Design and evaluate a sustainable urban green corridor network for city resilience

Thesis Abstract

Rapid urbanization and escalating climate change effects pose significant challenges to city resilience, necessitating innovative approaches to urban planning that integrate ecological sustainability and social adaptability. This study aims to design and evaluate a sustainable urban green corridor network to enhance city resilience, focusing on a metropolitan area with a population of approximately 3 million residents. The research objectives include identifying the key ecological, social, and infrastructural functions of green corridors, developing a strategic model for corridor design that aligns with urban development goals, and assessing the ecological and socio-economic impacts of the proposed network. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative and quantitative data to provide comprehensive insights into the complexity of green corridor implementation. The population comprises urban planners, environmental scientists, policymakers, and residents within the study area. A stratified random sampling technique is utilized to select 150 participants for qualitative interviews and a representative sample of 500 households for surveys, ensuring diverse stakeholder perspectives are captured. Primary data collection instruments include semi-structured interview guides, household questionnaires, and GIS-based spatial analysis tools. The validity and reliability of instruments are established through pilot testing, expert validation, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.80 to ensure instrument consistency. Data analysis involves thematic analysis of qualitative data to extract key themes related to corridor design preferences, perceived benefits, and potential barriers. Quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression models to determine relationships between green corridor attributes and indicators of city resilience, such as flood mitigation, air quality improvement, and social cohesion. GIS spatial analysis is employed to model optimal corridor placement and network connectivity, guided by the Theory of Urban Ecological Networks and the Resilience Theory, which underpin the conceptual framework. Expected findings include the identification of functional zones suitable for green corridors, criteria for effective corridor connectivity, and quantifiable benefits in terms of urban ecological health and community well-being. Furthermore, the analysis is anticipated to establish significant correlations between corridor characteristics and resilience indicators, with regression models demonstrating the contribution of green corridors to flood reduction, heat island mitigation, and increased social interactions. The study contributes new knowledge by developing a context-specific strategic model for sustainable green corridor planning that balances ecological integrity with urban development needs. It also advances methodological approaches integrating GIS-based spatial analysis with stakeholder engagement, offering a replicable framework for similar urban contexts globally. The findings will inform policymakers, urban planners, and environmental practitioners about the practical design parameters and expected resilience benefits of green corridors. The main conclusion emphasizes the importance of integrating ecological corridors into urban planning to foster resilience against climate-related vulnerabilities and urban stressors. Recommendations include adopting a participatory planning process that engages community stakeholders, establishing policy incentives for green infrastructure development, and implementing monitoring systems to evaluate corridor performance over time. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of green corridors across different climatic zones and urban typologies, contributing to the broader discourse on resilient urban ecosystems and sustainable city planning.