Street vitality is an important indicator of urban attractiveness and sustainable development, and it has become a central topic in contemporary urban planning and research. Using the PRISMA methodology, this review systematically examines four major technologies including machine learning (ML), space syntax, GPS, and sensors, together with six categories of data that are commonly used in street vitality studies. The analysis traces the methodological development of these approaches and identifies application trends across both macro and micro spatial scales. ML has become the leading technology in this field, showing strong performance in dynamic modeling, pattern recognition, and the integration of multiple data sources. GPS provides high temporal accuracy for tracking mobility and identifying spatiotemporal dynamics. UAVs and sensor networks make it possible to observe environmental and behavioral responses in real time. When combined, these technologies support four main research themes: the built environment and vitality, pedestrian mobility and urban dynamics, spatial and visual characterization, and social interaction. Other complementary data sources, including social media, online maps, surveys, and government statistics, expand analytical coverage and improve contextual interpretation across different spatial and cultural settings. The review emphasizes the need to connect advanced technologies and diverse data sources with broader concerns of governance, ethics, and civic participation, while maintaining a focus on methodological and data-based synthesis. By clarifying the technological pathways and data foundations of street vitality research, this study provides a structured reference for researchers, urban designers, and policymakers who aim to develop evidence-based and socially responsive frameworks for urban space evaluation and planning.

As urbanization is growing faster, the term “Smart” is becoming more widely used. However, it is difficult to define how to objectively evaluate intellectualization. This study aims to explore an objective method of evaluating intellectualization in Japanese zoos and suggest project directions for their future development. First, we will define the unique Japanese zoo smart projects. Then, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) will be used to determine the weights of each item, and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method (FCEM) will be used to evaluate the degree of construction. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of each project will be analyzed by importance–performance analysis (IPA). The findings showed that the research subject, Ueno Zoo, is still in the early stage of smartening, and most of the items are not sufficient for users to have a full tourist experience. There is a need to increase the level of intellectualization and ease-of-use for the construction of the zoos of Tokyo. This study provides an objective approach for evaluating the intellectualization of zoos in Japan and provides a method of construction advice for intellectualization construction.

Extensive green roofs (EGRs) are increasingly recognized as multifunctional components of urban green infrastructure. In recent years, interest is growing in the use of native grassland species as alternatives to conventional green roof plants, both to enhance ecological function and to support biodiversity conservation. This study evaluated the performance of six native grassland species on extensive green roofs by assessing their growth characteristics (cover, survival, and flowering) throughout a single growing season (May–November 2024). We used three different substrates that differed in nutrient level: a nutrient-rich reused substrate, a mixed substrate, and a nutrient-poor perlite-based substrate. The results indicated that most species successfully established across all substrate types, although patterns in growth and mortality varied. Substrate nutrient levels strongly influenced early growth, but their long-term effects may diminish as nutrient dynamics stabilize over time. These findings suggest that native grassland species represent promising alternatives to conventional green roof plants in Japan, with several species showing strong adaptability to EGR conditions. Substrate nutrient management is essential for balancing plant growth, biodiversity, and maintenance requirements. This study contributes to improving the ecological performance and long-term sustainability of green roofs in urban environments.

Urban public green spaces are widely recognized for having positive effects on mental health, yet existing research shows imbalances in subjects and methodologies. Most studies examine healthy adults and self-reported indicators, giving limited attention to vulnerable populations; this may have led to a gap in evidence regarding “who is represented and who is overlooked.” This study systematically reviewed 235 empirical papers published in 2004–2024 following PRISMA 2020 to examine epistemic equity. The Equity Bias Framework was applied to operationalize epistemic equity by assessing imbalances in study design, psychometric measures, and population sampling. Results showed that the cross-sectional design, self-report, and community-dwelling adults combination accounted for the largest share (n = 99, 27.8%), whereas only 9 combinations in total (2.5%) involved clinical populations. The experimental design × self-report × university student patterns (n = 14, 3.9%) outnumber all experimental studies involving age-disadvantaged or clinical groups (n = 4, 1.1%). These patterns indicate that existing research evidence is shaped more by feasibility and accessibility than by representativeness and clinical relevance, raising concerns about epistemic equity. By introducing the Equity Bias Framework, this study provides a lens on current evidence and direction for research and policy promoting methodological diversity and sample inclusivity.

Owing to lifestyle changes since COVID-19, new needs for various usages and spatial experiences of open spaces have become apparent. Suburban parks and green spaces are thought to be suitable uses. This study used structural equation modeling to examine the direct and indirect effects of diverse usages and experiences on the desirability of three proposed park plans for a major park in City A, near Tokyo, based on questionnaire survey data. The findings highlight the importance of “Nature, Passive, and Healing” usage, including nature experiences and small-group activities. “Nature, Passive, and Healing” is negatively affected by “Gathering and Active” but positively by “Multifunctional and Borderless”. A potential for significant improvement in park desirability was also found by linking “Nature, Passive, and Healing” to “Multifunctional and Borderless”. For those aged 60 and older, the indirect effect of “Multifunctional and Borderless” via “Nature, Passive, and Healing” was large and significant, whereas its direct effect was not. “Multifunctional and Borderless” park usage was also been proven to have the greatest impact on female users, whereas, for males, “Nature, Passive, and Healing” had the largest impact. These results emphasize the importance of designs that balance diverse usages and ensure appropriate distancing to meet new needs.

The rapid pace of urbanization and the emergence of social challenges, including an aging population and increased labor costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the urgency to explore smart city solutions. Within these technologically advanced urban environments, zoos have assumed a pivotal role that extends beyond their recreational functions. They face labor cost challenges and ecological considerations while actively contributing to wildlife conservation, environmental education, and scientific research. Zoos foster a connection with nature, promote biodiversity awareness, and offer a valuable space for citizens, thereby directly supporting the pillars of sustainability, public engagement, and technological innovation in smart cities. This study employs a quantitative analysis to assess the alignment between smart projects and the distinctive characteristics of Kyoto Zoo. Through questionnaires, we collected feedback on performance and importance, and subsequently employed the analytic hierarchy process and the fuzzy integrated evaluation method to obtain quantitative results. The findings reveal the high level of intelligence exhibited by Kyoto Zoo, and the analysis provides insightful guidance that can be applied to other urban facilities. At the same time, we compared Kyoto Zoo with Ueno Zoo to see the difference in intellectualization achievements in different contexts in terms of data and systems.