Urban planning and design with points of interest and visual perception

Abstract

Pedestrian navigation is often guided by points-of-interest and visibility, yet most planning and design models ignore these, solely addressing street networks. Our innovative ‘POI VizNet’ tool utilises open-source geographical data for integrating points-of-interest and visibility into network-based framework. The tool was applied to the Fitzrovia redevelopment project in London, to support the reallocation of urban activities based on desired locations of various assets. Our results demonstrate the quantifying of location patterns according to the planning project goals, and the examining of urban activities while controlling visibility and accessibility. The developed method is aimed to assist researchers and developers in making more informed planning decisions intended to promote neighbourhood vibrancy and create a sustainable urban context with mixed land use that is desirable for pedestrians.