ASSESSMENT OF WALKABILITY IN THE CITY CENTRE OF M’SILA USING A QUALITATIVE BAROMETER

Abstract

In recent years, much attention has been drawn to the walkability, it is regarded as an important urban capability that needs to be achieved and enhanced, as the urban environment can either permit or hinder the propensity to walk. This paper aims to explain the spatial relations that describe the elements of urban design for a walkable urban environ-ment; we also attempt to measure and specialize in public pedestrian spaces using a qualitative barometer (in the city centre of M’sila that becomes a commercial attraction). This barometer shows how urban design can be used as a way to create functional city centre, it also analyses the conditions under which the city centre offers an adequate and favourable environment for walking. Although the city centre of M’sila provides many positive things like diverse shopping places and a variety of functions other than shopping. However, it re-quires continuous development to urban design to meet the new social requirements. The pedestrian encounters many obstacles and difficulties in moving and accessing public spaces, especially during peak hours and holidays, which has prompted us to draw particular attention to further analysis of different elements of the layout.