Spatial distribution of pedestrian space in central Tokyo: Regarding building, public transportation and urban renewal projects

Abstract

Interest in and the importance of walkability have begun to grow, and efforts are now being made to support pedestrians and the quality of public spaces. Lack of information on pedestrian space, however, makes it difficult to incorporate walkable space into spatial planning. In this study, the distributional characteristics of pedestrian spaces in central Tokyo were investigated, and how pedestrian space has been created and related to building, public transportation, and urban renewal projects were examined. First, analyses of the pedestrian space distribution suggest that road area accounts for 21.8% on average in central Tokyo; this is composed of 18.8% roadway and 3.0% walkway, that pedestrian spaces are accumulated in central and sub-central areas, which have high building density, and in urban renewal projects areas. Second, walkways in the commercial area have been built with more consideration for building density and the number of passengers that are related to pedestrian traffic flow. On the other hand, walkways in the residential and industrial area have been built by constructions of roadway with less consideration for building density and public transportation compared to commercial areas. There was less priority to walkway than spaces for automobiles in residential areas with medium building density. Third, urban renewal projects did not necessarily give more consideration for pedestrians, all other things being equal. The effect of redevelopment projects on walkway ratio was limited in their scope.