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Urban Design and Walkability: Lessons Learnt from Iranian Traditional Cities

Author

Listed:
  • Elmira Jamei

    (College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia)

  • Khatereh Ahmadi

    (Department of Architecture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil 5619911367, Iran)

  • Hing Wah Chau

    (College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia)

  • Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian

    (School of Software & Electrical Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Ben Horan

    (School of Engineering, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216, Australia)

  • Alex Stojcevski

    (School of Software & Electrical Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

Physical activity is connected to public health in many ways, and walking is its most popular form. Modern planning models have been applied to cities to manage rapid urban expansions. However, this practice has led to low level of walkability and strong car-dependency in today’s cities. Hence, this study aims to provide a review of the most promising urban design parameters affecting walkability, using Frank Lawrence’s theory of “Objectively Measured Urban Form” (density, connectivity and accessibility, and mixed-use development) as the basis of discussion. The second part of this paper takes a case study approach, through discussing the main design elements of traditional Iranian cities (mosques, bazaars, residential quarters, and alleyways) and analyses their impacts on promoting walkability. This study concludes that incorporating inherent values of traditional urban design elements will complement modern planning and design practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Elmira Jamei & Khatereh Ahmadi & Hing Wah Chau & Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian & Ben Horan & Alex Stojcevski, 2021. "Urban Design and Walkability: Lessons Learnt from Iranian Traditional Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:10:p:5731-:d:558465
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Mohammad Hamed Abdi & Ali Soltani, 2022. "Which Fabric/Scale Is Better for Transit-Oriented Urban Design: Case Studies in a Developing Country," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-22, June.
    3. Hing-Wah Chau & Ian Gilzean & Elmira Jamei & Lesley Palmer & Terri Preece & Martin Quirke, 2022. "Comparative Analysis of 20-Minute Neighbourhood Policies and Practices in Melbourne and Scotland," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(4), pages 13-24.
    4. Kun Yuan & Hirokazu Abe & Noriko Otsuka & Kensuke Yasufuku & Akira Takahashi, 2023. "A Comprehensive Evaluation of Walkability in Historical Cities: The Case of Xi’an and Kyoto," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-23, March.

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