Walkable Access

Abstract

This chapter explores the ways in which walkable access is mediated by the urban morphology of public space networks, together with the ways in which such access might be mapped and measured. The relationship between walkability and urban morphology is central to urban design theory and practice, with a consequent focus on properties such as permeability, catchment and network integration. This chapter proposes two improved metrics for walkable access: the 'area-weighted average perimeter' of blocks together with a focus on 'interface catchments'. These measures incorporate both street width and block size, accounting for both walkable access and what one gets access to.