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A Seasonal Study of the Spatial Quality of Cold Streets Based on Activity Portrait Indexes (APIs)
Yang Ye, Yi Huang, Sitong Yang, Wenshu Lou, Tong Li, Xin Tang, Hangjian Yu · 2026 · China
This study develops an Activity Portrait Index (API) framework to assess the seasonal quality of urban streets in Harbin, China, a city with extremely cold winters. Based on observations of 37 street segments, the method evaluates pedestrian activity levels, diversity of activities and the demographic diversity of street users across different seasons. The findings highlight how the qualities that support street activity change throughout the year: wind protection, thermal comfort and connections between indoor and outdoor spaces become particularly important in winter, while greenery, ventilation and opportunities for outdoor staying gain importance during warmer periods. The study provides an evidence-based approach for evaluating and designing streets that remain attractive, accessible and socially active throughout the year.
- Planning & Design
- Data & Monitoring
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Research
Cold stress mitigation by urban trees: Computational fluid dynamics analysis of deciduous and evergreen effects in winter environments
Geon Kang, Wonsik Choi, Jeong Hee Eum, Jae Jin Kim · 2026 · South Korea
This peer-reviewed study investigates how urban tree species, height and placement influence pedestrian-level cold stress during winter in Daegu, South Korea. Using a validated computational fluid dynamics model coupled with solar radiation modelling, the researchers compared deciduous and evergreen tree-planting scenarios and assessed their effects using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Wind speed was the dominant factor affecting winter thermal comfort. Tall evergreen trees reduced cold stress in exposed and windy urban corridors, while their shading could worsen conditions in sheltered areas by limiting winter solar radiation. The findings provide practical guidance for climate-responsive street design, demonstrating that winter tree-planting strategies should balance wind protection with access to sunlight rather than applying uniform greening solutions.
- Planning & Design
- Data & Monitoring
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Research
Heat stress and active travel, an eight-year national analysis in The Netherlands
Maarten Hogeweij, Coen Bongers, Kevin Raaphorst, Huub Ploegmakers · 2026 · Netherlands
This nationwide Dutch study investigates how heat stress affects walking and cycling behaviour using travel survey data from 178,247 respondents across eight summers (2016–2023). It examines how thermal conditions influence both the decision to travel and the duration of active travel, distinguishing between commuting and recreational journeys. The findings reveal that walking and cycling generally increase with warmer conditions but decline once heat stress becomes severe, particularly for recreational trips. Work-related active travel is less responsive to heat, suggesting that commuters may have fewer opportunities to adapt their travel behaviour. The study also explores whether urban tree canopy cover mitigates the negative effects of heat, finding limited and inconsistent evidence. The results highlight the importance of heat-resilient urban design and policies that support safe, accessible walking and cycling during increasingly frequent hot weather.
- Data & Monitoring
- Behaviour & Mobility Management
ResearchCase study
Urban cold stress assessment using computational fluid dynamics and universal thermal climate index: A case study of Gwacheon City, South Korea
Jaekyoung Kim, Samuel Park, Seungkwon Jung, Gunwon Lee · 2025 · South Korea
This peer-reviewed study develops and validates a computational framework for assessing pedestrian-level cold stress in urban environments. Using 54 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) scenarios, urban surface material properties and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), the researchers modelled winter microclimate conditions in Gwacheon, South Korea, and validated the results against observations from three meteorological stations. The analysis identified approximately 886,519 m² experiencing strong cold stress during a February 2025 cold-weather event, particularly around high-rise residential areas and exposed green spaces. The methodology provides a quantitative approach for identifying cold-stress hotspots and informing climate-responsive urban design, including material selection, building configuration and pedestrian thermal comfort.
- Planning & Design
- Data & Monitoring
Research
A Study of the Relationship between Human Behavior and Urban Design during the Winter in a High-Snowfall Urban Area
Norihiro Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Setoguchi · 2024 · Japan
This field-based study investigates how winter conditions influence pedestrian movement and staying behaviour in an urban public square in Sapporo, Japan. Observations at AKAPLA Plaza reveal that pedestrian volumes decline as temperatures fall, while the proportion of people engaging in stationary activities does not necessarily decrease. The researchers identify three complementary winter design principles: PATH, providing accessible routes with reduced snow cover; STORAGE, retaining selected snow-covered areas for activities such as photography and snow play; and APPROACH, creating access to snow-covered areas to encourage people to spend time outdoors. The findings demonstrate how snow management and spatial design can jointly support the use of public spaces during winter, offering practical concepts for climate-responsive public space planning in cold and snowy cities.
- Planning & Design
- Data & Monitoring
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Blog
Addressing the policy blind spots: Age-inclusive and age-equitable outdoor spaces in the Nordic Arctic region
Bodil Hansen Blix, Anastasia Emelyanova, Agneta Larsson, Steinunn A. Olafsdottir, Arja Rautio · 2024 · Nordic countries
A research-based blog article highlighting gaps in Nordic ageing policies that overlook the specific needs of older adults in Arctic communities. Drawing on a policy review across Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland, it identifies geographical, urban–rural and indoor–outdoor biases and calls for more inclusive policies that ensure accessible, safe and welcoming outdoor environments for older people.
- Planning & Design
- Policy, Strategy & Governance
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Research
Age-inclusive Arctic outdoor spaces: a policy review in four Nordic countries
Anastasia Emelyanova, Bodil H. Blix, Agneta Larsson, Steinunn A. Olafsdottir, Arja Rautio · 2024 · Nordic countries
A comparative policy review examining how national ageing strategies in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland address older adults' access to outdoor spaces in rural Arctic communities. The study identifies urban–rural, south–north, indoor–outdoor and generalisation biases that overlook the specific environmental and accessibility challenges of northern regions, calling for more geographically inclusive and age-sensitive policies.
- Planning & Design
- Policy, Strategy & Governance
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Guideline
Design Manual for Cycle-Friendly Infrastructure, Copenhagen
City of Copenhagen, Technical and Environmental Administration · 2024 · Denmark
This municipal design manual establishes Copenhagen's standards for cycle-friendly streets, intersections and infrastructure. It provides technical guidance on cycle track widths, cycling streets, junction design, accessibility and integration with other transport infrastructure. Particularly relevant to year-round active mobility, the manual requires winter maintenance and cleaning operations to be considered during infrastructure design, including minimum clearances for maintenance vehicles and the use of durable materials. It defines winter maintenance service levels, with cycle tracks generally receiving priority service level A, covering snow clearance and anti-icing throughout the day and night. The manual offers a practical example of integrating cycling infrastructure design with operational requirements to ensure reliable everyday mobility across seasons.
- Planning & Design
- Maintenance & Operations
- Policy, Strategy & Governance
Presentation
Finnish snow storage planning guidebook, presentation at WCC2024
Timo Perälä · 2024 · Finland
The Finnish snow storages planning guidebook was funded by 18 cities, Association of Finnish Municipalities and The Confederation of Finnish Construction Industries. The presentation focuses on following 1) Why to plan for winter and snow storages, 2) Backgroud for not planning for winter and snow storages, 3) Future challenges for winter and snow storage planning and 4) Planning guide for different phases of build urban environment process.
- Planning & Design
- Policy, Strategy & Governance
GuidelineToolkit
Winter Places: A Design Guide for Winter Placemaking
Jonathan Berk, Principal, Bench Consulting / Patronicity · 2020 · United States
A practical design guide presenting creative, low-cost and rapidly implementable ideas for activating public spaces during winter. Developed through an international design challenge, the guide explores temporary installations, outdoor gathering spaces, microclimate-sensitive design and community engagement to make streets and town centres more welcoming and socially vibrant in cold weather.
- Planning & Design
- Communication & Engagement
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing

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