Spatial Choice and Preference in Multilevel Movement Networks

Abstract

In spite of growing demands for research into the pedestrian movement characteristics of large multilevel spaces, research attempted so far has featured fragmented approaches lacking reference to spatial preference in the process of route choice and decision behavior. This article investigates how multiple design factors, such as attractors and generators of movement, grade separation by multiple levels, and local visual factors of transition spaces, affect the patterns of individual route choice and movement behavior. More specifically, this study explores the dynamic interactions occurring between the internal route structure, the degree of familiarity, and the level changes of the two multilevel systems. This investigation aimed to determine which design factor is more vital for understanding how multilevel systems work in general. The two case studies studied have demonstrated that there are certain hierarchical interactions among those design factors that contribute to route choice and decision behavior in multilevel urban complexes.