The accelerating processes of globalization and modernization have imposed unprecedented anthropogenic pressures on the cultural diversity of historic districts, leading to the physical degradation of historical heritage and the fragmentation of cultural transmission chains. To address this challenge, this study establishes an innovative spatial-gene theoretical framework that seeks to balance heritage protection with urban development by integrating landscape characteristics and cultural connotations, thereby enhancing the conservation of cultural diversity in historic districts. Focusing on the historic Small Wild Goose Pagoda district as a case study, we developed a comprehensive methodology integrating field research, historical induction, spatial analysis, and place-making. Through this operational framework, we systematically identified four constitutive spatial genes: the mountain–water pattern, the urban-axis, the li-fang, and the architectural courtyard. These genetic elements inform a dual-regeneration strategy that promotes synergy and dialogue between old and new: (1) place-making guided by historical morphological grammar rules and (2) activity organization that reconfigures the value system of “openness and inclusiveness”. This research not only advances spatial-gene theory but also provides a replicable model for regenerating historic districts oriented toward cultural diversity, effectively combining historical authenticity with contemporary functionality to promote sustainable urban development.

The occurrence and spread of infectious diseases pose considerable challenges to public health. While the relationship between the built environment and the spread of infectious diseases is well-documented, there is a dearth of urban planning tools specifically designed for conducting Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) targeted at infectious diseases. To bridge this gap, this paper develops a comprehensive framework of an HIA for Urban Planning and Epidemic (HIA4UPE), formulated by considering the progression of public health incidents and the distinct transmission patterns of infectious diseases. This framework is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment by including a health risk-overlay assessment, health resource-quality assessment, health resource-equality assessment, and health outcome-impact prediction, enabling a multidimensional evaluation of the potential impacts of current environmental conditions or planning proposals on the incidence of infectious diseases. Furthermore, this paper advances the application of spatial analysis and computation, comprehensive assessment methodologies, and predictive analytics to conduct specific assessments. The theoretical framework and analytical tools presented in this paper contribute to the academic discourse and offer practical utility in urban planning and policymaking on epidemic prevention and control.

Research increasingly links the built environment to place attachment, with expected benefits for perceived restorativeness and resident wellbeing. Yet prior work has concentrated on macro scale attributes and provides limited evidence on how objective and perceived environments shape attachment at the micro scale of the streetscape. Few studies separate their effects or test whether residents’ emotion mediates these links. This study tests mediation between objective and perceived streetscape characteristics and place attachment and clarifies their roles in theory. We assess the distinct contributions of physical features and subjective appraisals at a unified human scale. We further examine heterogeneity by residence duration and age. The empirical design combines semantic segmentation of street level imagery with survey responses from 797 residents in Nanjing. We estimate a partial least squares structural equation model and conduct multigroup analysis to evaluate mediation and differences across groups. Results reveal that natural environment is positively related to place attachment only through emotion, with significant standardized indirect effects of 0.025** and 0.019**. The artificial environment is negatively related through both pathways, with a direct effect on place dependence of −0.203*** and an indirect effect of −0.044***. The perceived built environment shows the strongest association with attachment, with total standardized effects of 0.595*** for dependence and 0.623*** for identity. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the attachment preferences of medium-term residents gradually shift towards the natural environment, while older adults exhibit reduced sensitivity to artificial environmental factors. Together, the findings advance micro scale attachment research and inform design that fosters belonging and wellbeing.

The impact of the built environment on urban vitality is multifaceted, yet a holistic understanding that simultaneously considers its scale dependence, spatial heterogeneity, and interactive mechanisms remains limited. To unravel these multi-scalar mechanisms, this study develops an integrated analytical framework. Taking Xi’an, China, as a case study, we first construct a multidimensional built environment indicator system grounded in Jane Jacobs’ theory of vitality. Empirically, we employ the Optimal Parameters-based GeoDetector (OPGD) to objectively identify the optimal spatial scale and detect non-linear and interaction effects. Meanwhile, the Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) model is used to delineate spatial heterogeneity. Our findings systematically unravel the complex mechanisms: (1) The optimal analysis scale is identified as a 2 km grid; (2) All elements significantly influence vitality, but through distinct linear or non-linear pathways; (3) The effects of attraction density, road network structure, and bus stop density exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity; and (4) Third place density and population density act as key catalysts, non-linearly enhancing the effects of other elements. This research presents a synthesized perspective and nuanced evidence for precision urban regeneration, demonstrating the necessity of integrating scale, heterogeneity, and interaction to understand the drivers of urban vitality.

In the digital era, data collaboration constitutes a critical trend in urban planning and design. It is of paramount importance in addressing contemporary issues related to the misinterpretation, misapplication, and misunderstanding of spatial genes, as well as facilitating data sharing and value creation associated with spatial genes. In this paper, targeting the complex problems of multiple entities and threads in spatial gene research and practice through, initially, a literature review, the correlation process between urban planning and data collaboration is examined, the spatial gene concept and the background of its proposal are expounded, and the challenges confronted in spatial-gene data collaboration are analyzed. Then, with an elaboration of the data value chain concept, a data collaboration framework for spatial-gene research and practice is constructed, specifically encompassing three main links: convergence, mining, and application. Finally, from the three aspects of data collection and storage, data analysis and processing, and data circulation and sharing, technical implementation paths and suggestions are put forward. We firmly contend that through the establishment of the framework, it is anticipated to promote data collaboration among multiple entities, enhance the efficiency and scientificity of urban design, and thereby facilitate the preservation of cultural diversity and the sustainable development of cities.

Imageability is a cognitive measure of environmental differentiation and place memory. However, the existing literature focuses mainly on static morphological descriptions or subjective perception, without systematic quantitative studies of how physical environment and behavioral activity jointly generate the imageability of characteristic districts. This limits active responses to the rise of “placelessness” in numerous cities. Based on the S-O-R theory, this study proposes a “visual–activity” two-channel mediation model. Based on 65 typical characteristic districts in Wuhan, and using multi-source data in the research, PLS-SEM was employed to systematically study the process that influences imageability in urban environments. It was found that (1) behavioral activity serves as the core mediating link between the physical environment and imageability; (2) scenic beauty exerts a partial mediating effect between visual sensitivity and imageability; (3) vitality exerts a full mediating effect between activity support and imageability. This study is expected to provide a scientific foundation for design refinements, quality enhancement, and place identity construction in urban characteristic districts oriented toward perceptual experience in the post-industrial era.