Urban Farm DB
Research catalogue
Database research record2026·Global

A framework for strategic transformation of vacant lots for heat resilience

Saeideh Sobhaninia, Patricia Solis, Ebenezer N. K. Boateng, Isaac Buo

Journal of Environmental Management

Urban Farm DB summary

This study developed the Heat-Strategic Vacant Parcel Conversion (HSVPC) framework to guide the transformation of urban vacant lots into green spaces for heat resilience. The framework considers zoning, land use, and ownership to identify suitable sites. Applying it to real-world data, simulations showed that converting vacant parcels into green spaces, such as through tree planting, could reduce urban heat by up to 6.44°C Mean Radiant Temperature overall and 4.87°C at peak heat, especially benefiting vulnerable neighborhoods.