Fractal Dimension of Streetscape as a Proxy to the Design Dimension of the Built Environment in Walkability Research

Abstract

Multidisciplinary nature of walkability research accelerated its growth through the participation of different disciplines. Different methods of measurement and analysis from varying disciplines created disagreements about how to characterize the built environment dimensions by using appropriate attributes, especially attributes which are used to represent the design dimension of the built environment. Fractal dimension value of streetscape provides solutions to these arguments as it makes the use of both micro-scale and macro-scale attributes of the built environment, especially micro-scale attributes of its design dimension as it relates to the quality of walking. Walkability indices were created then validated by a survey conducted at Dutluk station in Keçiören, Ankara. Results show that using fractal dimension value of streetscape as a variable in the walkability index can identify the factors that influence walking behavior.