Urban structure is an important factor that shapes the process of urban ventilation and pollution dispersion. With proper planning of the urban spatial layout, city breathability can be effectively regulated, contributing to urban air quality improvement. This paper investigates the development and current management of urban systems of green and open spaces in four Polish cities: Gdańsk, Warsaw, Poznań and Wrocław, with a particular focus on the planning aspects of urban ventilation and air quality management. The initial GIS-based comparison of historical plans and the current spatial layouts of the cities show that these systems, consciously shaped at the beginning of the twentieth century, remain clearly identifiable. However, in some locations, the continuance of these systems was interrupted by later investments. The next step was to develop GIS procedures to effectively map the spatial distribution of selected urban form indicators that are related to urban ventilation, especially the frontal area index. The results made it possible to determine the main features of the current ventilation systems and to identify some of the local problem areas. The last phase of the study was to conduct a local-scale analysis of these problem areas. With this study, the applicability of various analysis and simulation tools for the purpose of improving city breathability by appropriate integrated planning and design decisions was demonstrated. The presented approach, taking into account the city- and micro-scale interactions, should be used in current planning practice to preserve the historically developed ventilation systems.

Climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather events, challenging traditional flood risk assessments. New methods, like InVEST’s urban flood risk mitigation model (UFRM), are crucial for assessing flood-prone areas, especially those vulnerable to pluvial flooding. This systematic review examines the utilization and limitations of the UFRM model for identifying flood-prone areas and designing adaptation plans in response to climate change, based on research articles published between 2019 and 2024. The articles were identified through Scinapse and Google Scholar using predefined criteria, including relevance to UFRM applications and publication within the specified timeframe. An analysis of the 21 selected papers using bibliometric techniques reveals geographic concentrations of the case studies that utilized the UFRM model primarily in Italy, Turkey, China, and the United States, with notable research gaps in Central Europe. The journal publication trends highlight the prominence of certain journals, such as the Journal of Land. A network analysis using VOSviewer identifies thematic clusters aligned with the UFRM research areas, including Urban Planning and Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs), Urbanization and Sustainable Development, the Economic and Social Effects of Flood Mitigation, Adaptation and Risk Management, and Resilience and Vulnerability. This review contributes to gaining a deeper understanding of the research landscape regarding the utilization of the UFRM model and provides recommendations for advancing sustainable and resilient urban development practices. The review was not preregistered in a formal registry. The finding reveals that integrating automation and optimization tools to suggest different solutions for problematic nodes in urban areas is crucial for addressing multiple issues simultaneously and optimizing adaptation plans effectively.

Waterfront areas in cities are subject to constant changes. The desire to integrate the transformed waterside areas with the urban fabric involves shaping high-quality public spaces related to water, which are often referred to as urban blue spaces (UBS). The aim of the research was to examine the transformation processes of urban waterfront areas in the Baltic Sea Region and identify emerging transition models and types of blue public spaces. The methodological framework of this study is based on qualitative analysis of urban form with respect to coastal and riverine waters. An introductory analysis of 50 cases of transformations was conducted, and 12 were selected for further investigation: Tallinn, Pärnu (Estonia), Copenhagen, Køge, Aarhus (Denmark), Helsinki, Turku (Finland), Stockholm, Malmö, Luleå, Sundsvall, and Ystad (Sweden). As the outcome of the study, the authors indicate that the existing hard land–water interfaces were transformed into soft transition zones where new types of blue public spaces were created with different relationships to water. Synergies were identified between public space design, flood protection measures, and climate adaptation schemes. Finally, the findings highlight the need to verify the existing planning regulations and make them more flexible and effective in guiding the sustainable waterfront design processes.

Increasing population and urbanization, with climate change consequences, such as rising temperatures, influence public health and well-being. The search to improve the quality of life in cities becomes one of the priority objectives. A solution can be found in the role of greenery in an urban environment and its impact on human health. This opens a path toward experimentation on microclimate green structures that can be inserted into dense urban spaces providing human and environmental benefits. The article proposes an automated greenery design method combined with rapid prototyping for such interventions. A theoretical analysis of the problem preceded the introduction of the method. The research process was developed in accordance with the main objectives of the CDIO framework (Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate) with the SiL (Software in the Loop) and HiL (Hardware in the Loop) methods. Moreover, the applied test model allows for complex evaluation in order to ensure quality and directions for further development.

In the contemporary urban landscape, walkability is shaped by the spatial characteristics of the built environment and its ability to adapt to environmental risks, particularly those posed by climate change. This study explores the intersection of walkability and flood adaptation strategies in waterfront public spaces across nine cities in the Baltic Sea Region, analysing their morphological characteristics with a focus on connectivity, accessibility, and climate adaptability. Using a mixed‐method approach that integrates spatial mapping, quantitative metrics, qualitative analysis, and comparative case studies, this research evaluates the effectiveness of urban structure transformations and the introduction of blue‐green infrastructure, floating structures, and nature‐based solutions in enhancing walkability while mitigating flood risks. The findings reveal significant improvements in connectivity, as indicated by extended pedestrian route networks (increases of 6%–28%), enhanced link–node ratios (increases of 24%–39%), and a substantial rise in the number of urban nodes with direct water access (150%–1900%). These results demonstrate that climate‐adaptive urban design not only strengthens flood resilience but also fosters vibrant, walkable, and socially inclusive public spaces. This study provides valuable insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers, proposing strategies to integrate flood resilience into walkable urban environments. By emphasising the synergy between walkability and climate adaptation, this research advances the discourse on sustainable urban planning. The findings highlight the potential of adaptable waterfronts, incorporating blue‐green infrastructure and flexible design principles, to enhance urban resilience while maintaining public space quality and accessibility.