Factors influencing the development of Brisbane's laneways as successful urban spaces

Abstract

This research investigates how pedestrians use a specific form of urban space – laneways – and how this is associated with different land-uses and built form characteristics. The dependent variable is the vitality of laneways and two measures are used to assess this; pedestrian through-flow and pedestrian density. The independent variables are characteristics of the urban environment identified through the literature as likely to have an effect on vitality, these are: land-use, variety of built form, frontages and facades, grain size, permeability and accessibility, vehicular access and environmental quality, which includes the presence or absence of things such as graffiti, weeds, and seating. The research identifies a strong association between high levels of vitality and a preponderance of characteristics generally associated with good quality urban environments. The association is particularly strong in relation to permeability and accessibility, an absence of vehicular traffic and good environmental quality.