Built Environment Attributes and Walking Patterns: A Case Study of Abu Dhabi Downtown

Abstract

Walkability is crucial in sustainable urban design. Our understanding on the walkability in cities in hot and arid climate needs to be improved due to shortage of our knowledge and previous studies about this. Thus, this study aimed to demonstrate the value of sustainable urban design in enhancing downtown Abu Dhabi residents’ walking experience. Urban neighbourhoods’ quality of walking environment and the scale of the downtown’s super block in Abu Dhabi Main Island were measured. In addition, it is examined how its urban design influences walking behaviour by selecting two study sites based on land use diversity. To measure them, the current study investigated the (1) walkable distance in Abu Dhabi; (2) scale of pedestrian movement; and (3) potential purpose of walking patterns of pedestrians of urban infrastructure. Site observation and surveys were carried out for collecting data that supports people’s perceptions linked to walking purpose, quality, frequency, and intensity. To analyse these data, the geographic information system was employed. With this study, walking distance for the utilitarian purpose service in Abu Dhabi block cover by 0.5 miles. There is the active movement regardless of the extreme weather conditions both weekday and weekend. This study data could potentially guide designers and policy-makers to create a healthier walking environment for Abu Dhabi residents as well as some cities in hot and arid climate.