Walking as an evocative experience: a conceptual model of a preferred walkable area

2025/05/14 by Farhad Aghasi, Alenka Poplin, Bahar Hashemian Esfahani · 1 voice · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Environmental Science · Engineering · #Urban Transport and Accessibility #Urban Green Space and Health #Urban Design and Spatial Analysis

paper · doi:10.1080/17535069.2025.2498409

openalex publication_date 2025/05/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/15

Abstract

This study explores preferred walkable areas and their characteristics based on the responses to a survey by 193 international participants referring to the walkable areas in their hometowns. A total of 220 factors were extracted and categorized into four dimensions: physical attributes (61.6%), experiences (18.3%), senses (17.8%), and values (2.3%). This research contributes a comprehensive conceptual model of walkable areas, including 20 key factors influencing walkability. The results provide insights for urban planners and designers to create more appealing walkable places. Future research directions include refining the conceptual model, developing a walk score, and exploring cultural variations in walkability preferences.

Citations

• The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers
• Using thematic analysis in psychology
• Validation of Walk Score for estimating access to walkable amenities
• Walking, places and wellbeing
• The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers
• Walkable Neighborhoods

Cited by

• Understanding the space–place nexus: how do spatial logics inform the understanding of, and planning for place?

Discussions

• What determines walkable places? Take a look at our new research article published by Farhad Aghasi, Alenka Poplin & Bahar Hashemian Esfahani doi.org/10.1080/1753... #PreferredWalkableArea [bsky, 2 points, 0 comments]

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