Studying walkability preferences using urban design qualities: A Case of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

It is generally observed in a city, that pedestrians prefer some urban spaces over the other. A comparative assessment of such spaces, can give an idea of what causes the difference in walking choices they make. Most of the past ways of the comparative assessment of any urban space included comparing physical conditions, ignoring its inherent urban design qualities. Such physical settings can outline an urban context but cannot help describe the feeling of walking there. Recent researches have established the direct relation of urban design qualities and walkability. Therefore the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of this relation, but in a completely different geographic, cultural and climatic context; in Saudi Arabia. The research was intended to study the inherent urban design qualities of the areas and establish a connection with its pedestrian preferences. For this purpose, the urban design qualities of two informal public walking loops in Riyadh were comparatively analysed by giving scores on different physical variables which majorly contributed to those qualities. After mapping the pedestrian activity for both the walks, it was found that the walk which had better urban design qualities, had more pedestrian activities, thus establishing a relation between the two.