Category: Uncategorized

Featured Paper

SCI: Cai, Yuxuan+., Huang, Yongming+., Chen, Anzhi., Yang, Zhuohao., Chen, Mingze,. Wen, Yuhan., Yang, Qiuyi., Li, Xiaowei*. Subjective Perception or the Physical Environment: Which Matters More for Public Area Visitation Thresholds Across Different COVID-19 Pandemic Stages? Urban Forestry & Urban Greening | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2025.128835

Urban visiting patterns refer to how people visit, use, and move through urban spaces like parks, business districts, and public plazas. Green spaces and businesses significantly influence visitation patterns in urban areas, as key indicators of urban vitality. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped these dynamic patterns. This research examines visitation patterns in Las Vegas from 2019 to 2023, focusing on green spaces and businesses in relation to environment and human perceptions during the pandemic. We integrated GPS data, Google reviews, and street-view images, applying natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to analyze sentiment, comment topics, and environmental features, with partial dependence plots (PDP) exploring correlations with visitation patterns.

Results reveal both park and business visitation patterns were significantly altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting behaviors and emotional needs. There are significant differences in the usage and perception of parks and commercial areas. Parks, with their natural landscapes, offer restorative and emotional experiences, while business environments cater to functional and service-based needs. Environmental factors better explain park visitation, while sentiment and comment topics better explain business visits. Green spaces demonstrate greater crisis resilience than business areas through their environmental benefits and adaptability. Pre-pandemic, parks were valued primarily for entertainment facilities and activities; post-pandemic, natural elements and infrastructure gained importance. These findings emphasize the need for urban design that integrates green spaces which provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and mental restoration to better withstand future challenges. Planners and policymakers should prioritize green spaces for both their physical and emotional benefits.

Peer-reviewed Articles

3. SCI: Cai, Yuxuan⁺., Huang, Yongming⁺., Chen, Anzhi., Yang, Zhuohao., Chen, Mingze,. Wen, Yuhan., Yang, Qiuyi., Li, Xiaowei^*. Subjective Perception or the Physical Environment: Which Matters More for Public Area Visitation Thresholds Across Different COVID-19 Pandemic Stages? Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2025.128835
2. SCI: Wang, Zhanzhu., Shen, Maoting., Huang, Yongming*.Combining Eye-Tracking Technology and Subjective Evaluation to Determine Building Facade Color Combinations and Visual Quality. Applied Sciences 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188227 [donwload]
1. SCI: Wang, Zhanzhu., Shen, Maoting., Huang, Yongming*. Exploring the Impact of Facade Color Elements on Visual Comfort in Old Residential Buildings in Shanghai: Insights from Eye-Tracking Technology. Buildings 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061758 [donwload]

Reviewer of Journal Manuscripts

Sustainable Cities and Society | Plos one | Heritage Science

Conference

2024

3. Chen, Mingze., Huang, Yongming*., Zheng, Yuqiao., Du, Jiani. Defining Urban Vitality Using Text-based, Image-based, and GPS Data | 2024 ACSP (Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning) Conference Abstract (Accepted)

2. Chen, Mingze., Huang, Yongming*., Zheng, Yuqiao., Du, Jiani. Evaluating Urban Vitality with Big Data across 10 Global Cities | 2024 IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects) Conference Abstract (Accepted)

1. Chen, Mingze., Huang, Yongming*., Zheng, Yuqiao., Du, Jiani. Evaluating Urban Vitality with Big Data: Insights from Social Media and GPS Data across 10 Global Cities | 2024 EDRA (Environmental Design Research Association) Conference Abstract (Accepted)

Book

Qualifications:

This position is open to advanced undergraduate or graduate students with a background in urban forestry, urban planning, landscape architecture, computer science, or related fields. Desired qualifications include: – Passion for urban green space planning/urban design and state-of-the-art technologies – Experience with Python programming (computer vision) – Enjoys hands-on and practical work – Able to use GIS mapping and analysis software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) and willing to expand upon these skills – Well-organized and skilled in project management – A self-starter who can work with minimal supervision – Able to organize and manage data at a basic level and willing to expand upon these skills – Proficient with common software programs, such as Microsoft Excel and Word – Friendly, positive and professional in communications with collaborators – Willing to contribute ideas and solutions.

Contributions to University Community & Student Learning Components (UBC Vancouver Work Learn Program)Required *

This position will contribute to the UBC community, particularly the urban forestry program in the Faculty of Forestry, by strengthening and demonstrating students’ research and analytical capacity. This study also addresses practical issues—unequal access to recreational resources–in the Vancouver community.

As a supervisor, I try to foster a welcoming learning environment that encourages a growth mindset, respect for diversity, analytical thinking, and peer-to-peer training. I recognize that historically, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity is lacking in urban forestry compared with other disciplines. One of my core training goals is to involve students of various backgrounds because I believe that diversity can generate more ideas. To promote an equitable, diverse, and inclusive learning environment, I recruit and mentor underrepresented students, allow flexible time management (e.g., accommodating family care time), enhance cross-cultural collaboration beyond my research group, and pursue research that benefits underrepresented communities (e.g., environmental justice, green equity, systemic bias in demographics).