Urban Biodiversity Benefits for Pedestrian and UHI Mitigation: Blauran Urban Street Corridor

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Surabaya has intensified the UHI phenomenon, as a lot of green spaces turned to dense buildings, which significantly reduced the city's natural biodiversity. As a part of the Segiempat Emas Tunjungan, Blauran presents a unique case; some parts of its streets are noticeably more arid compared to the well-landscaped front of the Empire Palace Hotel, which appears much greener. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the benefits of urban biodiversity in the Blauran corridor. Research started with a site survey to map existing conditions and a literature review on urban biodiversity aspects. An analysis conducted based on four parameters: vegetation, wildlife, water, and ground cover. The findings suggest that while the corridor has vegetation providing shade and serving as habitats and food sources for wildlife, and it features some permeable ground covers, it lacks open water bodies that could disrupt the local ecosystem and make the area hotter. The study concludes that these four parameters can serve as a guide for future urban and building designs to effectively mitigate UHI and support biodiversity.