Path walkability assessment framework based on decision tree analysis of pedestrian travelers‘ retail walking

Abstract

Better understanding of the association between built environment, walkability, and human physical activity is a research issue for urban designers, urban planners, transportation planners, and landscape architects. However, direct association between built environment and individual‘s walking behavior which derives from personal reaction and perception was not yet studied in urban design that integrate with multi-criteria decision making methods. To date, three models have been developed to assess urban walkability using decision making methods, namely, Pedestrian Infrastructure Prioritization Decision System, Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System, and Pedestrian Performance Measure System. These models are applicable in urban planning and transportation planning, but not useful for urban design. Thus, this research aims to develop the path walkability assessment framework based on decision tree analysis of pedestrians which is usable for urban designers. Six objectives were identified to achieve the aim. Firstly, the study investigated walkability issues and problematic causes in sustainable neighborhood development. This objective resulted with seventeen problematic issues needed to be considered in the walkability assessment framework development. Second objective was to establish the walkability assessment principles. The third objective was to indicate the walkability assessment variables, including, walkability features, criteria, and subcriteria compatible with retail pedestrians. Fourth objective was to determine the most appropriate decision making method and the system development process model for capturing retail pedestrians‘ sequential route choice patterns. To address second, third, and fourth objectives, literature reviews and expert inputs were conducted to validate the findings of the literature reviews. The expert input sessions involved professionals, including, urban designers, urban planners, transportation planners, landscape architects, and architects who are knowledgeable and have experiences in urban assessment framework development. The Grounded Group Decision Making method and Weighted Sum Method were applied to analyze the collected data from the experts‘ inputs. In result, fourteen urban walkability principles corresponding to the second objective were identified. Besides, five walkability features, eleven walkability criteria, and fifty six walkability sub-criteria corresponding to the third objective were determined. Corresponding to the fourth objective, the decision tree analysis model and the prototyping system development process model have been approved by the aforementioned group of experts. The fifth objective was to develop the Path Walkability Index (PAWDEX) assessment framework. The framework was developed using Synectics method. The preliminary framework validation was conducted in an expert input session engaging experts in urban design who have extensive knowledge in using decision making methods and decision support tools. Finally, the sixth objective was to validate the developed framework through pilot study within a selected neighborhood area. The neighborhood area was selected based on suggestion by the same experts involved in expert input study for the fifth objective. The framework users who were three Urban Design Masters students were engaged to conduct the pilot study within nine case studies in Taman Universiti neighborhood. Consequently, the PAWDEX assessment framework was tested, and, usability of the framework was successfully confirmed by framework users. Urban professionals may use this assessment framework for their decision making of future corrective actions on neighborhood development and/or redevelopment.