A new approach for the evaluation of the walking environment

ABSTRACT Space, flow rate, speed, and the volume-to-capacity ratio have been taken into account in the existing evaluations of pedestrian environments, such as those focusing on traffic facilities. However, these measures are insufficient when assessing pedestrian environments in favored places where many pedestrians congregate. Therefore, this study attempts to develop a “walk score” to evaluate the spatial characteristics of pedestrian environments and the facility characteristics of pedestrian networks in relation to major subway stations in Seoul, Korea. In particular, the walk score that we have developed focuses on qualitative convenience factors using GIS (Geographic Information System) and quantitative network connectivity indices of the Space Syntax technique. The scores of the amenities have been calculated as avenue-oriented type, destination-oriented type, or general amenities, considering the individual distances and the number of facilities available. The convenience and connectivity of the ...