Perceived urban design qualities and affective experiences of walking

Abstract

This study investigates associations between perceived micro-level urban design qualities, the affective experience of walking, and intention to walk specific routes in the neighbourhood. A total of 106 residents assessed on-site three routes planned for walking in semi-central neighbourhoods. In the prediction of the residents’ intention to choose to walk and intention to avoid walking the route, perceived urban design qualities were mediated by the affective experience of valence of the walk. The perceived complexity and aesthetic quality, upkeep and order, and the presence of well-maintained greenery, were identified as important. These perceived urban design qualities and affective experiences varied between the three routes, but also within the routes. It is proposed that understanding of site-specific affective experience of walking environments could serve as guidance for urban design practices.

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Inês Ferreira, Kajsa Lawaczeck-Körner, David Lindelöw and Åse Svensson for valuable comments on the design, on the field study and earlier versions of the manuscript.

Funding

This study was carried out within the research project Urban Walking funded by grants from the Swedish Transport Administration, the Swedish Research Council Formas and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency [grant number 250-2010-370].

Notes

1. Both studies are part of the multidisciplinary research project Urban Walking, based at Environmental Psychology, Department of Architecture and the Built Environment, Lund University.