RESEARCH ARTICLE

The building blocks of walkability: Pedestrian activity in Abu Dhabi city center

  • Mohamad Kashef 1,2
Expand
  • 1. Effat College of Architecture and Design, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia
  • 2. East Carolina Uiversity, E 5th Street, Greenville, NC, 27858, United States

Received date: 24 Jul 2021

Revised date: 13 Sep 2021

Accepted date: 08 Oct 2021

Published date: 15 Apr 2022

Copyright

2022 Higher Education Press

Abstract

This study develops an empirical approach that underlines the effect of land use mix and development grain on pedestrian movement in the streets and public spaces of urban neighborhoods. The study begins with the end in mind; it compares two urban sectors in Abu Dhabi city with broadly recognized contrasting levels of pedestrian movement. The research works backward to identify the combination of built environment attributes that result in differing levels of pedestrian activity between the eastern and western sectors of Abu Dhabi city center. Using Geographic Information Systems maps/data files, direct observations, and field metrics, the study computes various indices related to land use mix, density, and street connectivity for Abu Dhabi central business district. The findings of this study highlight the land use, spatial and street network configurations that enhance pedestrian activity in urban centers. From a local perspective, the research outcome would inform future visions aimed at transforming the city of Abu Dhabi into a global metropolis that provides its citizens and visitors with unique and vibrant urban settings conducive to intra- and inter-neighborhood walkability.

Cite this article

Mohamad Kashef . The building blocks of walkability: Pedestrian activity in Abu Dhabi city center[J]. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 2022 , 11(2) : 203 -223 . DOI: 10.1016/j.foar.2021.10.003

Outlines

/