The Influence of Urban Design Performance on Walkability in Cultural Heritage Sites of Isfahan, Iran

Hessameddin Maniei, Reza Askarizad (), Maryam Pourzakarya and Dietwald Gruehn
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Hessameddin Maniei: Research Group Landscape Ecology and Landscape Planning (LLP), Department of Spatial Planning, TU Dortmund University, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
Reza Askarizad: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Maryam Pourzakarya: School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK
Dietwald Gruehn: Research Group Landscape Ecology and Landscape Planning (LLP), Department of Spatial Planning, TU Dortmund University, 44227 Dortmund, Germany

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 9, 1-29

Abstract: This research explores the impact of urban design performance qualities on pedestrian behavior in a cultural heritage site designated by UNESCO. The study employs a multi-method approach, including a questionnaire survey, empirical observation of pedestrian activities, and empirical axial line and visibility graph analysis using the space syntax technique. The first part of the study involved a questionnaire formatted as a polling sheet to gather expert assessments of spatial performance measures. The second part used a pilot survey to capture the perspectives of end users regarding the study’s objectives and their perceptions of the site. Pedestrian flow was observed using a technique called “gate counts”, with observations recorded as video clips during specific morning and afternoon periods across three pedestrian zones. The study also examined the behavioral patterns of pedestrians, including their movement patterns. Finally, the ArcGIS 10.3.1 software was employed to evaluate the reliability of the results. The main finding of this research is that pedestrian behavior and walkability in the historical areas are significantly influenced by landmark integration, wayfinding behavior, and the socio-economic functions of heritage sites. This study highlights the importance of using cognitive and syntactic analysis, community engagement, and historical preservation to enhance walkability, accessibility, and social interaction in heritage contexts. In addition, it identifies the need for improvements in urban design to address inconsistencies between syntactic maps and actual pedestrian flow, emphasizing the role of imageability and the impact of environmental and aesthetic factors on pedestrian movement. This research provides valuable insights for urban designers and planners, environmental psychologists, architects, and policymakers by highlighting the key elements that make urban spaces walkable, aiming to enhance the quality of public spaces.

Keywords: urban design; walkability; pedestrian friendly; pedestrian movement patterns; place making; social interactions; cultural heritage site; space syntax (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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