This project empirically explores potential linkages between the structure of urban areas and urban air pollution. It analyses differences and synergies between impacts of urban form on observed and perceived air pollution and external population exposure. Potential differences are of interest since, in turn, perception and measurements of urban air pollution can both be relevant for behavioural linkages between urban form and air pollution, such as residential location choices.
It contributes an empirical analysis of urban form indicators and aspects of air pollution concerns of a set of Larger Urban Zones (LUZs) in Europe. GIS techniques are used to characterize European LUZs as to their internal structure. Particular interest is ascribed to potential effects of urban green spaces available in the LUZs.
These various characteristics reflecting local morphologies of urban areas are then input to regression analysis to explore how they might explain different indicators of air pollution concerns. The focus is set on the comparison between air pollution as perceived by residents of a LUZ, objective pollution measures and external population exposure and potential differences in influences from urban form characteristics. In this project, we use nitrogen dioxide $NO_2$ as a surrogate predominantly for traffic activity.
Related publication
Schindler, M. (2016). Spatial modelling of feedback effects between urban structure and traffic-induced air pollution – insights from quantitative geography and urban economics. PhD dissertation, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg.