Bruno Augusto, Ana Filipa Ascenso and Joana Ferreira, researchers from CESAM/DAO, together with Margarida Coelho, from the Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation and the Department of Environment and Planning, and Sandra Rafael, Secretary-General of the Institute of Environment and Development (IDAD) at the University of Aveiro, analysed how the shape of cities — more compact or more dispersed — influences urban sustainability and air quality. The study concluded that more compact cities present clear advantages for the future in terms of sustainability and air quality.
The growth of urban populations is profoundly transforming cities, raising new challenges in spatial planning, mobility and climate change adaptation. As cities expand, they may spread out over large areas in a dispersed manner or develop in a more concentrated way. Each model has advantages and disadvantages, with research showing that urban morphology plays a decisive role in cities’ vulnerability to climate change. Therefore, changing the way cities are planned can help make them more resilient and sustainable.
To assess these impacts in an integrated way, the team developed an eco-indicator, a tool that measures the sustainability of an urban area through a single value. To calculate it, models were used that integrate several factors, such as trip generation, road traffic emissions, and the modelling of meteorological conditions and air quality. To ensure comparability between the different parameters, a normalisation process was applied based on scientific references and targets defined by public policies.
The eco-indicator was then applied to the Aveiro region, considering two compact city scenarios and one dispersed city scenario. The results are clear: the compact city scenarios proved to be more sustainable, with the scenario referred to as “Independent City” standing out as the best option for future development. In contrast, the dispersed city scenario showed the worst overall performance, particularly in terms of emissions and air quality.
The study highlights the importance of analysing multiple factors together when assessing urban and environmental policies, particularly regarding mobility. The conclusions reinforce the idea that more compact cities, with shorter distances and lower dependence on private cars, are more sustainable and resilient, and can support policymakers and urban planners in defining strategies that promote more balanced cities, better prepared for climate challenges and healthier for their inhabitants.
Original news published in: Notícias UA, 10 February 2026