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Rodela, Romina, Ph.D.ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0003-0070-6794
Publications (10 of 62) Show all publications
Zakharova, K., Rodela, R. & Lehtilä, K. (2025). Aesthetic perception of urban biodiversity: a review of methodologies and statistical approaches. Cogent Social Sciences, 11(1), Article ID 2484629.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Aesthetic perception of urban biodiversity: a review of methodologies and statistical approaches
2025 (English)In: Cogent Social Sciences, E-ISSN 2331-1886, Vol. 11, no 1, article id 2484629Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Understanding the links between biodiversity and human aesthetic perception is vital for designing favourable urban environments and aligning conservation goals with well-being agendas. Despite evidence supporting the preference for beautiful and biodiverse landscapes, inconsistencies exist. This study aims to review the empirical literature on aesthetic perception and biodiversity research in urban settings and identify key methodological challenges in that area of study. The method used is a systematic mapping. The results revealed a lack of a unified methodology for operationalizing the concepts of biodiversity and aesthetic perception, as well as a shortage of standardized, evidence-based statistical procedures. These gaps hinder the systematic analysis of the relationship between biodiversity and perception and contribute to the incompatibility of biodiversity and perception levels. We propose strategies to address these challenges. This review aims to advance the integration of aesthetics and biodiversity science at the methodological level.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2025
Keywords
Urban biodiversity, aesthetic perception, preference, methodology, systematic map, Urban Sociology - Urban Studies, Environmental Psychology, Research Methods
National Category
Environmental Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-56952 (URN)10.1080/23311886.2025.2484629 (DOI)001461688700001 ()2-s2.0-105002308388 (Scopus ID)
Funder
The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies
Available from: 2025-04-17 Created: 2025-04-17 Last updated: 2025-05-06Bibliographically approved
Rodela, R. (2025). Decision support for inclusive spatial planning in the European geographical context. Planning practice + research, 40(2), 406-420
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Decision support for inclusive spatial planning in the European geographical context
2025 (English)In: Planning practice + research, ISSN 0269-7459, E-ISSN 1360-0583, Vol. 40, no 2, p. 406-420Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This study investigates decision support within the European geographical area. A total of 21 tools have been analysed leading to the identification of a few emerging trends. Predominantly concentrated in the northern part of Europe, these tools aim to assist urban planners in different ways. Findings reveal issues with tools accessibility and a rather weak focus on hard-to-reach groups, including youth. This study underscores the importance of addressing these gaps to ensure inclusivity and effective engagement. Additionally, the study finds a prevailing emphasis on advanced Information and Communication Technology techniques over qualitative data representation, which poses certain limitations to informed decision-making.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Routledge, 2025
Keywords
Decision support, spatial planning, inclusion, hard-to-reach groups, Europe
National Category
Environmental Studies in Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-56504 (URN)10.1080/02697459.2025.2459975 (DOI)001417168100001 ()2-s2.0-105001497529 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish Research Council Formas, 2019-01887
Available from: 2025-02-24 Created: 2025-02-24 Last updated: 2025-05-06Bibliographically approved
Rodela, R., Williams, M., Ohlsson, J. & Sandström, I. (2025). Six propositions for care-centric planning and governance that promote sustainable cities. npj Urban Sustainability, 5(1), Article ID 21.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Six propositions for care-centric planning and governance that promote sustainable cities
2025 (English)In: npj Urban Sustainability, E-ISSN 2661-8001, Vol. 5, no 1, article id 21Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This Perspective suggests six conceptual propositions to advance care-centric planning and governance in support of SDG 11. By prioritizing relationships, responsiveness, and collective well-being, while also integrating empowerment, environmental stewardship, and cultural diversity, a care-centric approach fosters more inclusive and sustainable cities. Drawing on selected practice-based examples, we illustrate care's potential to inspire novel governance approaches, and to stimulate discussion about urban planning for more just and resilient urban environments.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Nature, 2025
National Category
Environmental Studies in Social Sciences
Research subject
Environmental Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-57231 (URN)10.1038/s42949-025-00214-y (DOI)001485840000001 ()2-s2.0-105004582569 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish Research Council Formas, 2019-01887Vinnova, 2019-01887
Available from: 2025-05-23 Created: 2025-05-23 Last updated: 2025-06-03Bibliographically approved
Zakharova, K., Lehtilä, K. & Rodela, R. (2025). The Role of Ecological Factors, Gender, and Age in Shaping Visual Preferences for Urban Wetlands. Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The Role of Ecological Factors, Gender, and Age in Shaping Visual Preferences for Urban Wetlands
2025 (English)In: Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, ISSN 2190-6483, E-ISSN 2190-6491Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

Wetlands are crucial for sustainable cities, providing key ecosystem services, including aesthetic quality. Effective management requires understanding residents’ preferences and socio-demographic differences in aesthetic perception. Furthermore, it is essential to understand how the composition and arrangement of landscapes influence their aesthetic perception. In this study, we report on research examining how different age and gender groups of residents perceive the aesthetics of selected urban wetlands and identify visual landscape indicators of aesthetic preferences using ecological metrics of composition and spatial configuration. The study applies analysis of photographs of representative wetlands in the Stockholm region, using an online survey and analysis in GIS. The results demonstrate that there are differences in aesthetic perception across age and gender groups, but the judgement of the most aesthetically preferable and unpreferable landscapes is similar among all age and gender groups. Moreover, the results show that urban wetlands with higher levels of spatial complexity, fragmentation and openness for views are perceived as the most beautiful. The results of the study contribute valuable insights into interdisciplinary research by bridging the gaps between biological and social sciences. They can be used in practice for the analysis and prediction of public opinion in urban planning and management.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Nature, 2025
National Category
Environmental Studies in Social Sciences
Research subject
Environmental Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-57577 (URN)10.1007/s13412-025-01026-3 (DOI)
Funder
The Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies
Available from: 2025-06-19 Created: 2025-06-19 Last updated: 2025-06-19Bibliographically approved
Buijs, A. E., Gulsrud, N. M., Rodela, R., Diduck, A. P., van der Jagt, A. P. N. & Raymond, C. M. (2024). Advancing environmental justice in cities through the Mosaic Governance of nature-based solutions. Cities, 147, Article ID 104799.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Advancing environmental justice in cities through the Mosaic Governance of nature-based solutions
Show others...
2024 (English)In: Cities, ISSN 0264-2751, E-ISSN 1873-6084, Vol. 147, article id 104799Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are championed for providing co-benefits to cities and residents, yet their environmental justice impacts are increasingly debated. In this paper, we explore whether and how hybrid governance approaches, such as Mosaic Governance, may contribute to just transformations and sustainable cities through fostering long-term collaborations between local governments, local communities, and grassroots initiatives. Based on case studies in three major European cities, we propose and then exemplify six possible pathways to increase environmental justice: greening the neighborhood, diversifying values and practices, empowering people, bridging across communities, linking to institutions, and scaling of inclusive discourses and practices. Despite the diversity of environmental justice outcomes across cases, our results consistently show that Mosaic Governance particularly contributes to recognition justice through diversifying NBS practices in alignment with community values and aspirations. The results demonstrate the importance of a wider framing of justice in the development of NBS, sensitive to social, cultural, economic and political inequities as well understanding potential pathways to enhance not only environmental justice, but also social justice at large. Especially in marginalised communities, Mosaic Governance holds much potential to advance social justice by enabling empowering, bridging, and linking pathways across diverse communities and NBS practices.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2024
Keywords
Active citizenship, Environmental justice, Just transformations, Nature-based solutions, Urban governance, Urban planning, citizenship, governance approach, sustainable development, urban development
National Category
Environmental Sciences Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
Research subject
Environmental Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-53603 (URN)10.1016/j.cities.2024.104799 (DOI)001179653600001 ()2-s2.0-85185176684 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish Research Council Formas, 2018-00175
Note

NATURVATION (grant agreement 730243) was funded under the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union.

Available from: 2024-02-27 Created: 2024-02-27 Last updated: 2025-04-07Bibliographically approved
Spinnoy, R., Rodela, R., Mofokeng, T. & Sarmast,  . (2024). Empowering Young People in Shaping an Intersectional Future for Public Spaces. The Journal of Public Space, 9(1), 115-124
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Empowering Young People in Shaping an Intersectional Future for Public Spaces
2024 (English)In: The Journal of Public Space, E-ISSN 2206-9658, Vol. 9, no 1, p. 115-124Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Public spaces, such as squares, urban parks, and communal areas are arenas that reflect societal values and power structures, influencing who has access and how they engage with these spaces. This viewpoint explores the application of intersectionality—considering factors like gender, race, and socioeconomic status—in understanding how diverse identities shape the lived experience of young people in public spaces. More specifically, it focuses on girls, and it reflects on the intersectional challenges girls face in four different contexts to include Belgium, South Africa, Iran, and Sweden. The analysis reveals the complexities of safety, accessibility, and inclusion girls face across all cases. This viewpoint underscores the value in using an intersectional lens in designing inclusive public spaces and highlights the pivotal role of young people as advocates for change.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
City Space Architecture, 2024
Keywords
public space, intersectionality, young people, gender, urban planning, Intersektionalitet, Stadsplanering, Unga, Ronna
National Category
Gender Studies Human Geography
Research subject
Environmental Studies
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-56378 (URN)10.32891/jps.v9i1.1814 (DOI)
Funder
Swedish Research Council Formas, 2019-01887
Available from: 2025-02-09 Created: 2025-02-09 Last updated: 2025-02-10Bibliographically approved
Lundmark, S. & Rodela, R. (2024). Futuring as Part to Design Education: Hacking for a Sustainable Campus Environment. Journal of Futures Studies, 28(4), 11-24
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Futuring as Part to Design Education: Hacking for a Sustainable Campus Environment
2024 (English)In: Journal of Futures Studies, ISSN 1027-6084, Vol. 28, no 4, p. 11-24Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This article reports on a study where we used a novel method to work with university students at a media technology and design programme to innovate on questions related to futuring in an educational context. Participating students used creative methods, paper crafting and design methods to “hack” the university campus in a post-COVID-19 scenario. This study situates hackathon as a design method that can be used to foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the context of current challenges. The students were asked to identify possible challenges in a post-COVID-19 return on campus and consider solutions to these challenges. They were tasked to shape their solutions in the form of a “sustainable artefact” meant to facilitate a smoother, safer, and welcoming return to campus life. In this study we reflect on how they engaged critically with the campus green and built infrastructure and how have they considered changes that would make their return to campus life a positive experience. Through the analysis of students’ assignments, we demonstrate how this method allowed for space in finding one’s own voice, how the design material supported students’ work on future design, and how aspects of future design are helping students finding a way of acting upon current calls to re-work our cities.

Keywords
Hackathons, Futuring, Speculative futures, Sustainable artifacts, Design education
National Category
Design Human Computer Interaction
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-54094 (URN)001229403200002 ()
Funder
Swedish Research Council Formas, 2019-01887
Available from: 2024-06-03 Created: 2024-06-03 Last updated: 2025-02-24
Rodela, R. & Bergman, M. (2024). Platsskapande och platsaktivering i en urban kontext i Sverige och utomlands. Stockholm: Stockholms stad
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Platsskapande och platsaktivering i en urban kontext i Sverige och utomlands
2024 (Swedish)Report (Other academic)
Abstract [sv]

Södertörns högskola har under hösten 2023 genomfört en undersökning av det arbete som stadsdelsförvaltningen i Skärholmen har gjort för att skapa aktivitet och öka den upplevda tryggheten och säkerheten i Sätra centrum 2022. För att öka stadsdelsförvaltningens kunskap om framgångsfaktorer och utmaningar i arbetet med platssamverkan och platsaktivering har Södertörns högskola på uppdrag av stadsdelsförvaltningen genomfört en omvärldsbevakning.Denna rapport syftar till att ge en övergripande bild av förekomsten av platsskapande och platsaktivering i svenska städer och kommuner, med vissa internationella utblickar. Översikten gör inte anspråk på att vara komplett på något sätt, då antalet kommuner i Sverige är många. Det har under arbetets gång framgått av vår datasökning, att det sker en rad insatser för att skapa aktivitet och social interaktion i det offentliga rummet,men det definieras inte alltid som platsaktivering eller platsskapande. När man söker på platsskapande och platsaktivering så kommer även exempel upp som definieras som platsutveckling eller platssamverkan. Det finns dock ett antal kommuner som tillhandhåller information om platsskapande och platsaktivering på sina webbplatser. Däremot framgår det sällan av den tillhandahållna information, vilka erfarenheter eller utmaningar kommunerna haft med platsskapande och platsaktivering som metod. För att få en djupare insikt i ämnet, krävs det andra undersökningsmetoder, som till exempel intervjuer, enkäter och utvidgade sökord, för att få en mer täckande bild av platsskapande och platsaktivering i svensk samhällsplanering.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Stockholm: Stockholms stad, 2024. p. 15
National Category
Human Geography Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-55902 (URN)
Note

Finansierad av Skärholmen Stadsdelsförvaltning, Stockholms stad

Available from: 2024-12-18 Created: 2024-12-18 Last updated: 2025-03-27Bibliographically approved
Rodela, R. (2024). The rise of parent led climate movement from care to climate action. npj Climate Action, 101(3)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The rise of parent led climate movement from care to climate action
2024 (English)In: npj Climate Action, ISSN 2731-9814, Vol. 101, no 3Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

In recent years, new social movements advocating climate action have emerged, varying in demographics and tactics. A notable parent-led movement, driven by the moral imperative to care for future generations, offers a unique perspective on climate action. Despite its growing presence in local and regional debates, it remains under-explored. This Brief Communication highlights the movement’s potential to reshape climate action narratives and introduces an open-access database mapping its global reach, suggesting avenues for future research.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Nature, 2024
National Category
Environmental Studies in Social Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-56085 (URN)10.1038/s44168-024-00185-3 (DOI)001389258700001 ()
Available from: 2025-01-10 Created: 2025-01-10 Last updated: 2025-03-21Bibliographically approved
Rodela, R. & Hast, S. (2024). Urban Futures in Sweden: Visioning and Re-Imagining the Swedish City. Huddinge: Södertörns högskola
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Urban Futures in Sweden: Visioning and Re-Imagining the Swedish City
2024 (English)Report (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Rapid urbanization of Swedish cities leads to many challenges e.g. decreasing access to nature, safety and security issues, poverty, and increasing disparities. Addressing these and preparing for what is ahead in the decades to come is a critical aspect of urban governance. In the Nordic region, there is a growing interest in engaging with urban futures through foresight, visioning, and speculative thinking. In this study, we focus on Sweden and explore the use of such methods also with the ambition to understand how inclusive or not such activities are, and how are questions of sustainability included. 

The study compiles a dataset of 62 projects across Northern, Mid, and Southern Sweden, highlighting regional priorities and challenges. The projects aim to enhance urban infrastructure, promote social inclusion, address climate change, and engage youth in civic processes. Notably, 39% of the projects are located in vulnerable areas, reflecting ongoing concerns with socio-economic disparities. The geographical distribution of projects shows a concentration in Southern and Mid Sweden, with a notable increase in Northern Sweden in recent years. 

This study contributes to the understanding of how academia can partner with societal actors to promote sustainable urban futures and highlights the potential of future literacy in urban governance.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Huddinge: Södertörns högskola, 2024. p. 11
Keywords
Urban Futures; Sweden; Visioning; Participation; City
National Category
Environmental Studies in Social Sciences
Research subject
EcoJust -Ecologically and Socially Just Sustainability Transformations; Politics, Economy and the Organization of Society
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-56375 (URN)10.5281/zenodo.14673735 (DOI)
Funder
Swedish Research Council Formas, 2019-01887
Available from: 2025-02-09 Created: 2025-02-09 Last updated: 2025-02-11Bibliographically approved
Projects
Planning with youth: a tool and a framework for an engaging meaningful and forward-looking participation of youngsters in shaping attractive and sustainable living environments [2019-01887_Formas]; Södertörn University; Publications
Rodela, R. (2025). Decision support for inclusive spatial planning in the European geographical context. Planning practice + research, 40(2), 406-420Lundmark, S. & Rodela, R. (2024). Futuring as Part to Design Education: Hacking for a Sustainable Campus Environment. Journal of Futures Studies, 28(4), 11-24Rodela, R. & Hast, S. (2024). Urban Futures in Sweden: Visioning and Re-Imagining the Swedish City. Huddinge: Södertörns högskolaRodela, R. & Roumeliotis, F. (2024). Young people as a political subject in the context of environmental governance. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), Article ID 938. Rodela, R. & Dominguez, D. (2023). An Outlook into Activism by Mothers,Fathers, and others for More Sustainable Living Environments. StockholmRodela, R. & Stuber, A. B. (2023). An Overview of Youth-led Legal Mobilization Cases in Response to the Environmental Crisis: Stockholm 22 June 2023. Huddinge: Södertörns högskolaRodela, R. (2023). Inventory of Mothering and Fathering Activism for More Sustainable Living Environments. SNDLundmark, S., Jonsson, M., Myhre, M., Hjuberger, A. & Rodela, R. (2023). Listening to the Future: using Participatory Sound Fiction to Engage Young People in Urban Design. In: Mindtrek '23: Proceedings of the 26th International Academic Mindtrek Conference: . Paper presented at Mindtrek '23: 26th International Academic Mindtrek Conference, Tampere, Finland, October 3-6, 2023. (pp. 223-232). New York: Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)Rodela, R. & Norss, E. (2023). Opening up spatial planning to the participation of children and youth: the Swedish experience. European Planning Studies (2), 252-269García-Antúnez, O., Maurer, M. L., Gulsrud, N. M., Lundmark, S. & Rodela, R. (2023). The contradictions of youth participation for intergenerational justice in urban environmental planning. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 5
Developing and testing a COVID-19 focused Learning Intervention with a focus on crisis, recovery and transformation in communities across disadvantaged urban areas [2020-02844_Formas]; Södertörn University
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0003-0070-6794

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