Volume 9 Issue 1 Article 14

The Impact of Accessibility and Connectivity On Walkability in Public Open Spaces at City Center of Erbil

Authors: Shilan A. Nury1 & Hamid T. Haykal2
1Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
2Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Abstract: Among the most important aspects of any urban setting is walkability. City centers and their open public spaces have an important role in walkability. There is a shortage of scientific evidence and understanding of walkability in terms of public open space in Erbil’s city center. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between walkability and streets and also studied the factors that impact walkability by using an objective PEDS checklist, UCL Depth map software, and subjective questionnaire in nine streets that connected to three squares lied in the heart of Erbil’s city. From the findings, it is revealed that Governorate square’s streets are regarded as being the most walkable and Erbil’s central streets are generally accessible and connective for a walking experience, despite the absence of some key amenities which have a significant impact on accessibility and connectivity.

Keywords: Walkability, Accessibility, Connectivity, PEDS Checklist, Pedestrian Satisfaction

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Doi: 10.23918/eajse.v9i1p173

Published: January 17, 2023

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