Urban design quality and walkability: an audit of suburban high streets in an Australian city

Abstract

ABSTRACT If well planned and designed, suburban high streets can fulfil important economic functions and carry social significance, in addition to allowing for the passage of traffic. However, in newer cities which have been built around the automobile, suburban high streets have struggled to attract and retain customers. This study quantitatively assesses the design quality of suburban high streets in Brisbane, Australia, employing an existing framework. The results suggest that a lack of vitality and walkability in Brisbane’s suburban high streets is due to their low urban design quality.