Critical analysis of climate-sensitive planning impacts in urban regeneration projects : a comparative study in Glasgow and Dresden

Abstract

Urban regeneration is increasingly positioned an opportunity for climate adaptation and mitigation projects, and with climate-sensitive planning strategies aiming to mitigate heat stress and enhance ecosystem services, the topic had been arising for discussions and practices. Yet, to which extent these measures deliver functional environmental benefits remains contested. This thesis critically examines climate-sensitive regeneration in four case studies: Sighthill and Commonwealth Village in Glasgow (UK), and Friedrichstadt and Pieschen in Dresden (Germany). The research evaluates whether implemented interventions have measurable improvements in microclimatic conditions and ecosystem service provision, and what factors determined their success or limitations.

A mixed-method approach was applied, combining i-Tree Canopy analysis for land cover and ecosystem services with ENVI-met simulations for microclimate performance before and after regeneration. Indicators included land cover change, carbon storage, air quality regulation, stormwater management, and thermal comfort metrics such as air temperature, radiant heat, and relative humidity. Normalized scoring enabled comparative evaluation across cities’ two neighbourhoods.

The results reveal a clear gap between greening targets and functional outcomes. While some neighbourhoods demonstrated improvements in ecosystem services and microclimatic conditions, others delivered minimal or even negative changes despite meeting formal greening objectives. The findings underscore that tree planting alone does not guarantee climate resilience; effectiveness depends on spatial integration, ecological maturity, and alignment with urban forms. Projects that incorporated systemic blue-green infrastructure, as seen in one Sighhtill (Glasgow), achieved the most significant climate benefits. In contrast, cases prioritizing housing density without compensatory ecological measures failed to offset heat retention and surface sealing. Across all sites, short-term expectations were constrained by the ecological timelines required for vegetation to reach functional capacity.

This study highlights four critical lessons for future practices: the need to shift from coverage-based indicators to performance-oriented metrics; the importance of integrating green and blue systems within urban design; the challenge of synchronizing ecological timelines with redevelopment schedules; and the balancing need of both urban densification with climate-sensitive planning.

The research concludes that climate-sensitive regeneration projects should move beyond spot greening towards systemic design strategies comnined with performance assessment, species selection, and adaptive planning aligned with projected climate risks. Policy recommendations emphasize mandatory green-blue infrastructure quotas, simulation-based design evaluation, and phased implementation plans. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring, urban morphology integration, and climate scenarios modelling, supporting the development of resilient and livable urban environments.