New transport technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, are increasingly discussed in the debate on the transition to a sustainable urban future. Automated vehicles (AVs) are expected to reduce the value of travel time (VoT), allowing the use of time for other types of activities during travel, including working, reading, sleeping, entertainment, etc. Our study aims to provide empirical insights on future modal choice preferences for regular trips for Romanian citizens, using a sample of 309 respondents to a web survey on issues related to automated vehicles. Using multinomial logistic models (MNL), we analysed the relationship between three mode choices: regular car, private automated vehicle, and shared automated vehicle, along with the individual and household characteristics. In addition, we calculated the VoT for each mode choice based on the results of MNL analysis. Results showed that VoT is strongly influenced by travel cost and travel time, by socio-economic characteristics such as age, gender, and education, and has the lowest value for the shared AV compared with a regular car or a private AV. Future research may conduct comparable studies in European countries but also explore the opinions and perceptions of vulnerable road users on AVs and VoT.

The deployment of automated vehicles (AVs) has the potential to disrupt and fundamentally transform urban transportation. As their implementation becomes imminent on cities’ streets, it is of great concern that no comprehensive strategies have been formulated to effectively manage and mitigate their potential negative impacts, particularly with respect to the components of the do no significant harm (DNSH) framework recently introduced in the EU taxonomy. The methodology employed comprises three steps: (i) An extensive literature review on the impact of AVs on the DNSH components; (ii) exploration of designing a coherent pro-active vision by integrating measures identified in the literature as key elements to mitigate the harm; and (iii) an interdisciplinary focus group (FG) to verify whether the impacts of AVs and potential mitigation measures for Bucharest are similar to those identified by the literature and integrated into the pro-active vision. The results suggest that while there are commonalities, variations exist in focus and perspective, underscoring the necessity of examining the mitigation measures encompassed in the vision through additional focus groups conducted in different cities.

To achieve a succesful energy transition, the collaboration of all stakeholders and policies for decarbonization at all levels are required. In this context, we aim to assess the perspective of energy transition in marginalized urban areas in Romania. The research is based on findings from a consistent analysis of 37 local development strategies in Romania in terms of energy (electricity and heating service provision). Despite the issues identified, we detected that communities across the country showed limited interest in renewable energy, which may be linked to low levels of awareness and education of residents in marginalized communities. In parallel with the analysis of the strategies, we developed Romania’s maps for renewable solar resources. Then, we developed maps of energy potential by linking the map of marginalized communities with the map of renewable energy resource potential in Romania. In addition, we used the PVGIS solar radiation tool to generate results related to median solar radiation estimates. Finally, we concluded by proposing an awareness raising and education program for the local communities on the solar energy solutions and a roadmap for potential energy projects in marginalized urban areas.

The present paper aims to open the discussion on the adoption of a simplified, flexible, and harmonized strategic framework for city development in Romania. Besides a development strategy associated with general urban planning, multiple strategies are elaborated in accordance with the requirements of the financing authorities and the specific spatial planning legislation. These strategies were developed at different times by different institutions and aim to substantiate the directions and priorities of development and attract funding for various programs. In this study, we performed a thorough analysis in eight municipalities and concluded that such strategies cannot be effective, as they are not always coordinated and often lack consistency and complementarity with other strategic and operational plans and programs at the local level. Based on an international literature review including the recommendations of the Harmonization for Sustainable Energy, Climate Action Plans, and Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans developed by the EU financed project “Sustainable Integrated Multi-sector Planning” (SIMPLA), we propose a unification of the various strategies in a single harmonized, flexible strategic structure for the city. This harmonized structure includes specific components related to resilience in case of disasters and financing sources for all proposed projects.

This paper presents the results of an experimental study carried out within the National Institute for Research, Development in Constructions, Urbanism and Sustainable Territorial Development URBAN INCERC, on a system of walls made of ACC blocks, according to the standard SR EN 771-4 [8], having a density of 480 kg/m³ and standardized compressive strength of 3.5 N/mm², using mortar type binder class M2.5 with compressive strength of 2.5 N/mm². It was exposed to the action of standardized fire for a period of 220 minutes, after 10 days from the execution of the masonry. The results showed that, following the tests on the burned samples, extracted from the wall subject to the test, the standardized unit compressive strength decreased by 54%.

This study presents relevant elements of seismic resilience strategy containing an innovative digital mapping tool tailored for Bucharest, one of Europe’s most seismically vulnerable areas. The framework integrates seismic resilience indicators and expert input with Bucharest’s seismic micro-zonation map to systematically identify critical relocation areas, including educational institutions, medical facilities, and open spaces for emergency use. A seven-step methodology underpins the strategy: identifying resilience indicators, gathering local data, conducting expert workshops, mapping vulnerable areas, designating emergency open spaces, incorporating educational institutions as shelters, and evaluating the framework through a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. The digital mapping tool developed using Google My Maps provides a practical and accessible platform for emergency management professionals and the public, enabling real-time response coordination and informed long-term planning. District 2 is identified as the most vulnerable area due to high population density and peak ground acceleration (PGA), while District 4 faces challenges stemming from limited medical and relocation resources, despite experiencing lower seismic activity. The SWOT analysis demonstrates the tool’s potential as a robust disaster management framework, while highlighting the need for continuous updates, enhanced collaboration, and integration of additional data. This study offers a scalable model for other urban contexts, bridging the gap between strategic planning and operational readiness for seismic risk reduction.