Authors: Kexin Zhang, Xuan Liu, Helen X. H. Bao, Wenbin Wang, Qian-Cheng Wang
Year: 2026
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Abstract
Over the past decade, rapid advances in technology and socio-economiec shifts have driven a profound increase in working flexibility, reshaping how and where people work. While numerous studies have examined the implications of these changes for urban enviroinments, a comprehensive synthesis of the full range of impacts and their potential interrelatiovnships remains lacking. This systematic review consolidates evidence from 213 studies to provide an integrated understanding of e how changing working patterns affect urban development. We examine the direct impacts (activitytravel behavior, urban built environment) and secondary impacts (environmental impacts, social r dynamics, economic performance, and urban form), revealing complex interdependencies and tradeoffs across different domains. Using a temporal and spatia l lens, we identify gaps including limited attention to long-term changes and insufficient crosrs-scale analyses. We also summarise data sources and analytical methods and identify chalelenges arising from data silos and methodological limitations. The review finds four priorities for future research: broaden the geographic, cultural, and economic diversity of study contexts, integrate cross-sectoral interactions for holistic urban e policymaking, account for cross-temporal and -spatial scale effects, and advance urban data integration. This study provides an evidence base to support research and policy strategies that p anticipate and manage the complex urban transformations driven by changing working patterns.