What Variables Make the Perceived Walking Distance Shorter than Real Physical Distance?

Abstract

In the same street environment, people perceive different images on both physical and structure of streets. According to the psychology studies, the greater number of elements and the more segments of walking pathway associated with longer perceived distance of pedestrians. Urban planner and designer have argued that human make better estimates of shorter distance from the attractive places. In addition, from the previous psychology studies explained that diversity attribute in urban planning and design will be possible to encourage longer perceived distance. In order to investigate the current relationship between street environment and pedestrian in Seoul, this study examines the determining factors of influences on walking distance ratio (perceived distance per physical distance) of pedestrians surrounding Gangnam station area. The survey method is conducted to pedestrians in and surrounding Gangnam station. This survey was focused mainly on perceived distance, perceived time, purpose, satisfaction, and environment factors of walking for the selected path from origin to destination. Walking environment factors are classified into psychological safety, sidewalk safety, pedestrian environments, sidewalk condition, connectivity, convenience, and diversity of space and attraction. In the findings, the walking environments and attraction space revealed shorter in the perceived distance. However, crosswalks, traffic signals, connectivity, and diversity of space were longer for the perceived distance. Through the results of this research, understanding the factors that affect the perceived distance with walking environmental factors will serve to improve both quality and quantity of walking. Creating street environment for walking will be used as a key development policy in inner Seoul city areas.