Abstract
Pedestrian mobility is an indicator of urban sustainability insofar as it affects walkability and social cohesion. This research focused on the relationship between large-scale residential development and the walking environments of surrounding neighborhoods in Seoul, Korea. Large-scale residential developments, such as apartment complexes, might disrupt pedestrian walking networks fully or partly, causing the separation of urban spaces and social disconnection. This paper conducted before-and-after analysis of apartment complex development on the walking environments of surrounding neighborhoods using the Urban Network Analysis (UNA) tool and Rhinoceros three-dimensional (3D) software. With UNA measures such as reach, gravity, straightness, and betweenness, this study examined three apartment complexes constructed between 2010 and 2017 in Seoul. Analysis results indicated that large-scale residential development in existing urban environments is likely to hinder walking environments in surrounding neighborhoods. This study suggests policy implications to improve walking environments in surrounding communities when large-scale apartment complexes are developed in existing urban environments.
Highlights
Research Background and ObjectivesStreets have always been regarded as critical components of the built environment for urban vitality [1]
A city loses its vitality if the circulative role of urban streets does not work efficiently
This study examines changes in neighborhood walking environments before and after apartment complex development in existing urban fabrics in Seoul, Korea
Summary
Streets have always been regarded as critical components of the built environment for urban vitality [1]. Even though the physical appearance of streets has evolved throughout history, streets have always been a medium for the circulation of people and goods. Because of this critical role in sustaining urban life, modern urbanists have compared streets to blood vessels in the metaphorical anatomy of cities [2]. A city loses its vitality if the circulative role of urban streets does not work efficiently. The most crucial factors are spatial characteristics, such as urban form and street networks. Urban physical form has strong influences on the daily walking activities of residents
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
