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Conceptualizing Walking and Walkability in the Smart City through a Model Composite w 2 Smart City Utility Index

Author

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  • Anna Visvizi

    (International Political Economy Department (ZMPE), Institute of International Studies (ISM), SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Al. Niepodległości 162, 02-554 Warsaw, Poland
    Effat College of Business, Effat University, Jeddah 21551, Saudi Arabia)

  • Shahira Assem Abdel-Razek

    (Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Delta University for Science & Technology, Mansoura 11152, Egypt)

  • Roman Wosiek

    (International Political Economy Department (ZMPE), Institute of International Studies (ISM), SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Al. Niepodległości 162, 02-554 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Radosław Malik

    (International Political Economy Department (ZMPE), Institute of International Studies (ISM), SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Al. Niepodległości 162, 02-554 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

This paper explores walking and walkability in the smart city and makes a case for their centrality in the debate on the resilience and sustainability of smart cities, as outlined in the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is argued that, while the human/inhabitant-centric paradigm of urban development consolidates, and research on walking, walkability, and pedestrian satisfaction flourishes, the inroads of ICT render it necessary to reflect on these issues in the conceptually- and geographically-delimited space of the smart city. More importantly, it becomes imperative to make respective findings useful and usable for policymakers. To this end, by approaching walking and walkability through the lens of utility, the objective of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework in which the relevance of walking and walkability, hereafter referred to as w 2 , as a distinct subject of research in the smart cities debate is validated. This framework is then employed to construct a model of a composite w 2 smart city utility index. With the focus on the development of the conceptual framework, in which the w 2 utility index is embedded, this paper constitutes the first conceptual step of the composite index development process. The value added of this paper is three-fold: First, the relevance of walking and walkability as a distinct subject of research in the realm of smart cities research is established. Second, a mismatch between end-users’ satisfaction derived from walking and their perception of walkability and the objective factors influencing walking and walkability is identified and conceptualized by referencing the concept of utility. Third, a model smart city w 2 utility index is proposed as a diagnostic and prognostic tool that, in the subsequent stages of research and implementation, will prove useful for decisionmakers and other stakeholders involved in the process of managing smart cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Visvizi & Shahira Assem Abdel-Razek & Roman Wosiek & Radosław Malik, 2021. "Conceptualizing Walking and Walkability in the Smart City through a Model Composite w 2 Smart City Utility Index," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:23:p:8193-:d:696399
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    References listed on IDEAS

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