area, most individuals ex-

hibit familiarity and a preference for the community,

engaging in numerous social interactions (Vert et al.,

2019).

Moreover, 19 studies (32%) specifically examined

the duration of visitor stays. The majority of these

studies indicated that visitors spend approximate-

ly one hour on urban river corridors (Garrett et al.,

2019; Liu et al., 2023; Luo et al., 2022; Mansournia et

al., 2021; Rakonjac et al., 2022; Vierikko & Yli-Pelko-

nen, 2019; Wang et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2022b).

Some individuals seeking proximity to the water may

invest several hours sitting along the riverbank, ob-

serving the water flow (Völker & Kistemann, 2013).

In contrast, Ćwik et al. (2021) argued that fountains

with multi-media shows may attract visitors more

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than the mere presence of water. The availability

of leisure time plays a role in the duration of rec-

reational sports activities along the urban riverfront

(Gargiulo et al., 2020). Two other studies concluded

that visitors extend their stays slightly on weekends

compared to weekdays (Chen et al., 2022; Fan et

al., 2023). Higher socioeconomic status households

may allocate more leisure time to riverside activities,

while renters and temporary residents, engrossed

in their livelihoods, may have limited time by the

riverside (Haeffner et al., 2017). Additionally, the

presence of recreational facilities and the quality of

the natural environment also impact the duration

of stays (Chen & Ma, 2023). Higher environmental

quality tends to correlate with extended stay dura-

tions.

Other factors, such as time (n=19, 32%), also influ-

ence the utilization of urban river corridors. Time-re-

lated variables encompass temporal points, day or

night, and weekdays or weekends. Multiple studies

reveal that urban river corridors exhibit higher vi-

brancy during weekends than on weekdays (Ding et

al., 2023; Grzyb & Kulczyk, 2023; Liu et al., 2021; Wu

et al., 2019b). However, Chen et al. (2022) present

contrasting findings, indicating lower spatial densi-

ty during weekends. Significant differences in visitor

numbers during daytime and nighttime were noted

(Chen & Ma, 2023; Giannakis et al., 2016; Rakonjac

et al., 2022). Individuals often prefer camping during

pleasantly comfortable times, such as evenings in

summer (Wu et al., 2023). Nevertheless, conclusions

from different studies are inconsistent, as articulated

by an adult white individual who feels secure during

the daytime along rivers but rarely ventures there at

night due to inadequate lighting (Vert et al., 2019).

Although 18 studies (31%) investigated the partici-

pants’ educational level, only one study demonstrat-

ed significant findings for this variable, indicating no

systematic linear relationship between participants’

formal education level and their proximity to river-

sides or familiarity with them (Haeffner et al., 2017).

However, individuals with higher levels of education,

such as those with university and graduate degrees,

are more likely to spend time on local riversides and

thus benefit from various forms of interactive expe-

riences (Haeffner et al., 2017).

Furthermore, 12 studies (20%) examined the trans-

portation modalities associated with the utilization

of urban river corridors. The majority of these stud-

ies consistently reported that walking is the predom-

inant mode of transportation for individuals access-

ing urban river corridors (Gong et al., 2019; Ouyang

& Wu,2023; Xie et al., 2023; Zhang et al., 2022;

Zhao et al., 2021; Zhou et al., 2022). Other modes

of transportation were found, including public trans-

portation, private vehicles, sightseeing buses, and

multi-bikes (Liu et al., 2023; Othman et al., 2021;

Völker & Kistemann,2013; Zhang et al., 2022b). A

study investigating the preferences and attitudes

of citizens towards urban riversides revealed that

individuals residing farther from the river corridors

primarily relied on private vehicles, which may raise

concerns regarding traffic connectivity and parking

availability (Wang et al., 2020).

The review also identified some less-studied varia-

bles, including socioeconomic status (n=10, 17%),

employment status or occupation (n=10, 17%), fam-

ily structure (n=9, 15%), health status (n=5, 8%),

race or ethnicity (n=4, 7%) and marital status (n=3,

5%). One study conducted in Utah, USA, revealed

that compared to non-white Hispanic backgrounds,

people with higher socioeconomic status and white

ethnicity were more familiar with urban water-

ways and likelier to spend time there (Haeffner et

al., 2017). Additionally, a study conducted in Ger-

many indicated that individuals with an immigrant

background tended to reside closer to urban blue

spaces compared to those without an immigrant

background (Wüstemann et al., 2017). Although ten

studies described employment status or occupation

in their research, none conducted a correlation anal-

ysis to investigate their association with the use or

constraints of urban river corridors. Another less-ex-

amined factor is family structure, with nine studies

describing this variable. Xie et al. (2023) asserted

that the frequency of lakeside visits was negatively

associated with single-person households. Haeffner

et al. (2017) found that, compared to families with-

out young individuals, families with children appear

less familiar with local riversides. A survey conduct-

ed in Finland reported that families with children

were more common during the summer season

compared to the off-peak season, and approximate-

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ly one-fourth of the respondents visited urban river

corridors alone during the off-peak season (Vierikko

&Yli-Pelkonen, 2019). In addition, only five research

focused on health status. It seems that health sta-

tus positively influences the utilization of urban river

corridors, particularly among the elderly population

(Garrett et al., 2019; Gong et al., 2019). A study con-

ducted in Hong Kong revealed that older adults who

frequently visited riversides were more likely to have

better psychological well-being, and individuals who

had a view of blue spaces from their residences were

more likely to report overall good health (Gong et

al., 2019). However, a study in Egypt reported that

residents’ walking ability and health status did not

demonstrate statistically significant associations

(Othman et al., 2021). While three studies provid-

ed descriptive information on marital status as a

demographic variable, no correlation analysis was

conducted (Börger et al., 2021; Zhao et al., 2021; Xie

et al., 2023).

The least observed factors encompass dog owner-

ship (n=1), proficiency in swimming (n=1), and child-

hood nature experiences (n=1). A study investigating

the recreational value of blue spaces across Europe

revealed that individuals who own dogs and those

proficient in swimming tend to visit blue spaces

more frequently than those without canine com-

panions or swimming skills (Börger et al., 2021). Ad-

ditionally, a dedicated inquiry into the relationship

between childhood nature experiences and riverside

utilization concluded that the duration of childhood

exposure to nature does not exhibit a significant cor-

relation with adults’ involvement in natural environ-

ments (Van Heezik et al., 2021). This suggests that

irrespective of limited childhood experiences, and

adults can actively engage with nature in urban river

corridors.

3.3.2 Social attributes

In the social-ecological model, individuals’ thoughts,

feelings, and behaviours are largely influenced by

their social environment and the resulting psy-

chological processes known as social attributes

(Paneerchelvam et al., 2020). Social attributes en-

compass elements contingent upon the cultural

significance of activities and the social interactions

among individuals (Gargiulo et al., 2020). The litera-

ture identified that social factors comprise five fac-

tors: sociability, safety, and social incivilities.

Sociability significantly influences the public use

of urban river corridors, with 18 (30%) studies dis-

cussed this variable. Riversides often serve as pop-

ular venues for diverse social interactions (Völker &

Kistemann, 2013). Individuals enjoy socializing, din-

ing, and recreational activities with family, partners,

or friends during weekends or leisure time in cultur-

ally themed river front areas or amidst beautiful nat-

ural landscapes (Djukić et al., 2020; Wu et al., 2019a).

This attests to the crucial social role that urban river-

banks play for users. For instance, some parents or

grandparents frequently relax on the riverside during

the summer while caring for their children (Vierikko

& Yli-Pelkonen, 2019). However, some homemak-

ers may lack the time to stroll by the riverside due

to family responsibilities (Gargiulo, 2020). Further-

more, specific riverside spaces frequently host pub-

lic events such as rowing competitions and botanical

exhibitions, attracting urban residents (Shangi et al.,

2020). Strong neighbourhood social cohesion may

foster increased social interactions among neigh-

bours (Xie et al., 2023). However, there are also indi-

viduals expressing discontent with crowded environ-

ments, as highlighted by a middle-aged male athlete

who sometimes perceives it as resembling a bustling

street (Gargiulo, 2020).

Another frequently described social attribute is safe-

ty (n=17, 29%). Inadequate facilities contribute to

potential safety risks, including a lack of nighttime

illumination (Che et al., 2012; Gong et al., 2009;

Rakonjac et al., 2022), limited road width, malfunc-

tioning traffic signals, and restricted availability of

underground passages (Othman et al., 2021), as

well as armoured or concrete steep slopes (Eid et

al., 2021). In addition, disorderly individuals at spe-

cific locations displaying antisocial behaviours (such

as pickpockets, vendors, and intoxicated individu-

als) and interference from wildlife can evoke fears

of accidents and crime (Gargiulo et al., 2020; Hale

& Taylor, 1986; Vierikko & Yli-Pelkonen, 2019; Völk-

er & Kistemann, 2013). For example, simultaneous

conflicting activities on the same pathway increase

awareness of overcrowding and the risk of acciden-

tal injuries (Godbey et al., 2005). In contrast, Vert

et al. (2019) concluded that most participants per-

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ceived riverbank areas as safe, at least during day-

light hours. Similarly, older users from Hong Kong

did not consider safety a significant concern (Garrett

et al., 2019). This may be attributed to the general-

ly good public safety and lower crime rates in Hong

Kong. Parents are less likely to allow their children

to engage in perceived risky water-related activities

such as feeding fish, wading in the water, and climb-

ing (Mansournia et al., 2021).

Only nine studies (15%) described social incivilities,

the least studied social variable in the literature. Five

studies indicated that many tourists complain about

antisocial behaviours exhibited by residents, such as

offensive language and disrespectful conduct (Eid

et al., 2021; Gargiulo et al., 2020; Vert et al., 2019;

Vierikko & Yli-Pelkonen, 2019; Völker & Kistemann,

2013). Specifically, visitors expressed fear of harass-

ment from street vendors (Eid et al., 2021; Völker

& Kistemann, 2013), comments and whistling from

truck drivers that may cause fear of harassment

among female users (Gargiulo et al., 2020). Visitors

also conveyed discomfort when sharing the area

with dogs, particularly off-leash dogs, as it infring-

es upon their sense of comfort (Vert et al., 2019).

Moreover, other observed uncivil behaviours, in-

cluding noise, illegal parking, and lack of cleanliness

(e.g., littering or dog excrement), have the potential

to evoke anger and dissatisfaction, thereby disrupt-

ing the overall user experience (Shangi et al., 2020;

Smith et al., 2022; Völker & Kistemann, 2013).

3.3.3 Physical attributes

Physical attributes primarily pertain to objects’ tan-

gible characteristics and spatial elements (Wang et

al., 2019). In this study, the physical factors encom-

pass distance, accessibility, landscape setting, facil-

ities, natural elements (such as vegetation, water,

and animals), maintenance/management, weather,

and season.

Among the articles included in the review, facilities

emerge as the most frequently assessed physical at-

tribute (n=42, 71%). Multiple studies underscore the

impact of outdated building facilities, insufficient

commercial and entertainment services around the

river, lack of continuous and appropriate pathways

and lighting, monotonous and uninspiring sightsee-

ing boats, the absence of barrier-free open spaces,

and steep banks frequently restrict people’s explora-

tion and experiences along river corridors (Chen et

al., 2018; Chen et al., 2022; Cheng et al., 2022; Eid et

al., 2021; Smith et al., 2022; Vian et al., 2021; Völker

& Kistemann, 2013; Wu et al., 2019c). Consequent-

ly, individuals tend to gravitate towards areas with

well-developed recreational and leisure facilities

(Chen & Ma, 2023). Certain studies focus on particu-

lar groups, highlighting the lack of facilities for disa-

bled individuals and children along river front roads

(Che et al., 2012). In contrast to the built environ-

ment, children are more concerned about natural el-

ements (Mansournia et al., 2021). The satisfaction of

older adults with urban riverside landscapes is great-

ly influenced by functional factors such as night time

lighting, seating facilities, fitness amenities, and

spatial dimensions (Garrett et al., 2019; Gong et al.,

2019). Conversely, a survey in Wuhan, China, sug-

gests that people may be more drawn to beautiful

natural landscapes rather than prioritizing facilities

(Wu et al., 2019a). The reported associations also

unveil evident gender differences, with female users

exhibiting a higher preference and willingness for

riverside areas with a dense distribution of recrea-

tional and public service facilities (Wu et al., 2019b).

More than half of the studies (n=40, 68%) described

the importance of natural elements such as vegeta-

tion, water, and animals. The literature review re-

vealed that people enjoy visiting river corridors to

experience natural environments. A woman from

Spain said, “The reason I went to the riverside area

is that I like rivers, birds, etc.” (Vert et al., 2019).

This conclusion finds recognition in Asian contexts

as well. For instance, a study conducted in Taiwan

demonstrated that riverside green belts and lush

vegetation can enhance the tourism appeal of urban

riverbanks (Chen et al., 2018). Chen and Ma (2023)

supported this viewpoint and highlighted a positive

correlation between vegetation richness and user

activities, such as resting, dog walking, and garden-

ing. However, conflicting results arise from a study

in Finland, where natural rivers and riverside vege-

tation scored lowest among respondents (Vierikko

& Yli-Pelkonen, 2019). In Egypt, the imperative for

ground vegetation along the Nile waterfront in cen-

tral Cairo also restricts user access (Eid et al., 2021).

Most Europeans prefer diverse, natural, or unman-

aged green elements (Jakstis et al., 2023). In Kurd-

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istan, children showed considerable enthusiasm

for water-related activities and natural elements in

urban riversides (Mansournia et al., 2021). Elderly

individuals particularly appreciate the natural envi-

ronmental elements in riversides, especially green-

ery and river landscapes (Gong et al., 2019). The per-

ception of wildlife’s presence contributes to older

adults’ health and well-being (Garrett et al., 2019).

Research indicated that accessibility (n=28, 46%)

and distance (n=17, 29%) significantly impact the

utilization and constraints of urban river corridors.

Detailed street patterns and travel times may in-

fluence the accessibility of rivers (Andersen Cirera,

2022; Luo & Lin, 2023; Othman et al., 2021). Gong et

al. (2019) asserted that spatial continuity enhances

accessibility. Conversely, a lack of vertical and hori-

zontal social connections with neighbouring com-

munities can diminish the potential utilization of

river corridors (Eid et al., 2021). For instance, older

adults, engaging more in linear and leisurely walking

activities, exhibit a higher demand for spatial conti-

nuity (Gong et al., 2019). On the other hand, private

ownership or restricted land use along rivers can af-

fect spatial accessibility, as these areas are not open

to the public (Andersen Cirera, 2022; Eid et al., 2021;

Scott Shafer et al., 2013; Shangi et al., 2020). In ad-

dition to spatial accessibility, accessibility includes

visual accessibility (Che et al., 2012). The crowded

presence of high-rise residential buildings along riv-

erbanks may negatively impact visual accessibility

(Che et al., 2012). Notably, higher visual accessibility

to water bodies is associated with enhanced vitality

(Ding et al., 2023). Lower visual accessibility implies

larger spatial enclosure and increased privacy, mak-

ing it a preferred outdoor activity area. Three stud-

ies concluded that convenient public transportation

could bring more vibrancy to urban riverside areas

(Chen & Ma, 2023; Fan et al., 2021; Niu et al., 2021).

However, Liu et al. (2021) presented opposing find-

ings, suggesting that high levels of transportation ac-

cessibility may impede riverside vibrancy. Perceived

walking distance and actual residential distance are

crucial in determining public usage frequency (Völk-

er et al., 2018). For example, river corridors accessi-

ble within a 10 to 15-minute walk appear to attract

regular visits from older adults (Garrett et al., 2019;

Liu et al., 2022), while those farther from the river

are less likely to be aware of or utilize such spaces

(Haeffner et al., 2017).

Furthermore, 15 studies (25%) identified inade-

quate maintenance and management as a signifi-

cant factor limiting the use of urban river corridors.

Multiple studies from various regions, such as Chi-

na, Bangladesh, and Egypt, have indicated that in-

adequate maintenance and poor management are

crucial factors leading to the degradation of river

environments and subsequently reducing visitors’

usage. These issues encompass water pollution,

waste, animal excrement, noise, and harassment

from street vendors, among others (Eid et al., 2021;

Khairabadi et al., 2023; Shangi et al., 2020; Smith et

al., 2022; Vian et al., 2021; Wu et al., 2019c; Zhang

et al., 2022b). Regarding management, Zhang et al.

(2022b) discovered that visitor centres responsible

for guiding functions have low utilization rates and

must effectively communicate information about

waterfront facilities.

In fact, seasonal landscape variations attract people

to explore riversides during different seasons (n=13,

22%), influencing their frequency of use and prefer-

ences (Wu et al., 2019a). In Finland, significant dif-

ferences in socio-demographic characteristics and

preferences exist between summer and non-sum-

mer visitors (Vierikko & Yli-Pelkonen, 2019). Related

to this factor is the weather (n=8, 14%).Spring and

summer are typically more suitable for visiting river

corridors, possibly due to favourable weather condi-

tions conducive to various outdoor activities (Grzyb

& Kulczyk, 2023; Vert et al., 2019). However, chal-

lenges may arise in winter due to weather and road

conditions (Chen & Ma, 2023; Smith et al., 2022).

Some complaints about summer are voiced, citing

intense daytime sunlight and a lack of shade along

the riverbanks, leading to peak pedestrian flow

around 19:00 (Chen & Ma, 2023). Clear weather

generally attracts more people to recreational activ-

ities and social interactions along urban riverbanks

(Grzyb & Kulczyk, 2023). As expressed by a Spanish

white woman, “When the weather is not cold, I en-

joy picnicking downstream along the river with my

children” (Vert et al., 2019).

Moreover, despite limited research attention to this

aspect, the impact of landscape settings (n=7, 12%)

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on the public’s perception and willingness to engage

with riverside zones has been underscored. In par-

ticular, Liu et al. (2021) posited a positive correlation

between site design and the vibrancy of urban riv-

ersides. Similarly, Luo et al. (2022) highlighted the

importance of integrating and diversifying natural

elements to attract a more extensive audience to

visit and utilize waterfront spaces. Therefore, for the

elderly, thoughtful consideration of the design of

stairways and ramps becomes paramount, recogniz-

ing that an excessive or monotonous arrangement

of these elements could diminish their satisfaction

and sense of closeness to the riversides (Garrett et

al., 2019; Gong et al., 2019).

4 Discussion

This systematic literature review comprehensively

analyses and quantifies the evidence pertaining to

the utilization and constraints of urban river corri-

dors on a global scale. A total of 59 eligible studies

were identified for analysis. The discussion section,

grounded in the social-ecological model, introduc-

es a conceptual framework (Figure 3), comprehen-

sively examining factors influencing the utilization

and constraints of urban river corridors from three

dimensions: personal attributes, social attributes,

and physical attributes. The primary objective of

the discussion is to enhance a more comprehensive

understanding of how these attributes interact. The

study seeks to present a comprehensive overview of

the current research status on using urban river cor-

ridors and identify existing research gaps, thus offer-

ing valuable recommendations for future research

endeavours.

4.1 Summary of the current state of research on

urban river corridor utilization

The research on urban river corridors is characterized

by its multifaceted and interdisciplinary approach,

resulting in notable discrepancies in terminology.

Among the 59 articles in this study, apart from 23

papers published in journals related to landscape,

the rest were disseminated in interdisciplinary jour-

nals spanning ecology, city, environment, architec-

ture, geography, health, and engineering. Publish-

ing in cross-disciplinary journals facilitates valuable

dialogues and extensions of knowledge related to

urban river corridors across diverse disciplines, ul-

timately promoting terminological standardization.

Geographically, the urban river corridor usage re-

search is predominantly concentrated in China.

While developing countries show lower utilization

rates of urban river corridors, developed countries

need more participation in this research. Although

English accounts for over 75% of published social

science and humanities articles worldwide (Hamel,

2007), it is essential to acknowledge that this study’s

search was limited to more than three English data-

bases. Exploring non-English journals could broaden

the scope of the search and offer additional insights

from non-English-speaking countries.

In the collated literature, few articles specifically ad-

dressed vulnerable groups’ utilization of urban riv-

er corridors. Yung et al. (2016) proposed that with

declining health conditions, the elderly’s activities

increasingly rely on their immediate living environ-

ment, community amenities, and social engage-

ments, deemed their most critical needs. Children

possess unique perspectives and desires regarding

urban spaces, and their views should be considered

rather than solely relying on parental opinions (Cor-

saro, 2012). Therefore, to achieve inclusivity, it is

crucial to cater to the diverse needs of different age

groups and populations (Aram et al., 2019).

Purely quantitative research often faces challenges

capturing participants’ life experiences (Diriwäch-

ter & Valsiner, 2006), whereas purely qualitative

research can only reflect participants’ experienc-

es (Tenny et al., 2017). In contrast, mixed research

methods incorporate both quantitative and qualita-

tive data, which enhance the validity and credibility

of findings and avoid the limitations and biases of re-

lying solely on a single research technique (George,

2022). However, only approximately one-fifth of the

studies embraced this comprehensive methodology.

Beyond conventional data collection approaches, re-

cent advancements in mobile technology have facil-

itated the analysis of urban residents’ spatial behav-

iours and the exploration of interactions between

individuals and urban public spaces through social

media data (Eagle & Pentland, 2005; Wu et al., 2018;

Wu et al., 2019b). Regarding sampling methods,

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over two-fifths of the articles did not describe their

sampling methods. Sampling is a crucial research

component, as the study outcomes largely depend

on the chosen sampling technique. Therefore, it is

essential to select appropriate and well-described

sampling techniques to obtain accurate results or

make reliable estimations of the overall population.

4.2 Personal attributes

Individuals are at the core of the social-ecological

model (Dai et al., 2022). Examining personal attrib-

utes (Box 1, Figure. 3) in the utilization of urban riv-

er corridors has provided valuable insights into the

diverse factors influencing individuals’ engagement

with these spaces. Despite the multifaceted nature

of the findings, several key themes emerge, includ-

ing age, motivation, gender, frequency of visitation/

familiarity, residence, educational level, duration of

stay, time of the day, transportation modalities, and

less-studied variables such as socioeconomic status,

employment or occupation, family structure, health

status, ethnicity or race, marital status, and unique

factors like dog ownership, and swimming proficien-

cy. The complexity of individual attributes under-

scores the need for comprehensive, context-specif-

ic strategies to accommodate diverse preferences

and needs within urban populations. Applying these

findings to research or spatial planning further in-

forms the development of more inclusive and tar-

geted urban green spaces.

Most studies indicated that age and gender play a

significant role in determining the utilization of ur-

ban river corridors, closely linked to their motiva-

tions for visiting. Adults consistently constitute the

primary user group, primarily engaging in physical

exercise and leisure activities along urban river cor-

ridors. In contrast, due to health considerations,

older individuals tend to participate in lighter phys-

ical and social activities such as walking or social

gatherings, benefitting from flexible and frequent

visitation post-retirement. Conversely, children and

adolescents prefer more stimulating and explora-

tory activities, often requiring parental supervision

for safety reasons. The inherent attraction to river-

fronts is universal, providing a natural environment

that induces tranquility and relaxation (Shi et al.,

2023; Wang, 2011). Frequent exposure to outdoor

blue-green spaces improves mental health and hap-

piness and increases physical activity levels (Gascon

et al., 2017). While some studies suggest a slight-

ly higher number of female users, overall, women

tend to spend less time in these spaces than men

when considering the overall usage patterns of ur-

ban river corridors day and night. This pattern aligns

with prior research indicating that women exhib-

it a lower frequency of use in open public spaces

(Navarrete-Hernandez et al., 2021). Reasons for this

phenomenon may be associated with women’s con-

cerns about personal safety and the lack of leisure

time due to household responsibilities. Women’s

fear, often rooted in a widespread fear of male ag-

gression, limits their outdoor activities (Pain, 1997).

Additionally, societal pressure on women to be ex-

emplary mothers and wives may hinder their leisure

participation (Day, 2000; Gargiulo et al., 2020). The

impact of residence on usage is complex, with a neg-

ative correlation between homeownership and us-

age frequency. Previous studies confirmed that in

urban green spaces, more frequent visits to specific

areas foster increased familiarity with the surround-

ing environment and fellow users (Sreetheran & Van

Den Bosch, 2014). Longitudinal residency is posi-

tively associated with familiarity and positive inter-

actions, emphasizing the importance of community

connections. While walking is the primary mode of

accessing urban river corridors, concerns about traf-

fic connectivity may arise for those residing farther

from the river (Dai et al., 2022). It is well known that

the frequency of use of these spaces decreases with

increasing distance from the urban riverfront (Völker

& Kistemann, 2013). Utilizing urban river corridors

implies direct and purposeful contact with water, and

optimal water quality contributes to a more pleasur-

able psychological experience (Völker & Kistemann,

2013). In addition, the correlation between extend-

ed stay durations and higher environmental quality

indicates potential focal points for creating attractive

urban river corridors. The influence of education on

river corridor utilization remains inconclusive, with

only one study showing significant findings. Howev-

er, individuals with higher education levels often en-

joy higher socioeconomic status and better employ-

ment conditions, making them more likely to spend

time along local riversides, benefiting from various

interactive experiences. Apart from the attributes

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mentioned above, time factors, such as time points,

daytime or nighttime, weekdays or weekends have

significantly shaped public behaviour and experienc-

es. Variations in usage patterns between weekends

and weekdays have been identified regarding time.

Studies suggested that river corridor vitality is high-

er during weekends, potentially associated with indi-

viduals having more leisure time and interest in vis-

iting riverfront areas on rest days (Ding et al., 2023;

Liu et al., 2021; Wu et al., 2019b). However, research

remains controversial regarding daytime and night-

time visits, which may result in the safety issues they

are concerned about at night, especially for women.

Furthermore, less-studied variables like family struc-

ture, health status, race or ethnicity, marital status,

dog ownership, and swimming proficiency offer nu-

anced insights. For instance, single elderly individu-

als may require more attention from researchers as

they might encounter more physical limitations and

experience higher loneliness when using urban river

corridors. Awareness of adverse marital conditions

may lead to psychological distress (Dai et al., 2022).

These aspects may necessitate more inclusive uni-

versal design elements to enhance the accessibility,

safety, comfort, and social engagement of urban riv-

er corridor environments (Magrinyà et al., 2023).

4.3 Social attributes

Social attributes (Box 2, Figure. 3) refer to individ-

uals’ social-psychological processes when interact-

ing with others, society, and nature during social

practice activities (Dai et al., 2022; Sreetheran &

Van Den Bosch, 2014). The literature indicated that

the social factors affecting the usage of urban river

corridors include sociability, safety, and social incivil-

ities. High levels of neighbourhood social cohesion

foster positive interactions and provide experiential

enhancements in cognition, emotion, socialization,

and spirituality (Haeffner et al., 2017; Vert et al.,

2019; Völker & Kistemann, 2013; Xie et al., 2023).

Recognizing the importance of family, partners, and

friends interacting during leisure time contributes

to underscoring these spaces’ multifunctional role.

For instance, interpersonal communication among

frequent park visitors may reduce susceptibility to

crime and uncivil behaviours in such environments

(Westover, 1985). Safety concerns are crucial in

shaping users’ perceptions of urban river corridors.

Factors ranging from inadequate facilities to antiso-

cial behaviours influence overall safety perceptions.

However, some researchers argue that crime is not

a prominent safety issue, which may be attributed

to the overall improvement in societal security and

the decline in crime rates over time (Garrett et al.,

2019). Although research on social incivilities is lim-

ited, their impact on the user experience is notewor-

thy. Concerns about littering, noise, offensive lan-

guage, disrespectful behaviour, and dog interactions

contribute to a nuanced understanding of potential

stressors. Integrating safety measures, fostering so-

cial interactions, and addressing social incivilities are

integral to developing inclusive and vibrant urban

river corridors. These synthesized insights offer fea-

sible strategies to enhance the user experience and

promote the overall well-being of urban communi-

ties.

4.4 Physical attributes

This paper defines physical attributes (Box 3, Fig-

ure. 3) as the objective and perceived characteris-

tics of the physical environment, including artificial

facilities and natural elements, landscape setting,

maintenance and management conditions, distance,

accessibility, season, and weather that impact the

usage of urban river corridors. Among these attrib-

utes, facilities emerge as the most extensively dis-

cussed aspect, whether positive or negative. Most

research findings indicate that people tend to be

drawn to well-equipped facilities and pleasant nat-

ural surroundings, while chaotic environments may

lead to aversion (Chen & Ma, 2023; Eid et al., 2021;

Shangi et al., 2020; Shi et al., 2023; Wu et al., 2019c).

For example, poor service facilities (such as building

facilities around rivers or commercial areas, insuf-

ficient recreational services, lack of continuity of

access, insufficient lighting, etc.) may not meet the

needs of the public. Additionally, there is a strong

interest in natural elements. Residents frequently

visit riverbanks to interact with flora and fauna, and

these activities promote physical activity and social

cohesion and help enhance mental health (Vert et

al., 2019). Furthermore, landscape setting plays a

crucial role in the utilization and attractiveness of

urban river corridors despite limited research at-

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tention. It is generally accepted that implementing

less intensive semi-natural management strategies,

such as reducing mowing frequency, can lead to pos-

itive outcomes for vegetation and overall biodiver-

sity (Chollet et al., 2018; Negrini & Walford, 2022).

Nonetheless, urban river corridors should prioritize

cleanliness, safety, and well-maintained facilities to

provide visitors with charming scenery and pleasant

experiences. Because inadequate maintenance and

poor management may reduce usability and thus

reduce visits (Sreetheran & Van Den Bosch, 2014;

Zelinka & Brennan, 2001). These issues encompass

water pollution, waste, animal excrement, noise,

and harassment from street vendors, among oth-

ers (Eid et al., 2021; Shangi et al., 2020; Wu et al.,

2019c; Zhang et al., 2022b). Therefore, management

personnel should engage in practical and thoughtful

maintenance and management practices in urban

river corridors to enhance their appeal and encour-

age public usage (Smith et al., 2022).

The literature extensively deliberates on the dis-

tance and accessibility of urban river corridors. Ac-

cessibility concerns encompass issues of distance,

traffic conditions, and spatial continuity. Research

indicates that river corridors within walking distance

within a range of 10 to 15 minutes appear more con-

ducive to regular visits by seniors; however, beyond

this distance, their usage diminishes rapidly (Garrett

et al., 2019). On the other hand, transportation also

influences the frequency and likelihood of residents

visiting. Enhancements in transportation conven-

ience contribute to increased accessibility of river

corridors, attracting more residents for utilization

and interaction (Chen & Ma, 2023; Fan et al., 2021;

Niu et al., 2021; Othman et al., 2021). Moreover,

studies suggest that high-rise residential structures

along riverbanks may compress the space visually,

potentially leading to poorer visual accessibility and

impacting residents’ perception and attraction to-

ward river corridors (Che et al., 2012). Considering

the social connections of surrounding communities

and designing integrated riverfront spaces with ex-

pansive water vistas can offer residents an enhanced

outdoor experience, elevating the allure and utiliza-

tion potential of such areas (Eid et al., 2021).

While this review does reveal associations between

weather, seasons, and the usage of urban river cor-

ridors, only a few studies have explicitly examined

this relationship. People’s preferences for outdoor

activities in pleasant weather underscore the poten-

tial negative impact of unfavourable weather condi-

tions on public behaviour. Riverfront activities peak

during spring and summer in temperate regions due

to favourable weather and organized events. Over-

coming seasonal disparities requires increased em-

phasis on promoting tourism during the off-peak pe-

riods. Overall, understanding the influence of these

factors on public habits and preferences facilitates

urban planners and managers in better organizing

activities and optimizing facilities and services to

meet diverse user needs across different season and

weather conditions.

1. Personal attributes

xGender

xAge

xMarital status

xEthnic/race

xEmployment/occupation

xSocioeconomic status

xFrequency of visit/

familiarity

xResidence

xEducation level

xDuration of stay

xModes of transportation

xMotivation

xHealth status

2. Social attributes

xSafety

xSociability

xSocial incivilities

2. Physical attributes

xDistance

xAccessibility

xLandscape setting

xFacility

xNatural elements

(vegetation, water,

animals)

xMaintenance/

management

xSeason

xWeather

Usage and

constraints of urban river

corridors

Figure 3. A conceptual framework for analysing the usage and constraints of urban river corridors based on social ecology

approach.

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The theoretical framework of social ecology directs

attention to individuals and highlights the multi-level

interaction between people and their environment

(Walmsley & Lewis, 2014). The social and physical

environment influence individual behaviour; con-

versely, the actions of individuals, groups, and or-

ganizations can also impact the social and physical

environment (Dunlap & Catton, 1983). Environmen-

tal conditions can shape or constrain human behav-

iour, and environmental modifications can change

specific behaviours. As a result, achieving more ef-

fective outcomes necessitates interventions tailored

to the distinct contexts of human-environment in-

teractions.

5 Limitation of the review

This study presents a preliminary review of current

research on the usage and constraints of urban river

corridors, representing the first attempt to synthe-

size the literature using a socio-ecological frame-

work. However, there are still some limitations when

analysing these articles. Firstly, the literature retriev-

al methods and database selection have inherent

limitations, which may result in potential omissions

in literature coverage. The search was confined to

publications in English, potentially excluding rele-

vant studies in other languages. Despite employing

comprehensive inclusion criteria during the search,

it remains possible to overlook essential articles due

to the omission of relevant keywords or the unavail-

ability of complete texts for specific previous papers.

Notably, no peer-reviewed articles on the usage of

urban river corridors were published before 2012.

Secondly, most studies infrequently addressed eth-

ical considerations, and some articles lacked com-

prehensive information regarding study limitations

or recommendations for future research. Finally,

the reliance on students or experts as respondents

in some studies, supported by Stamps (1999), may

introduce biases based on age, profession, and ed-

ucation level. In conclusion, despite the constraints

related to literature sources, quality evaluation, and

sample representativeness, this study is a valuable

reference for exploring information concerning the

public utilization of urban river corridors.

6 Conclusion

River corridors are essential components of most

cities. Exploring how users engage with these ur-

ban river corridors and understanding the associat-

ed constraints hold significant implications for the

planning and management of such spaces. This en-

deavour contributes to creating sustainable urban

waterfront areas that cater to the diverse needs

of residents. This paper contributes to the existing

knowledge base of urban river landscapes by sys-

tematically reviewing how users engage with urban

river corridors and the constraints associated with

these experiential interactions. It demonstrates that

scholarly attention to the usage of urban river cor-

ridors has predominantly emerged in the past five

years, highlighting it as an emerging research topic.

Furthermore, the results show that individual, social,

and physical attributes, play crucial and multidimen-

sional roles in shaping the utilization of urban river

corridors. These findings align with the proposed so-

cio-ecological framework, emphasizing the intricate

interplay of these attributes. While specific attrib-

utes may not universally apply across diverse cul-

tures, additional research in different global regions

is essential. Understanding usage patterns driven by

socio-ecological embeddedness can aid in balancing

user experiences with river resilience, minimizing

conflicts among diverse user groups. Therefore, fu-

ture research should delve deeper into the intricate

interdependencies among attributes that influence

the use of urban river corridors and formulate tar-

geted construction plans to enhance human health

and well-being in the urban environment.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the literature and previous research

cited in this study. Their work has provided a solid foundation

for our review, enabling us to delve deeper into the issues rel-

evant to this field.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Lin et al. Page 18

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Supplementary material A

Supplementary material B

Table A1. Database search strategy.

Electronic database Search terms

Science Direct Title, abstract or author-specified keywords: ("river corridor" OR riparian OR greenway OR riverfront) AND (usage OR

behaviour OR restriction OR constraint)

Web of Science TS= (("RIVER CORRIDOR" OR "STREAM CORRIDOR" OR RIVERFRONT* OR RIVERSCAPE* OR RIPARIAN* OR "URBAN

BLUE" OR GREENNWAY* OR RIVERSIDE*) AND (USE* OR BEHAVOR* OR RECREATION* OR ACTIVITY* OR BARRIER*

OR DISSERVICE* OR RESTRICTION* OR CONSTRAINT))

Scopus TITLE-ABS-KEY: ("river corridor" OR “stream corridor” OR riverfront OR riverscape OR riparian OR "urban blue" OR

greenway OR riverside) AND (usage OR behaviour OR recreation OR activity OR barrier OR disservice OR restriction

OR constraint)

Table B1. Summary of findings from reviewed articles (n =59).

Author Region Sample

characteristics

Data collection Sampling Data analysis

approach

Findings

Respondent Data collection

methods

Sampling

method(s)

described

Sample size

(N)

Che et al.

(2012) China Investigation

groups

Quantitative

(questionnaire) Quota sampling 48 Comprehensive

Index of Public

Accessibility of

Riverfront (CIPAR)

method

The Public

Accessibility of

Riverfront of most

sections of the

Suzhou Creek is still

in poor condition,

and the visual

accessibility is low.

Scott Shafer

et al. (2013) USA Residents Secondary data Quota sampling 85 Hierarchical

logistic regression,

Descriptive

statistics analysis

The proximity of

stream corridors to

local residents, the

level of pedestrian

access available and

tree cover are the

best predictors of

recreational use.

Völker &

Kistemann

(2013)

Germany Visitors Quantitative

(geographical

approach,

observation,

questionnaire)

Random

sampling 42 Spatial analysis,

Grounded theory Promenades are

favourite place

for people to

spend leisure

time and engage

in recreational

activities.

Giannakis

et al. (2016) Cyprus Visitors Quantitative

(questionnaire) Random

sampling 305 Descriptive

analysis, Variance

analysis, Ordered

logit model

People’s main

reasons to visit

linear parks along

urban rivers are

physical activity and

exercise, nature and

cooling.

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Haeffner et

al. (2017) USA Adults in urban

neighbourhoods

Quantitative

(questionnaire +

GIS), Secondary

data

Random

sampling +

Non-random

sampling

1179

households

Descriptive

analysis, Pearson’s

chi-square tests,

t-test, ANOVA,

Tukey’s post hoc

comparison tests,

Multivariate

models

Urban waterways

contribute

to enhancing

the quality of

community life. The

further a household

is from blue space,

the less likely they

are to be aware

of or utilize these

amenities.

Wüstemann

et al. (2017) Germany Households Secondary data No No Descriptive

statistics analysis,

Welch’s, F-test

Non-Germans live

closer to water

on average, while

Germans and

childless households

are surrounded by

higher urban blue

coverage.

Chen et al.

(2018) Taiwan Planning

officials, non-

governmental

organizations,

tourists,

industries and

local residents

Qualitative

(focus groups)

+ Quantitative

(Kano survey)

No No Kano Model and

C-S Coefficient A more diverse

range of activities

can be offered to the

public, accumulating

experiences and

practices that shape

the attractiveness of

tourism.

Völker et al.

(2018) Germany Adults Quantitative

(questionnaire) Random

sampling 1041 Descriptive

analysis, Bivariate

analysis, Three-

step linear

multiple regression

model

There was

a significant

association between

frequency of use

and perceived

walking distance of

blue spaces.

Zingraff-

Hamed et

al. (2018)

Germany Users Quantitative

(observation) No No Descriptive

analysis Recreational users

may contribute

to the reduction

of highly suitable

habitat for sensitive

life cycle stages

of C. nasus during

summer when

recreational user

densities are high.

Garrett et

al. (2019) Hong Kong The elderly Quantitative

(survey) Convenience

sampling 1000 Logistic regression Regular visits to

blue spaces were

more prevalent

among the elderly

residing within

a 10-15-minute

walking distance

and those perceiving

the presence of

adequate facilities

and wildlife at the

visitation sites.

Gong et al.

(2019). China The elderly Quantitative

(observation +

questionnaire)

+ Qualitative

(semi-structured

interview)

Random

sampling Observation

= 9768

Interviews =

178

Survey = 89

Mean analysis,

Pearson

correlation

analysis, KMO and

Bartlett’s test

Several factors

impact the elderly’s

satisfaction with

waterfront spaces,

encompassing

environment,

function,

transportation,

social culture, and

vision.

Table B1. Summary of findings from reviewed articles (n =59) (continuation).

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Vert et al.

(2019) Spain Users Quantitative

(SOPARC

observation)

+ Qualitative

(semi-structured

interview)

No 17 Intraclass

Correlation

Coefficient (ICC),

Content analysis,

Chi-square tests,

T-test, Multinomial

logistic regression

models, Likelihood

ratio test (LRT)

Users in the river

improvement area

increased after the

intervention, with

user growth driven

primarily by women,

adults, children,

and non-white

populations.

Vierikko &

Yli-Pelkonen

(2019)

Finland Visitors Qualitative

(semi-structured

interviews)

Random

sampling 153 Descriptive

analysis The socio-

demographic

characteristics and

needs of summer

and non-summer

tourists differ

significantly.

Wu et al.

(2019a) China Weibo users Quantitative (GIS),

Secondary data No Check

in times

number =

997,832

Kernel density

estimation (KDE),

ArcGIS 10.3,

Geographic Field

Model (GFM),

Geographically

and Temporally

Weighted

Regression (GTWR)

On weekdays,

people prefer

walking to nearby

waterfront areas

after 18:00 for

leisure activities

focused on

consumption

and exercise.

On weekends,

people favour

well-equipped

and culturally rich

coastal areas.

Wu et al.

(2019b) China Weibo users Quantitative (GIS),

Secondary data No Check

in times

number =

652,870

Cluster analysis,

Nuclear density

estimation (KDE),

ArcGIS 10.5

Male and female

users exhibit

significant

differences in

their preferences

for different lakes

in terms of both

time and space.

However, their

usage frequency is

noticeably higher on

weekends compared

to weekdays.

Wu et al.

(2019c) China Weibo users Quantitative (GIS),

Secondary data No No Multiple linear

regression

analysis，Kernel

density estimation

(KDE), ArcGIS 10.5

There is a notable

user presence

along the existing

waterfronts;

however,

the provided

infrastructure falls

short of adequately

catering to their

requirements.

Djukić et al.

(2020) Serbia Residents Qualitative

(e-questionnaire),

Secondary data

Random

sampling n=281 Descriptive

analysis,

Information and

communications

technologies

analysis

Accessibility,

pavement and

road quality, and

greening quality are

critical to individual

preferences in

deciding to visit

urban river fronts.

Gargiulo et

al. (2020) Barcelona Users Quantitative

(observation),

Qualitative (in-

depth interviews)

Purposive

sampling +

Snowball

sampling

30 Content analysis Safety is the main

reason for differing

perceptions among

river corridor users.

Meng et al.

(2020) China Passers-by,

Dianping users Quantitative

(survey) +

Qualitative

(interviews),

Secondary data

Random

sampling Survey = 298

passers-by,

Comments =

22677

Survey driven

model (SolVES),

Content analysis,

Kernel density

estimation (KDE),

A spatial mismatch

between the supply

and demand of CES

was observed in 80%

of the basin's total

area.

Table B1. Summary of findings from reviewed articles (n =59) (continuation).

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Shangi et al.

(2020) Bangladesh Inhabitants,

passers-by Quantitative

(observation)

+ Qualitative

(interviews)

No No Descriptive

analysis Strategic goal-

oriented planning

and proper

management

help restore the

waterfront as

a major public

recreational

space and tourist

attraction for city

dwellers.

Wang et al.

(2020) China Citizens Quantitative (field

observation +

questionnaire

survey)

Random

sampling 102 Descriptive

analysis, One-

sample t test,

Independent t test

Activity patterns

on the Qiantang

River waterfront

promenade varied

widely, with peak

usage at night.

Börger et al.

(2021) 14 EU

Member

States

Adults Quantitative

(online

questionnaire)

Random

sampling n=11,443 TC-CB analysis,

Regression

analysis,

Multivariate

Poisson lognormal

models,

Descriptive

analysis

Across the 14

EU member

states surveyed,

respondents visited

blue spaces an

average of 47 times

per year.

Ćwik et al.

(2021) Poland Visitors Quantitative

(observations) No No Descriptive

analysis During non-holiday

seasons, residents

exhibit a heightened

demand for bathing

facilities and

the multi-media

fountain on hot,

non-working days.

Conversely, the

riverside boulevards

experience

incredible popularity

throughout the

holiday and fine

weather conditions.

Eid et al.

(2021) Egypt Users Quantitative (on-

site observations) No No Descriptive

analysis Users of the Nile

waterfront are rarely

allowed to physically

touch the water.

Lack of vertical

and horizontal

social links to

the waterfront,

continuous proper

walkways and green

spaces and facilities.

Fan et al.

(2021) China Users Baidu heat map,

POI data, NDVI

data

No No OLS regression

analysis,

Geographically

weighted

regression

(GWR) analysis,

Global and local

regression models,

ArcGIS 10.5

Urban waterfront

building density

has the strongest

positive correlation

with urban vitality

Table B1. Summary of findings from reviewed articles (n =59) (continuation).

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Liu et al.

(2021) China Tencent users Real-time Tencent

user density data

(RTUD), POIs data,

Building vector

data and road

network data

No No Bayesian

estimation, Amos

26.0

The site design,

population in

the vicinity, and

availability of

service facilities

demonstrated a

significantly positive

influence, whereas

traffic accessibility

had a negative

impact on the

vitality of river front

public spaces.

Mansournia

et al. (2021) Kurdistan Children,

primary school

aged children

Quantitative

(observation

+ behaviour

mapping + mental

mapping + GIS) +

Qualitative (focus-

group interviews)

Quota sampling

+ Voluntary

sampling

Observation

= 82 children

Focus-group

interviews =

60 primary

school aged

children

Descriptive

analysis Physical

environmental

tolerance and safety-

conscious parenting

practices have a

significant impact on

children's freedom

of movement and

activities in public

places.

Niu et al.

(2021) China Experts Quantitative

(questionnaire +

GIS), POI data

Purposive

sampling 28 ArcGIS, Analytic

hierarchy process

(AHP) Hash

algorithm, Kernel

density analysis

(KDE)

The vitality of

waterfront spaces

was primarily

influenced by river

attributes, followed

by transportation

accessibility, degree

of functional mixing,

and land spatial

type.

Othman et

al. (2021) Egypt Residents Quantitative

(questionnaire) Random

sampling 202 Descriptive

analysis, Chi-

square test,

Regression

analysis, Multiple

stepwise

regression model

The detailed

configuration of the

street pattern and

travel time are the

attributes that have

the greatest impact

on waterfront

accessibility.

Van Heezik

et al. (2021) New

Zealand Urban residents,

students

Qualitative (one-

on-one interview) Voluntary

sampling +

Snowball

sampling

Survey 1 =

230

Survey 2 =

285

General linear

models, Pearson’s

correlation

analysis, Chi-

squared tests,

Logistic regression

Time spent in nature

during childhood

was not a good

predictor of the

likelihood of time

spent in green and

blue spaces as

adults.

Vian et al.

(2021) Spain Residents Quantitative (field

observations) No No ArcGIS, Descriptive

analysis Although the spatial

character, design,

and use of public

recreational river

fronts can be almost

unlimited, there are

patterns associated

with each category.

Zhao et al.

(2021) China Residents Quantitative

(field survey +

questionnaire)

+ Qualitative

(interviews)

Stratified

random

sampling

Survey = 588 Semantic

differential

methods,

Importance–

performance

analysis, IPA model

Most residents

prefer mixed green

ways.

Table B1. Summary of findings from reviewed articles (n =59) (continuation).

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Lin et al. Page 28

Landscape Online 98 (2024) 1121 |

Andersen

Cirera

(2022)

Chile Users Quantitative

(observation,

ArcGIS)

No No Public Space

Index, Lateral

Connectivity Index,

Public Piers/Beach

Index, Land Use

Diversity Index

The absence of

comprehensive

shoreline planning

in waterfront

neighbourhoods,

coupled with a lack

of diverse public

spaces, hinders

proper utilization

of public riverside

areas and neglects

the consideration

of ecological

degradation

processes and social

vulnerability.

Chen et al.

(2022) China China Unicom

users

Mobile Phone

Signaling Data,

POI data

No No TOPSIS, OLS

regression model,

Collinearity test,

Significance test

The attractiveness of

river fronts displayed

regional clustering,

with economically

developed areas

exhibiting high

attractiveness.

Cheng et al.

(2022) China Visitors Secondary data No Comment

data =

352837

Text analysis, IPA

analysis, One-way

ANOVA, Multiple

comparison

analysis

Tourists prefer spring

landscapes, favour

unique flora and

fauna landscapes

and recreational

activities, and

prioritize the quality-

of-service facilities.

Guo et al.

(2022) China Residential

communities Quantitative (field

survey) + Google

Earth images + Ovi

map

Quota sampling Residential

communities

= 4,640

Supply estimation,

Hot spot analysis,

Kernel density

estimation

(KDE), Geo

detector method,

Interactive

detector method

The main factors

affecting urban river

recreation services

are city centre

distance, river

recreation space

supply, and river

front proximity.

Liu et al.

(2022) Hong Kong Disadvantaged

neighbourhoods

Secondary data No No 2SFCA method Neighbourhoods in

Kowloon’s districts

are the most

disadvantaged in

accessing green-blue

spaces within 15

min. of active travel.

Luo et al.

(2022) / College students Quantitative

(online

questionnaire)

Purposive

convenience

sampling

+ snowball

sampling

658 Descriptive

analysis,

Hierarchical

Bayesian (HB)

algorithm, Conjoint

analysis

Water features were

most important,

followed by bushes,

upkeep, and trees.

Integrating wildlife,

companions,

flowers, and paths

with vegetation

and water features

improves their

attractiveness for

nature experiences.

Negrini &

Walford

(2022)

UK The elderly Quantitative (GIS,

GPS) Quota sampling

+ snowball

sampling

50 Descriptive

analysis There's a difference

between what

people do when

they travel and

what they think is

interesting enough

to photograph.

Table B1. Summary of findings from reviewed articles (n =59) (continuation).

Landscape Online – supported by the Internaonal Associaon for Landscape Ecology and its community

Lin et al. Page 29

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Rakonjac et

al. (2022) Serbia Users Quantitative (field

survey) No No Descriptive

analysis, Content

analysis

Lighting design

can influence the

spatial distribution

of users and their

sense of security

and comfort, as well

as when, how often

and how they are

used.

Smith et al.

(2022) UK Residents Qualitative

(intercept

interviews)

Random

sampling 203 Descriptive

analysis, Content

analysis, Built-in

network analysis

algorithms

The most influential

factors for the use

of the Glasgow

Canal were sport

and health, urban

nature, and cleaning

and maintenance.

Yu et al.

(2022) China Tourists Quantitative

(questionnaire +

observation)

No 372 Fuzzy set

qualitative

comparative

analysis (fsQCA)

Night architecture,

night lights, night

cruises, urban

development

and image, urban

atmosphere,

functions and

emotions influence

night cruise tourist

loyalty.

Zhang et al.

(2022) China Users Mixed methods:

Quantitative

(questionnaire)

+ Qualitative

(interviews)

Random

sampling Survey = 195 Descriptive

analysis,

Frequency

analysis, Technical

statistical analysis,

IPA analysis, T-test,

ANOVA, Multiple

regression analysis

The users are

predominantly in

their twenties and

forties, with the

highest utilization

rate observed for

the trail, while the

visitor centre has

the lowest utilization

rate.

Zhou et al.

(2022) China Residents Quantitative

(Baidu Map API) No Waterfront

access points

= 1612

Residential

buildings =

4938

Communities

= 580

ArcGIS, Cross-

validation, Pearson

correlation analysis

Only 22% of

Shaoxing residents

live within a

500-meter walking

distance of a

park. If the canal

is well utilized,

almost all residents

would have

access to natural

environments within

a 15-minute walk.

Zingraff-

Hamed et

al. (2022)

Germany Users Aerial

photography No No Descriptive

analysis, Kruskal-

Wallis and

Mann-Whitney

test, Bonferroni

correction, Buhl’s

method, Spearman

test

Users prefer urban

riparian greenery

and gravel bar

elements to natural

vegetation.

Chen & Ma

(2023) China Visitors Quantitative

(field survey

+ behavioural

notation method)

No No Coupled

coordination

calculation,

ArcGIS, Pearson

correlation

analysis,

Descriptive

analysis, Multiple

linear regression

analysis,

Redundancy

analysis

The quantity of

public facilities and

the quality of natural

environment are the

dominant factors

for the vitality of

waterfront space.

Table B1. Summary of findings from reviewed articles (n =59) (continuation).

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Ding et al.

(2023) China Dianping users Quantitative

(Baidu heat map),

Secondary data

No No Global and local

regression models,

ArcGIS10.5

The urban vitality

aggregation

characteristics

along the Qinhuai

River are similar

on weekdays and

weekends, with

the core vitality

zones distributed in

densely populated

tourist, commercial,

and residential areas

along the river.

Fan et al.

(2023) China Mobile phone

users

Morphological

data, spatio-

temporal cellular

data, POI data

No cellular data

= 829,539

(2018),

cellular data

= 766,388

(2020), POI

data = 10,772

(2018), POI

data = 10,244

(2020)

Multiple linear

regression models,

Multicollinearity

and Durbin–

Watson tests

Functional diversity

and design quality

are two of the most

influential factors

influencing the

vitality of renewed

river front spaces.

Grzyb &

Kulczyk

(2023)

Poland Instagram users POI data No Instagram

posts =

40,062

OLS regression

models, Pearson’s

correlation

coefficient

Fine weather

attracts Instagram

users more than

unfavourable

conditions

discourage them.

Additionally, the

demand for 'pure'

riverine nature

appears to be

unaffected by

various proposed

factors.

Jakstis et al.

(2023) Europe (15

countries) European

residents

Quantitative

(online

questionnaire)

Voluntary

sampling 584 Descriptive

statistics analysis,

Chi-squared

analyses

Most Europeans

have a positive view

of green and blue

spaces, preferring

structurally

diverse, natural or

unmanaged green

elements.

Khairabadi

et al. (2023) Iran Residents Quantitative

(observation) +

Qualitative (in-

depth interviews)

Purposive

sampling,

+ Snowball

sampling

22 Descriptive

analysis Due to the lack of

green and open

spaces, the Abbas

Abad River is not

fully utilized despite

its capacity.

Liu et al.

(2023) China Users Quantitative

(Baidu heat

map + nuclear

density method

+ behaviour

observation + GIS)

Secondary data

No No Text sentiment

analysis, Linear

regression analysis,

Word frequency

analysis

The overall

popularity of

waterfront

green spaces is

concentrated at low

levels. The main

purpose of users

was for recreation,

with an average

duration of 1.5

hours.

Luo & Lin

(2023) China No Quantitative

(GIS), POI data,

Depthmap data

No No Kernel density

analysis The accessibility

of areas with high

value of riverside

space in the central

city of Songxi County

is concentrated in

the central area,

and areas with high

accessibility value

have obvious breaks

at the river bank.

Table B1. Summary of findings from reviewed articles (n =59) (continuation).

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Lin et al. Page 31

Landscape Online 98 (2024) 1121 |

Mácová &

Kozáková

(2023)

Czech Visitors Quantitative (on-

site survey) Stratified

random

sampling

460 Multiple linear

regression models The average

consumer surplus

per person per trip

to a large reservoir

is €55.7, with a total

recreation value of

€34 billion per year

(range between €22

and €57).

Ouyang &

Wu (2023) China Visitors Quantitative

(questionnaire) +

POI data

No 145 Descriptive

analysis Waterfront spaces

accessible by foot

provide the greatest

satisfaction in terms

of accessibility,

followed by spaces

accessible by

bicycle. Visitors are

more concerned

with the scenery

around the facility,

and service facilities

with beverage

shops, fitness and

small gatherings are

more attractive.

Shi et al.

(2023) China Visitors Quantitative

(questionnaire) Random

sampling 240 Model Fit Test The service

facilities and public

expectations are

the most important

factors determining

public satisfaction,

followed by

spatial design and

perceived value.

Wade et al.

(2023) USA Volunteers Quantitative

(questionnaire) +

Qualitative (text

mining analysis)

Voluntary

sampling 565 R Studio,

Kruskal–Wallis,

Pairwise Wilcoxon

ranked sum,

Spearman’s rho,

Nonparametric

statistical tests

Higher positive

emotions were

significantly

associated with

biophysical

perceptions of flow,

cleanliness, and

nature.

Wu et al.

(2023) China Camping people Drone aerial

photography,

Python, Crowd

distribution heat

map

No No OpenCVYOLOv3

target detection

algorithm

Air temperature

has a moderate

correlation with

camping behaviour.

Xie et al.

(2023) China Residents Quantitative

(follow-up survey)

+ Qualitative

(face to face

and structured

interviews)

Street network

analysis

Stratified

random

sampling

970 Descriptive

statistics analysis,

Multi-level linear

models, Logistic

regression models

Self-rated health,

walking and cycling

to green ways,

proximity, and

social cohesion

are positively

associated with

green way usage

frequency, while

home ownership

and single-person

households

are negatively

associated with

green way usage

frequency.

Table B1. Summary of findings from reviewed articles (n =59) (continuation).

Landscape Online – supported by the Internaonal Associaon for Landscape Ecology and its community

Lin et al. Page 32

Landscape Online 98 (2024) 1121 |

Supplementary material C

Table C1. Quality ratings.

Author Journal Pre-

amble

Introduction Design Sampling Data

Collection

Ethical

matters

Results Discussion Total

score

Corre-

sponding (%)

Che et al.

(2012) Ecological

Engineering 434 4 30 4 4 26 65%

Scott Shafer

et al. (2013) Journal of Urban

Design 443 3 4 0 4 5 27 68%

Völker &

Kistemann

(2013)

Social Science &

Medicine 4 4 4 4 30 4 4 27 68%

Giannakis et

al. (2016) Sustainability 44434 0 4 3 26 65%

Haeffner et

al. (2017) Landscape and

Urban Planning 4445 5 05431 78%

Wüstemann

et al. (2017) Ecological

Indicators 34 4 4 4 0 4 5 28 70%

Chen et al.

(2018) Journal of Asian

Architecture

and Building

Engineering

343 3 3 05 3 24 60%

Völker et al.

(2018) Urban Forestry &

Urban Greening 454 4 4 3 5 5 34 85%

Zingraff-

Hamed et

al. (2018)

Sustainability 3 4 4 34 0 4 4 26 65%

Garrett et

al. (2019) Health & Place 3 4 4 3 5 45 5 33 83%

Gong et al.

(2019) Sustainability 4434 4 0 3 3 25 63%

Vert et al.

(2019) Landscape and

Urban Planning 54 4 3 5 3 5 433 83%

Vierikko &

Yli-Pelkonen

(2019)

Urban

Ecosystems 343450 4 5 28 70%

Wu et al.

(2019a) Sustainability 45434 0 4 4 28 70%

Wu et al.

(2019b) International

Journal of Geo-

Information

34 4 4 4 0 5428 70%

Wu et al.

(2019c) Sustainability 3 5 3 4 4 0 4 3 26 65%

Djukić et al.

(2020) Sustainability 3 4 4 4 30 4 4 26 65%

Gargiulo et

al. (2020) Leisure Studies 4 54 4 30 4 5 29 73%

Meng et al.

(2020) Ecosystem

Services 4 4 4 4 4 0 4 5 29 73%

Shangi et al.

(2020) Architecture

Research

45 3 23052 24 60%

Wang et al.

(2020) Environmental

Science and

Pollution

Research

45434 0 4 4 28 70%

Börger et al.

(2021) Science of

the Total

Environment

4443 5 05 5 30 75%

Ćwik et al.

(2021) Forests 43434 0 4 4 26 65%

Eid et al.

(2021) HBRC Journal 454 2 30 4 3 25 63%

Landscape Online – supported by the Internaonal Associaon for Landscape Ecology and its community

Lin et al. Page 33

Landscape Online 98 (2024) 1121 |

Fan et al.

(2021) International

Journal of Geo-

Information

4454 4 0 4 3 28 70%

Liu et al.

(2021) Cities 3 5 454 0 3428 70%

Mansournia

et al. (2021) Urban studies 3 5 3 5 3 03426 65%

Niu et al.

(2021) Frontiers of

Architectural

Research

34 4 4 505227 68%

Othman et

al. (2021) Ain Shams

Engineering

Journal

354 4 4 0 5429 73%

Van Heezik

et al. (2021) Landscape and

Urban Planning 44434 4 4 5 32 80%

Vian et al.

(2021) Urban Forestry &

Urban Greening 4 4 4 4 4 0 4 4 28 70%

Zhao et al.

(2021) International

Journal of

Environmental

Research and

Public Health

345 3 3 05427 68%

Andersen

Cirera

(2022)

International

Journal of

Sustainable

Development

and Planning

354 4 4 0 4 4 28 70%

Chen et al.

(2022) Land 4 4 34 4 0 5 3 27 68%

Cheng et al.

(2022) Land 54 4 4 4 0 5430 75%

Guo et al.

(2022) Sustainable Cities

and Society 3434 4 0 5427 68%

Liu et al.

(2022) Sustainability 4543 3 0 4 3 26 65%

Luo et

al.(2022) Journal of

Environmental

Planning and

Management

3534 4 0 5 5 29 73%

Negrini &

Walford

(2022)

Applied

Geography 3 5 3 3 4 0 3 3 24 60%

Rakonjac et

al. (2022) Sustainability 4443 3 03425 63%

Smith et al.

(2022) Health & Place 3 5 4 4 545 3 33 83%

Yu et al.

(2022) SAGE Open 3 5 43 3 0 4 4 26 65%

Zhang et al.

(2022) International

Journal of

Environmental

Research and

Public Health

43434 0 5 3 26 65%

Zhou et al.

(2022) Urban Forestry &

Urban Greening 334 4 4 0 3 5 26 65%

Zingraff-

Hamed et

al. (2022)

Urban Forestry &

Urban Greening 44434 0 3 5 27 68%

Chen & Ma

(2023) International

Journal of

Environmental

Research and

Public Health

5 3 3 3 4 0 4 5 27 68%

Ding et al.

(2023) Frontiers of

Architectural

Research

44434 0 4 5 28 70%

Table C1. Quality ratings (continuation).

Landscape Online – supported by the Internaonal Associaon for Landscape Ecology and its community

Lin et al. Page 34

Landscape Online 98 (2024) 1121 |

Fan et al.

(2023) Land 4 4 3 3 4 0 4 5 27 68%

Grzyb &

Kulczyk

(2023)

Landscape and

Urban Planning 44434 0 4 4 27 68%

Jakstis et al.

(2023) People and

Nature 5554 4 345 35 88%

Khairabadi

et al. (2023) Environmental

Development 34 4 4 30 4 5 27 68%

Liu et al.

(2023) International

Journal of

Environmental

Research and

Public Health

543 3 4 0 4 4 27 68%

Luo & Lin

(2023) Sustainability 443 3 4 0 4 4 26 65%

Mácová &

Kozáková

(2023)

Water 4443 3 2 4 4 28 70%

Ouyang &

Wu (2023) Land 4 4 4 34 0 4 4 27 68%

Shi et al.

(2023) Journal of Urban

Planning and

Development

34 4 4 50 4 3 27 68%

Wade et al.

(2023) Land 4 4 4 3 3 0 4 4 26 65%

Wu et al.

(2023) Buildings 43 3 3 4 0 4 324 60%

Xie et al.

(2023) Journal of

Transport

Geography

5 5 4505431 78%

Table C1. Quality ratings (continuation).

Assessment of Pluvial Flood Mitigation Ecosystem Service in a Riverside City Using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs Model for Ecological Corridor Mapping

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025

Riverside cities are vulnerable to pluvial flooding due to multiple factors, such as landscape fragmentation caused by land-use changes, which weakens the ecosystem service of pluvial flood mitigation. This ecosystem service is essential because it reduces the impact of this climatic event through water infiltration into the soil. The metropolitan area of Arequipa, Peru, a riverside city, is currently fragmented by accelerated population growth, which has filled the river buffer zones and agricultural areas with concrete, resulting in a fragile flood control ecosystem service. This research assesses the pluvial flood mitigation ecosystem service in the metropolitan area of Arequipa using the InVEST software 3.12.1 to map an ecological corridor. The results show low runoff control in urban environments but significant retention in agricultural and non-agricultural vegetation areas. Zero-runoff patches were identified as ecological sources, and a resistance surface map and least-cost path model were created, yielding a 57 km ecological corridor connecting 18 ecological sources across 12 of Arequipa’s 19 metropolitan districts. This study highlights the importance of integrating ecosystem services into urban planning to support green infrastructure initiatives, which contribute to sustainable and resilient cities by mitigating fragmentation and enhancing natural flood defenses.

River Restoration and Revitalisation in Urban Areas: Exploring Opportunities for the Elassonitis River in Elassona, Greece

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Throughout history, the role of rivers in urban areas has been vital and complex. Water elements have defined and embodied urban areas' structure, character, growth, economic relations, and social and environmental dynamics. Today, local authorities focus on restoration and revitalization projects in urban rivers as key urban elements for sustainable development. These efforts aim to enhance citizens' cultural memory and integrate rivers as essential elements of urban environments. The paper argues the importance of water elements in urban regeneration projects. It explores the possibilities for river restoration and revitalization through a case study of the Elassonitis River in the urban area of Elassona, Greece. We aim to identify the river's role in the community's life and the opportunities arising from its restoration. The methods used include surveys with the local community. The surveys detail the community's perceptions, needs, and expectations regarding river restoration. Lastly, it highlights the benefits of integrating water elements into urban regeneration, including environmental, social, and economic benefits. The case study of the Elassonitis River can influence similar projects in other regions, demonstrating the potential for rivers to become central elements of sustainable urban development.

Reflections on twenty-five years of landscape ecology discussion in the German-speaking IALE community

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

In May 1999, about 30 people from Austria, Germany and Switzerland met in Basel (Switzerland) to found the German Chapter of the International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE-D) to bring together Germanspeaking researchers, planners and other people interested in landscape ecology. Now, twenty-five years later, we take this milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of the topics that have shaped the landscape ecology discourse within the IALE-D community. In this editorial, we (1) present the history of the IALE-D conferences, (2) reflect on the topics addressed by the conference contributions and how they have developed, and (3) offer some initial indications of changes in relevance with regard to technological advances, thematic foci, transdisciplinarity, sustainability issues, and cultural dimensions that can be observed over time. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the articles published in 2024 in Landscape Online, which mainly reflect two emerging topics, which follow the lines of the thematic development of the IALE-D conferences, that is, a focus on urban environments as well as on pressing issues related to global change.

Spatial Accessibility Analysis and Optimization Simulation of Urban Riverfront Space Based on Space Syntax and POIs: A Case Study of Songxi County, China

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2023

Optimizing accessibility to urban riverfront spaces plays a pivotal role in enhancing the spatial vitality of urban regions and promoting the high-quality development of such areas. The degree of riverfront space accessibility can be assessed through the connectivity of urban roads, which directly impacts the spatial vitality of these areas. This study constructs an axial and segmental model of the urban road network based on the space syntax theory. Through the Geographic Information System (GIS), kernel density analysis is performed on the Points of Interest (POI) and Depthmap data of Songxi County to comprehensively examine the reasonableness of the segmental network model and its visual representation. Quantitative evaluation of the accessibility of riverfront space in Songxi County from three dimensions, namely topological accessibility, geometrical accessibility, and perceptual accessibility, is conducted. The results show that (1) the accessibility of high-value area of riverfront space in Songxi County’s central city exhibits an unbalanced distribution, with a concentration in the central area. (2) A certain degree of mismatch exists between the distribution area of high accessibility in urban space and that of the waterfront space, highlighting the need for improved traffic planning in the riverfront area. (3) Weak spatial connections are shown between the north and south riverfronts, with areas of high accessibility values showing a clear break at the riverbank. Based on the results of the quantitative analysis, the proposed approach involves optimizing the spatial layout of urban roads and riverfront spaces through several key strategies. These strategies encompass enhancing the layout of the transport network, strengthening the coupling links between the two sides of the river, enriching the functions of the riverfront space, and conducting simulations to test the feasibility of these measures. The simulation results revealed a noteworthy enhancement in the integration and choice value of urban roads and riverfront spaces. Therefore, the optimization strategy employed in this study significantly improved the connectivity and accessibility of the overall transport network, leading to a more balanced distribution of high accessibility value areas within the city and riverfront space. This paper centers on the interaction between individuals and the river, to enhance the restoration of riverfront vitality. As a result, it is anticipated to provide valuable insights into the sustainable development of riverfront spaces.

Analysis and Evaluation of the Service Capacity of a Waterfront Public Space Using Point-of-Interest Data Combined with Questionnaire Surveys

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2023

The analysis and evaluation of the service capacity of an urban public space is of great importance for optimizing spatial design and ensuring sustainable regeneration of the space. Point-of-interest (POI) data analysis is a common method for evaluating the performance of public space since it contains various geographical information about specific facilities. However, this method is incapable of providing intuitive and clear feedback on the usage of the space, such as visitor experience and satisfaction levels. In this paper, we present a hybrid approach that combines POI data with questionnaire surveys to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the service capacity of the facilities in a waterfront public space. By taking the Changning section of the Suzhou Creek in Shanghai as an example, we evaluate and verify the utilization rate and satisfaction level of public facilities based on this hybrid approach with three satisfaction factors: accessibility, landscape visual quality, and service functions. The results reveal that the service space that can be reached on foot provides the most satisfaction in terms of accessibility, followed by the space that can be reached by bicycle. When it comes to landscape visual quality, visitors are more concerned with the view around the facility than with the greenery. Regarding service functions, the service facility with beverage outlets, fitness, and small gatherings is more appealing. The proposed approach will be useful for further developing advanced public space evaluation strategies with real-time feedback capabilities, as well as for the intelligent design and long-term regeneration of future public spaces.

Which Spatial Elements Influence Waterfront Space Vitality the Most?—A Comparative Tracking Study of the Maozhou River Renewal Project in Shenzhen, China

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2023

Urban waterfront renewal, especially public space improvement, is important for regaining waterfront space vitality. However, existing studies constrained by sparse and hard-to-access data are hard to explore how changes in spatial elements during waterfront renewal would affect space vitality. Waterfront space vitality comprises social vitality represented by public behaviors and economic vitality represented by urban functional facilities. Taking the Maozhou River renewal project in China as an example, we collect spatial elements and vitality on corresponding periods in 2018 and 2020 (before and after the renewal construction) and use multiple linear regression models to assess the relationships. We find that the functional diversity (e.g., commercial and cultural facilities) and design quality (e.g., path density and the shoreline’s proximity to the water) are the two most influential spatial elements affecting space vitality during waterfront renewal. Overall, the use of two-time datasets has generated strong evidence for measuring waterfront revitalization.

Green Infrastructure as an Effective Tool for Urban Adaptation—Solutions from a Big City in a Postindustrial Region

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2023

Adaptation to climate change is becoming one of the main paradigms for how cities function and develop. The significant role of green infrastructure (GI) as a tool for cities to adapt to climate change is increasingly emphasized among practitioners of spatial planning and in the research literature. Thus, despite the local impact, green infrastructure planning necessitates the creation of a holistic and integrated city management system. The aim of the article is to identify the effects generated by projects implemented in the field of green infrastructure in big cities of post-industrial regions and to formulate determinants and barriers limiting the strengthening of cities’ adaptive capacity to climate change. In the methodological dimension, the article is based on the desk-research method (analysis of project documentation and specialist literature), logical reasoning and the case study method, enriched with a series of interviews and observation of the study area to present the selected projects implemented as part of green infrastructure. Solutions based on nature, green infrastructure and the adaptation of ecosystems are of strategic importance for the challenges of reducing the negative effects of urban heat islands and the risk of flooding, rational space management, regeneration of degraded urban spaces, the coexistence of urban and green space and, consequently, increasing housing, as well as cultural and recreation areas. This is especially true of post-industrial regions, such as the Katowice Conurbation in Poland, to which the examples presented here refer.

A Participatory Approach to Assess Social Demand and Value of Urban Waterscapes: A Case Study in San Marcos, Texas, USA

Article

Full-text available

May 2023

Waterscapes can have meaningful benefits for people’s wellbeing and mental health by helping them feel calmer and more connected to nature, especially in times of stress such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The waterscapes along the San Marcos River (Texas, USA) provide economic, social, environmental, and emotional benefits to the surrounding community. To assess the social demand for and emotional experiences in these blue spaces, we used a new framework called Blue Index that collects noncontact data from photo stations. From 10 photo stations across different waterscapes, we collected and analyzed 565 volunteer assessments from May 2021 to March 2022—during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the reopening of riverside parks. Most respondents (57%) indicated they spend more time at the river than they did before the onset of the pandemic. Moreover, 93% of respondents agreed that the waterscape they were visiting represented a refuge from stress and isolation caused by COVID-19. Overall, people valued waterscapes for ecological benefits and relationships with the place, rather than for recreation and tourism. Emotions experienced at all 10 waterscapes were overwhelmingly positive. Statistical tests revealed that higher positive emotions were significantly associated with biophysical perceptions of flow, cleanliness, and naturalness. Our results demonstrate that the benefits of blue spaces derive from an interrelated combination of ecosystem and mental health. The new Blue Index approach presented here promotes participatory land management through noncontact community engagement and knowledge coproduction.

Study on Camping Behavior Patterns for Thermal Comfort at Riverside Parks

Article

Full-text available

May 2023

People-oriented landscape experiences have become the focus of park design with the increasing demand of outdoor activities from urban residents, whereas thermal-comfort-guided landscape design has attracted more attention in academic circles. Based on the investigation of the microclimate of typical subregions in riverside parks, this paper uses AI recognition to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of camping crowds, and considers the correlation between landscape morphological parameters, microclimates, and crowd behavior. Finally, we built a model to raise the number of landscape optimization strategies for landscape design. The results show that landscape morphological parameters, such as tree height, crown canopy, and sky visibility factor (SVF), can significantly affect the air temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), and physiological temperature (PET) in an environment, while hardly affecting wind speed (WS). For microclimate parameters, Ta has a moderate correlation with camping behavior, with a correlation coefficient of −0.145 and a p-value of 0.040, while the corresponding correlation with PET was non-significant with a p-value of 0.622. The temporal distribution of the number of campers per day show a linear upward trend with a reasonable goodness-of-fit, with an adjusted R2 above 0.789 for all subregions. The model based on landscape morphological parameters has a good fit, with coefficients of tree height and crown canopy of −0.195 and 1.316, respectively. This study provides theoretical support and design suggestions for the design of riverside parks based on crowd behavior patterns.

Merging Green and Active Transportation Infrastructure towards an Equitable Accessibility to Green Areas: Barcelona Green Axes

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2023

The UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for the provision of universal access to: (a) safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces, and (b) safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all. The Barcelona green axes plan aims to transform one third of the streets within its 19th century extension grid, increasing the tree cover and the vegetation, adopting sustainable urban drainage systems, limiting motor traffic, and providing a safer and more comfortable environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and other social activities in healthier environments. These transformations become even greater at the intersection of the axes, where former traffic junctions are becoming squares and urban gardens. This study gives an in-depth analysis of the origins of the superblocks plan, the rationale behind the transformation, and the implementation process. The GIS-based analysis shows how the green axes and the new square gardens (a) transform the city’s disconnected urban green areas into a more interconnected green infrastructure system, and (b) significantly increase accessibility to green areas. The study reveals this strategy’s potential to create a city of proximity, improve the well-being of the population, and build a more equitable city, which could be a useful tool for planning and decision making at both city and regional levels.

Effects of neighborhood environment on different aspects of greenway use: Evidence from East Lake Greenway, China

Article

Jan 2023
J TRANSP GEOGR

As a component of both urban transport infrastructures and green spaces, urban greenways play a vital role in connecting urban public spaces, promoting active travel, and facilitating population-level health outcomes. Recently, there has been considerable interest in illustrating the determinants of greenway use in various contexts. Nevertheless, most studies have failed to identify the different aspects of greenway use. Meanwhile, the potential significance of residential neighborhood environments in utilizing greenways has largely been overlooked. In this study, we analyzed data collected from 1020 residents living around the East Lake Greenway in Wuhan, China, to discern three aspects of greenway use: frequency, time, and intensity. In addition, we investigated the moderate effect of neighborhood environmental characteristics on the association between greenway proximity and different aspects of use. After controlling for covariates, multi-level regression models showed that greenway proximity and neighborhood environmental characteristics were significantly associated with greenway use, while the specific associations varied across different aspects of greenway use. Furthermore, proportion of residential land, floor area ratio, and street connectivity moderated the relationship between greenway proximity and greenway use. In summary, the findings of this study contributed to the planning and management of greenways in high-density cities.

Influence of built environment and user experience on the waterfront vitality of historical urban areas: A case study of the Qinhuai River in Nanjing, China

Article

Jun 2023

Urban waterfronts are important gateways that reflect a city's image and characteristics. Evaluating waterfront vitality and its influencing factors is critical for guiding urban waterfront planning and redevelopment. Hourly human movement data, provided by the Baidu Heatmap, were used to explore the weekday and weekend urban vitality spatial distribution characteristics of the waterfronts of the Qinhuai River in Nanjing. Global (ordinary least squares) and local (multiscale geographically weighted regression) models revealed the influence of physical–environmental characteristics (objective) and spatial experience evaluation factors (subjective) on urban vitality. (1) The Qinhuai River waterfront urban vitality agglomeration characteristics were similar between weekdays and weekends, and the core vitality areas were distributed in the dense tourism, commercial, and residential areas along the river. (2) The evaluation of catering experience had the strongest positive correlation with vitality, whereas the waterfront distance had the strongest negative correlation. (3) The influence of each factor on waterfront vitality in the study area exhibited considerable spatial differences, with attenuation trends observed from the east-to-west river sections. This study shows the urban vitality distribution characteristics of the Qinhuai River waterfront spaces. Exploring the influence of physical–environmental and spatial evaluation factors on the vitality distribution can provide a scientific basis and reference for urban waterfront planning and redevelopment focusing on cultivating vitality.

Exploring the Determinants and Consequences of Public Satisfaction with Urban Waterfronts: A Case Study of the Xuhui Waterfront in Shanghai, China

Article

Jun 2023

The Usage and Constraints of Urban River Corridor from a Socio-ecological Perspective: a Systematic Review: A Systematic Review

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