In the heart of Italy’s bustling cities, a quiet revolution is taking place, not in the streets, but in the overlooked patches of green that connect them. Researchers, led by Tao Dong from the Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, are unveiling the hidden power of these urban green spaces, not just as isolated pockets of nature, but as crucial corridors that could reshape our cities’ resilience and energy efficiency.
Dong and his team have developed an innovative agent-based simulation (ABS) model using the Physarealm plugin in Rhino, which integrates geographic information systems (GIS) and space syntax to assess the effectiveness of these “hidden green corridors.” These corridors, often overlooked in urban planning, are functionally significant pathways that link fragmented green spaces, enhancing both biological and human habitats.
The research, published in the journal ‘Smart Cities’ (translated to English as ‘Intelligent Cities’), focuses on three case studies in Italy: the Lambrate District, Bolognina, and Ispra. The findings are striking. “These hidden green corridors are not just about aesthetics,” Dong explains. “They are essential for urban heat reduction, enhancement of urban biodiversity, and strengthening ecological flows. They can significantly impact the behavior of species in cities, serving as key indicators of environmental resilience and ecological benefits.”
The implications for the energy sector are profound. By understanding and optimizing these green corridors, cities can mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing the demand for energy-intensive cooling systems. This could lead to substantial energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint, making cities more sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change.
The research also introduces an AI agentic workflow called “SOFIA,” developed by IMM Design Lab at Politecnico di Milano. This tool interprets simulation results and compares them using manual analysis as well as mainstream large language models like ChatGPT 4.0 Web. This innovative approach not only advances our understanding of urban green spaces but also sets a new standard for spatial diagnostics in urban planning.
As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of urbanization and climate change, this research offers a promising path forward. By recognizing and leveraging the power of hidden green corridors, urban planners and policymakers can create more sustainable, resilient, and energy-efficient cities. The work of Dong and his team is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, paving the way for a greener, smarter urban future.