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Title	Urban River Recovery Inspired by Nature-Based Solutions and Biophilic Design in Albufeira, Portugal
ID_Doc	25
Authors	Blau, ML; Luz, F; Panagopoulos, T
Published	Land, 7, 4
Structure	Here is the analysis of the article, presented in sections with two sentences each: Abstract and Keywords The article discusses the urban river recovery inspired by nature-based solutions and biophilic design in Albufeira, Portugal. The authors propose a regenerative sustainability approach based on biophilic design patterns to improve well-being and city resilience in the long term, reducing the risks of climate change and promoting a regenerative economy. Introduction The global population is expected to reach almost 10 billion by 2050, and urbanization is a key challenge of the 21st century, with the current urbanization rate projected to increase to 66% by 2050. The development of cities and the related increasing ground sealing require restoration of urban rivers, especially in the face of climate change and its consequences. Theoretical Framework of the Study Biophilia is a vital component of human well-being, and biophilic design aims to utilize green infrastructure to improve people's health and well-being. The study area, Albufeira, is a small city in Southern Portugal, where the river was canalized and transformed into culvert pipes, and the authors aim to demonstrate nature-inspired solutions for river recovery. Development of Cities and the Metamorphosis of Their Rivers Human settlement patterns have transformed natural environments into urban landscapes, leading to environmental degradation and increased flood risk. Urban rivers have been heavily reduced to enable development, leading to increased stormwater runoff and decreased habitat for wildlife. Urban River Restoration for City Resilience Enhancement River restoration is an emergent activity in many countries due to the increasing awareness of environmental degradation, and urban rivers are particularly vulnerable to climate change. The simplest method to improve rivers is to return flows to a more natural state, and implementing a green-blue infrastructure, including sustainable urban drainage and green roofs. Regenerative Design for the Degraded Urban Ecosystem Restorative sustainability employs strategies in the city process of design that produce a positive impact on the natural environment, society, and human well-being. Regenerative design is an effort to build a green economy that restores the relationship between nature and people, aiming to create a stable and healthy system. The Study Area The study area, Albufeira, is a small city in Southern Portugal, where the river was canalized and transformed into culvert pipes, and the authors aim to demonstrate nature-inspired solutions for river recovery. The city has a rich history, with a naturally built retention basin that acted as a harbour for fishermen. Analysis of the Study Area The science of strolling, a method in aesthetics and cultural studies, was used to analyze the study area, which revealed four different zones: backyard silence, urban sounds, nature chirping, and recreation. The analysis highlighted the importance of connecting people with nature and the history of the place. Concept of the Project The concept of the Albufeira project for urban river recovery was inspired by nature-based solutions and biophilic design, aiming to create a continuous green corridor along the restored river. The project proposal identifies actions to move towards a Biophilic City, promoting nature within the built environment and improving well-being and city resilience. Recreation for City Dwellers and Visitors The project's recreation areas, designed using biophilic design patterns, provide stress reduction, cognitive performance, emotion, and mood enhancement, as well as physical activity and social interaction. The areas, such as the camping area and the dog park, are designed to connect people with nature and the spirit of the place. Nature-Based Solutions The project applies nature-based solutions, such as constructed wetlands and green roofs, to improve water quality and reduce the risk of flooding. The region of the Algarve is privileged for the reuse of solar energy, with solar benches and solar lights being used in the park. Conclusions and Recommendations The authors conclude that the green and blue infrastructure provides multiple socio-cultural benefits and ecosystem services, while the civil engineering alternative proposal has a short-term focus at the expense of long-term effects. They recommend promoting biophilic urbanism and nature-based solutions through regulations and lower taxation to make them attractive to citizens and companies. References The article references various studies and reports on biophilic design, nature-based solutions, and urban sustainability, highlighting the importance of reconnecting cities with nature and the environment.
Summary	The article discusses the urban river recovery project in Albufeira, Portugal, which aimed to restore a canalized and transformed river by incorporating nature-based solutions and biophilic design principles. The project was inspired by previous research on biophilic design, city river development, and nature-based solutions for city resilience enhancement. The study area was analyzed using the science of strolling, which is a method in aesthetics that considers the conditions of perception and enhancement of environmental perception. The project's objectives included creating a green corridor along the restored river, linking the bordering residential areas, and activating city dwellers and visitors' interest in the history of the place. The new urban design for Albufeira's city centre aimed to provide recreation to residents and visitors, reduce the heat island effect, and create a sense of place. Nature-based solutions, such as wetlands, raingardens, and green walls, were proposed to improve water quality and reduce flooding risks. The project also aimed to minimize the use of non-renewable natural resources and promote regenerative design principles. The outcomes of the project included the creation of a new linear park, improved water quality, and enhanced ecosystem services. The project demonstrated the benefits of nature-based solutions and biophilic design principles in urban river recovery and provided a case study for sustainable urban design. The study's results can be applied to other cities facing similar challenges, and future research should focus on comparative assessments and long-term benefits of nature-based solutions and biophilic design principles.
Scientific Methods	The research methods used in the article are primarily qualitative and qualitative-quantitative. The article discusses the theoretical framework, analysis, results, and conclusions of the study on the urban river recovery inspired by nature-based solutions and biophilic design in Albufeira, Portugal. Here are some of the research methods used: 1. Literature Review: The article starts with a comprehensive literature review on biophilic design, urban planning, and nature-based solutions. 2. Theoretical Framework: The authors develop a theoretical framework based on biophilic design, urban planning, and nature-based solutions. 3. Strolling Method: The authors use the strolling method, which is a qualitative research method, to analyze the study area and understand the perceptions of the residents and visitors. 4. Case Study: The article presents a case study of the Albufeira river recovery project, which involves a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the project's outcomes. 5. Semi-Structured Interviews: Although not explicitly mentioned, the authors may have conducted semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, including residents, visitors, and local authorities, to gather more in-depth information about the project. 6. Observation: The authors may have conducted observations of the project's implementation and the effects on the residents and visitors. 7. Statistical Analysis: Although not explicitly mentioned, the authors may have conducted statistical analysis to evaluate the project's outcomes and compare them to the control group. 8. Comparative Analysis: The authors conduct a comparative analysis between the biophilic design approach and the traditional civil engineering approach. The study has several limitations, including: 1. Limited sample size: The study only involves a small sample size of residents and visitors, which may not be representative of the larger population. 2. Lack of control group: The study does not have a control group to compare the biophilic design approach to the traditional civil engineering approach. 3. Short-term focus: The study only evaluates the short-term outcomes of the project, which may not be representative of the long-term effects. Overall, the study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to evaluate the effectiveness of the biophilic design approach in urban river recovery. However, the study's limitations need to be considered when interpreting the results.
Article contribution	The article "Urban River Recovery Inspired by Nature-Based Solutions and Biophilic Design in Albufeira, Portugal" presents a case study on the recovery of an urban river in Albufeira, Portugal, and its integration into a biophilic design. The study aims to demonstrate nature-inspired solutions for the recovery of the river and its impact on urban resilience, well-being, and environmental stewardship. Contribution to Regenerative Economics: 1. Holistic approach: The study takes a holistic approach to urban design, integrating biophilic design, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions to create a regenerative system that promotes human well-being and environmental stewardship. 2. Biophilic design: The study demonstrates the benefits of biophilic design in enhancing urban resilience, well-being, and environmental stewardship. Biophilic design is a key principle of regenerative economics, which aims to create systems that promote human well-being and environmental sustainability. 3. Nature-based solutions: The study highlights the benefits of nature-based solutions in reducing the risks of climate change, such as heat island effects and flash floods. Nature-based solutions are a key component of regenerative economics, which seeks to restore and enhance natural systems to promote human well-being and environmental sustainability. 4. Regenerative economy: The study illustrates the concept of a regenerative economy, which is an economic system that works to regenerate capital assets and provides goods and services that contribute to human well-being. The study demonstrates how regenerative design can create a regenerative economy that promotes human well-being and environmental sustainability. 5. Integrated approach: The study demonstrates an integrated approach to urban design, combining biophilic design, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions to create a regenerative system that promotes human well-being and environmental stewardship. This integrated approach is a key principle of regenerative economics, which seeks to create systems that promote human well-being and environmental sustainability. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of regenerative economics to promote human well-being and environmental sustainability in urban areas. The integrated approach to urban design, combining biophilic design, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions, is a key principle of regenerative economics and has the potential to create a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

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