Bibhu Kalyan Nayak

The quantitative measurement of TCC at tourist cities involves considerable methodological complexities. Conventional evaluation methods based on fixed numerical criteria are frequently insufficient since tourism systems are characterized by unclear information, gradual shifts, and subjective experiences. To address these methodological constraints, this study develops and implements a hybrid FAHP-weighted Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) framework to estimate TCC. The framework incorporates four critical indicators, visitor density, waste generation, infrastructure load, visitor perception, reflecting the physical, environmental, infrastructural, and socio-cultural dimensions of tourism development. These indicators are assessed using a structured analytical procedure integrating fuzzification, expert-derived weighting through the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, and centroid defuzzification. This study presents a hybrid SEM–FAHP–FCE framework, which is a multi-method integrated decision model that combines SEM (structural equation modeling) for visitor perception and behavioral drivers, FAHP (fuzzy analytic hierarchy process) for expert-based indicator weighting and FCE (fuzzy comprehensive evaluation) for final carrying capacity assessment under uncertainty. This combined methodology offers a more adaptive and empirically grounded assessment of TCC by synthesizing quantitative conditions with qualitative stakeholder perceptions within a unified evaluative model. The framework is validated through empirical application to Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s most visited destinations, across eight study sites and two seasonal conditions (normal and festival-peak). Primary data collection comprises 300 visitor count observation units and field data, i.e., visitor count, waste generation and infrastructure details. The defuzzified FAHP–FCE results for each site (W = 3.94, 3.33, 2.44, 1.95, 3.66, 1.87, 1.86 and 2.71) reveal that major pilgrimage nodes exhibit scores approaching the upper bound of the evaluation scale, indicating that tourism pressure has significantly exceeded carrying capacity during peak periods. This study establishes proof-of-concept for the FAHP–FCE framework as a standardized, replicable instrument for evidence-based TCC governance at tourism cities.

Historic religious cities are living examples of cultural landscapes where spiritual traditions, heritage, and visitor experiences combine to demonstrate a timeless experience. It is very challenging to achieve balance among the demands of mass pilgrimage, heritage preservation, and urbanization. Govardhan, India is a Hindu religious town with historical significance. Millions of pilgrims travel to Govardhan every year to perform parikrama and take a holy dip in kunds. The quality of the visitor experience, spatial coherence, and heritage conservation are all at risk due to increasing urbanization and tourism. The study intends to create a paradigm for the sustainable management of religious heritage towns by evaluating the factors involving visitor perception, historical significance, and spatial visibility, employing a combination of computational methods and cognitive assessments. The study employed space syntax tools (visibility graph analysis and isovist area analysis) to quantify spatial significance (SS) and identify patterns of openness, congestion, and visibility along the parikrama route of Govardhan. By examining pilgrims’ cognitive surveys for openness, orientation, congestion, and spiritual impression, a cognitive index (CI) and heritage importance scores (HIS) have been developed. The computed spatial significance (SS) has been correlated with cognitive index (CI) and heritage importance (HIS) scores to create an experiential priority index (EPI). The study employs a mixed-method approach that incorporates heritage significance scoring, cognitive surveys, and spatial analytics, including methods such as the isovist area analysis and visibility graph analysis. In order to assess how spatial arrangement and intangible perceptions together influence visitor experience, these statistics are further combined using a composite experiential priority index (EPI). The findings show a strong correlation between spiritual orientation, visual connectivity, and spatial openness; locations such as ‘punchari ka lota temple’ and ‘kusum sarovar’ are high-priority nodes. In accordance with United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (11, 9, 12, 4.7, and 8.9), this research proposes a heritage impact assessment (HIA) framework that provides workable solutions for ecological restoration, heritage-sensitive zoning, sustainable pilgrimage management, and enhanced tourism.

Creating inclusive designs is a humanitarian endeavour that unites the lives of all community members to form a cohesive whole while also fostering improved health and well-being. Understanding that everyone utilizes the same location makes it more desirable and helps everyone to focus and participate in the activity. Building codes exist in many locations, however they are typically not readily apparent. Instead, then requiring later changes for those who require specific accommodations, the universal design approach would ensure that all of the restrooms, kitchens, and common areas are accessible from the original drawings. The study looked at the factors influencing how people use public spaces in medium-sized towns in Rajasthan and discovered some crucial data. The results of the examination of public open spaces (POS) in medium-sized towns in Rajasthan show significant variations in the perceived utility according to factors including physical mobility, social group, frequency of visits, proximity, and mode of transportation. Users' impressions of usability and accessibility are also influenced by their physical mobility and method of transportation. For improved accessibility and usability, our findings highlight the need of spatial planning that takes user proximity and mobility requirements into account.

The lack of proper integration of inclusive design, accessibility standards, and universal design principles into urban planning has resulted in public open spaces that exclude many individuals, particularly those with disabilities or other marginalized groups. Integrating these principles is essential to create environments that are accessible, equitable, and beneficial for all individuals, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or socioeconomic status. To address this gap, this study analyzes existing research on universal design and accessibility standards to identify challenges and opportunities in the design of inclusive public open spaces. This systematic review seeks to critically explore how the application of universal design principles and accessibility standards supports the creation of inclusive public open spaces. Although universal design focuses on physical accessibility, inclusion in public spaces entails a more complex web of spatial, social, and policy factors. This research systematically evaluates international literature to determine key gaps, best practices, and action-oriented policy and design recommendations. The scope is situated within the Global South, particularly India, to align with the paper’s geographical focus. The findings emphasize that robust enforcement structures, contextual adjustments, and global standards are crucial for the successful implementation of universal design and accessibility integrated with inclusive design. This integration must begin at the initial stages of the design process and be maintained throughout planning, construction, management, and operation. The study further highlights the importance of stakeholder involvement as a critical component at every stage of the design and implementation process. It underscores the need for tailored strategies for urban spaces that incorporate cultural, regional, and socioeconomic characteristics. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of technology and innovation, such as digital accessibility tools and smart city efforts, to improve inclusivity. Finally, the study proposes future research directions, including the impact of inclusive design on social cohesion, the challenges faced in rural and peripheral areas, and the role of modern technology in enhancing public open space design.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Editorial Board of the Journal for according to me the privilege of reviewing the paper in question. The subject matter addressed within the manuscript is both timely and pertinent, possessing signif...

In developing economies, residential energy consumption patterns have rapidly transformed with better energy access and service quality. Unlike other building types, residential buildings are more complex due to wide variations in their consumption patterns influenced by various factors. Researchers have characterised residential building stock based on distinct building archetypes. This paper presents a comprehensive review of relevant published research focusing on the classification of residential buildings based on their energy consumption. This review also focuses on residential archetype studies in the context of building science. The methodologies adopted by different researchers to characterise the energy use of residential building stock using an archetypal approach at different spatial scales (building to city scale and local to national scale) have been critically reviewed in this study. The paper will provide the researchers with a holistic understanding of the current directions and magnitude of ongoing research in this domain.