Multidimensional analyses of walkability in city centres by using mobile methodologies: Beşiktaş and Delft experiences

Abstract

This study is seeking an answer to the main research question of how the walkability of urban space can be analysed with a multidimensional approach considering spatial, phenomenological and perception dimensions. “Mobile Methodologies” has been the base of this research and within this scope, “Go-Along” walks with participants were conducted in the city centres of Beşiktaş of Istanbul, Turkey, and Delft of Netherlands as part of case studies. Based on the urban comparable studies approach, spatial and temporal comparisons of the city centres of Beşiktaş and Delft were made by using “replication logic”. Within the framework of this research, walkability studies in the literature were studied and six indicators as security, traffic safety, accessibility, comfort, pleasure and mixed-use were identified. These main indicators were used in the evaluation phase of case studies. According to the findings, it was concluded that walkability should be studied with a multidimensional approach and a relational perspective. In addition to this major conclusion, the necessity to use mobile methods for walkability analyses was described as the second significant result of the study.