Measuring the Non-Linear Relationship between Three-Dimensional Built Environment and Urban Vitality Based on a...

Area of Science:

• Urban Planning and Design
• Environmental Science
• Geographic Information Science

Background:

• Urban vitality is a key metric for urban sustainability and attractiveness.
• Effective urban design can stimulate urban vitality, but building-specific factors remain understudied in Asia.
• Understanding the impact of the 3D built environment is crucial for targeted urban design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of the three-dimensional built environment on urban vitality in Asian countries.
• To identify specific building-related indicators that significantly affect urban vitality.
• To provide practical recommendations for enhancing urban vitality through vertical building design.

Main Methods:

• Developed a machine-learning-based framework to analyze spatial characteristics of buildings.
• Utilized correlation analysis, scatter charts, and a random forest model.
• Compared a benchmark model with a new model to assess indicator importance.

Main Results:

• Urban vitality is closely linked to the three-dimensional built environment.
• Building-related indicators played a more significant role in urban vitality than common benchmark factors.
• Building coverage ratio, density of tall buildings, and floor area ratio were identified as essential spatial drivers.

Conclusions:

• The 3D built environment, particularly high-rise buildings and outdoor thermal conditions, significantly impacts urban vitality.
• Urban designers and policymakers should consider vertical building design elements for enhancing urban vitality.
• The proposed framework offers a method for assessing the 3D built environment's influence on urban vitality in diverse regions.