The article thoroughly analyses the main factors that make a neighbourhood walkable, concentrating on the combination of different land uses and street connectivity. With this, it contends that mixed-use development and a well-connected street network are vital for creating a walkable community. The talk about mixed land uses the advantages of convenience, time-saving, and environmental enrichment(Bannister,2008). Therefore, street connectivity studies highlight the significance of narrow block widths, shorter distances between junctions, and straight routes in promoting walking and creating safe places, especially for children. The article has a strong argument, and its sources are cited to support the claims, thus making the argument more trustworthy. The paper, however, could be strengthened by adding more recent studies to keep the topic relevant and by discussing possible constraints and challenges to successful implementation in different contexts. Moreover, although the conclusion summarizes the main points well, it can be improved by emphasising the broader consequences of walkability for public health, community well-being, and sustainability(Boulange et al.,2017). This article is a good start for comprehending the significance of mixed land uses and street networks in making walkable and sustainable communities.
References
1.Bannister, D. (2008). The sustainable mobility paradigm. Transport Policy, 15(2), pp.73–80. doi https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2007.10.005.
2.Boulange, C., Pettit, C. and Giles-Corti, B., 2017. The walkability planning support system: an evidence-based tool to design healthy communities (pp. 153-165). Springer International Publishing.
How mixed-use neighbourhood development impacts community walkability
Introduction
Walking in the community is seen as a healthy way of life and a sustainable form of transportation. To enhance neighbourhood walkability, it is essential to comprehend the primary determinants of walkability. According to Friedman’s (2017) analysis, mixed neighbourhoods are one of the built environment characteristics that contribute to walkable communities.
Mixed Land Uses
A walkable neighbourhood is typically a mixed-use development land where residents can easily access multiple services without driving their cars. These services include being close to places of residences, offices, schools, and other convenient locations. Bannister (2008) points out that mixed-use development makes people’s mobility more about getting to the right location at the right time rather than just travelling from one place to another, which improves the living environment. This indicates that the primary goal of mixed-development property is to improve neighbourhood accessibility by offering amenities that encourage people to walk instead of driving. More walking by children would result in busy streets, increasing the possibility of youngsters walking to school (Bejleri et al, 2009). This mixed development method is also beneficial to the elderly, allowing them to walk for their daily needs, which not only provides convenience but also minimises travel time. According to an analysis by Ozbil, Peponis and Stone (2011) , high-density compact construction minimises the distance between sources and destinations while changing overall travel habits. However, it is important to note that time and distance must be considered while developing these mixed facilities, and Kushner (2005) underlines that short distances and accessibility on foot are what encourage them to travel by foot. As a result, mixed-use development enhances accessibility for residents while never providing an affordable or healthy mode of transportation.
An example graphic of mixed-use land – Illustration by Dan Yu
Stadstuinen Rotterdam precedent
Stadstuinen Rotterdam is an excellent example of a mixed-use development that includes residential, commercial, educational, and garden areas. According to Friedman (2017), the area’s outside edge is a 7 to 9-story residential neighbourhood with commercial services on the ground floor and parking in the basement; one of the buildings houses a primary school; and in the heart of the building is a rectangular public garden.
The master plan of Stadstuinen Rotterdam- Friedman (2017)
The concept does not have a single commercial building, but rather stores and houses in the city centre, making optimal use of space and guaranteeing that inhabitants do not have to travel large distances to access the neighbourhood’s amenities. Handy (1996) says that the more direct and shorter the routes to the shops, the more likely it is that you will be able to walk there. People prefer walking down the “main street” because it is efficient, straightforward, and convenient. Residents who resided onsite could walk to work, school, and shopping, resulting in a purely pedestrian lifestyle.
Conclusion
To summarise, built environmental factors are the parameters that determine an area’s walkability, with mixed-use development providing convenience and shortening commute times for inhabitants, as well as encouraged more people to walk. This is essential for a walkable and sustainable community.
Reference
Banister, D. (2008). The sustainable mobility paradigm. Transport Policy, 15(2), pp.73–80. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2007.10.005.
Bejleri, L., Steiner, R.L., Provost, R.E., Fischman, A. and Arafat, A.A. (2009). Understanding and Mapping Elements of Urban form that Affect Children’s Ability to Walk and Bicycle to School. Transportation Research Record, 2137(1), pp.148–158. doi:https://doi.org/10.3141/2137-16.
Friedman, A (2017). Designing sustainable communities. London ; New York, Ny: Bloomsbury Academic, An Imprint Of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
Handy, S.L. (1996). Urban Form and Pedestrian Choices: Study of Austin Neighborhoods. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1552(1), pp.135–144. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198196155200119.
Kushner, J. (2005). Car-Free Housing Developments: Towards Sustainable Smart Growth and Urban Regeneration Thorugh Car-Free Zoning, Car-Free Redevelopment, Pedestrian Improvement Districts, and New Urbanism. Journal of Environmental Law, 23(1), 1-26.
Ozbil, A., Peponis, J. and Stone, B. (2011). Understanding the link between street connectivity, land use and pedestrian flows. URBAN DESIGN International, 16(2), pp.125–141. doi:https://doi.org/10.1057/udi.2011.2.
The article thoroughly analyses the main factors that make a neighbourhood walkable, concentrating on the combination of different land uses and street connectivity. With this, it contends that mixed-use development and a well-connected street network are vital for creating a walkable community. The talk about mixed land uses the advantages of convenience, time-saving, and environmental enrichment(Bannister,2008). Therefore, street connectivity studies highlight the significance of narrow block widths, shorter distances between junctions, and straight routes in promoting walking and creating safe places, especially for children. The article has a strong argument, and its sources are cited to support the claims, thus making the argument more trustworthy. The paper, however, could be strengthened by adding more recent studies to keep the topic relevant and by discussing possible constraints and challenges to successful implementation in different contexts. Moreover, although the conclusion summarizes the main points well, it can be improved by emphasising the broader consequences of walkability for public health, community well-being, and sustainability(Boulange et al.,2017). This article is a good start for comprehending the significance of mixed land uses and street networks in making walkable and sustainable communities.
References
1.Bannister, D. (2008). The sustainable mobility paradigm. Transport Policy, 15(2), pp.73–80. doi https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2007.10.005.
2.Boulange, C., Pettit, C. and Giles-Corti, B., 2017. The walkability planning support system: an evidence-based tool to design healthy communities (pp. 153-165). Springer International Publishing.
This blog post sets out two of the key components required to ensure a walkable neighborhood, thinking about the importance of mixed-use development and connectivity to the wider environment. While the blog focusses on pedestrian access and the walkability of communities, the emphasis on active travel and street connectivity reflects some of the key objectives of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), encouraging more use of public transport and active travel such as cycling and walking in order to minimize the use of private vehicles (Urban Transport Group, 2019). TOD ultimately must work alongside walkable neighborhoods in order to be considered successful and to achieve sustainability targets.
Sustrans set out that, in order to appeal to pedestrian safety, pedestrianised areas around key transport hubs could be transformative in improving accessibility of public transport services (Sustrans, 2019). This, combined with good urban design and planning practices, such as mixed-use developments and improved street connectivity and relationships, as explored through the blog post, could be considered to improve city sustainability.
TOD aims to sustainably foster connections and encourage social interaction, integrating the urban environment with pedestrian safety. Overall, it is considered the walkability of communities is underpinned by the concept of Transport-Oriented Development. Transport networks should become a key focus in both urban design and urban planning in order to achieve sustainability and active travel targets while also producing thriving mixed-use communities which are safe and accessible for all users.
References
Sustrans (2019) Our Position on Integrating Walking and Cycling with Public Transport, Sustrans. Available at: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/policy-positions/all/all/our-position-on-integrating-walking-and-cycling-with-public-transport (Accessed: 18 May 2024)
Urban Transport Group (2019) The Place to Be: How Transit Oriented Development Can Support Good Growth in the City Regions
Thank you for such an insightful approach to walkable communities. It is very interesting how the author discusses the importance of mixed use developments in a walkable community. Street connectivity is extremely important in such develeopments. Some of the benefits of these neighborhoods are as follows:
1. Promoting active living, for better and long lives.
2. Reduces obesity and chronic illness.
3. Fosters a good social interaction.
4. Reduces the rate of crime.
5. Enhances the aspect of ‘ sense of place’ and an identity for the community.
6. Increases accessibility for all and promotes inclusivity.
7. Supports cultural initiatives.
8. Promotes a vibrant experience in the urban neighborhood.[1]
Planning communities to encourage walking and discourage driving does not determine the health or well-being of any individual or guarantee that a community is fair and has a strong sense of identity. However, it is a factor that has positive effects in certain areas. [1]
Although walkability has many benefits, it is not always beneficial. According to a 2019 research of neighbourhoods in Ontario, Canada, the environmental benefits of walkability are outweighed by the air pollution that comes from the cars that enter these areas. In essence, the study found that people from other cities drive in because of the attractive companies, which are frequently found in walkable cities, leading to the persistence of substantial amounts of car pollution. [2]
References:
[1] Steuteville, R. (2021). Ten social benefits of walkable places. [online] CNU. Available at: https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2021/08/12/we-shape-our-cities-and-then-they-shape-us.
[2] Global Research and Consulting Group Insights. (2023). The Impact of Pedestrian-Friendly Urban Planning on Communities. [online] Available at: https://insights.grcglobalgroup.com/the-impact-of-pedestrian-friendly-urban-planning-on-communities/#:~:text=Environmental%20Impact&text=Walkability%20significantly%20reduces%20the%20need.
I think you have provided a concise but insightful analysis of the factors that influence a community’s walkability, focusing on land use mix and street connectivity as key determinants. It may be beneficial to delve deeper into specific examples or case studies of successful mixed-use developments to provide concrete illustrations of their impact on walkability and community livability. Including examples of successful urban planning initiatives that prioritize street connectivity, along with measurable outcomes, can strengthen this section and provide practical insights for practitioners policymakers, and urban planners.
You can refer to the 15-minute city model. This is a model that puts walkability and community living as the main focus before street networks and cars, with daily necessities and services all easily accessible within 15 minutes by foot, bike or public transport from any point in the city. It reinforces the importance of considering built environment factors in urban planning and development efforts to increase walkability and promote healthier, more vibrant communities.
References:
Min Weng , Ning Ding , Jing Li , Xianfeng Jin , He Xiao , Zhiming He , Shiliang Su (2019). The 15-minute walkable neighborhoods: Measurement, social inequalities and implications for building healthy communities in urban China. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140518305103?via%3Dihub. (Accessed: 20 May 2024)
Pozoukidou, G., Angelidou, M. (2022). Urban Planning in the 15-Minute City: Revisited under Sustainable and Smart City Developments until 2030. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2624-6511/5/4/69. (Accessed: 20 May 2024)