Analysis of motivations of developing underground pedestrian systems: decisive effect of weather conditions
Date
2010
Authors
Cui, J.
Allan, A.S.
Lin, D.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Walk 21 Conference, 2010, pp.1-10
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Walk 21 Conference (16 Nov 2010 - 19 Nov 2010 : The Hague, Netherlands)
Abstract
Dominant modes of transport in city centres have a significant influence on urban morphology, land usage, the character of the urban environment and people's life style. Cities are currently faced with potentially severe environmental impacts from global warming and other detrimental side effects resulting from a high dependence on motor vehicles. Many metropolises are now beginning to realize the importance of planning and developing walking as a primary travel mode in the city. Improving accessibility, continuity, safety, availability and connectivity for pedestrians has crucial significance as a means of decreasing vehicle usage and increasing public transport usage. In some places, underground pedestrian networks have been used to integrate pedestrian traffic in transport systems, at the same time, as a strategy to provide additional space resources for multiple functions (such as commercial and public activities) for urban redevelopment. Underground pedestrian systems can contribute to building walkable cities, accelerating the harmonious development of pedestrian spaces on the street level and underground to provide convenience for pedestrians. The research focuses on the interrelationship between underground pedestrian systems and urban environment. The research conducts a secondary data collection from 51 cases of underground pedestrian systems worldwide to generalize influences of environmental factor on developing underground pedestrian systems in city centres. Influencing factor, namely climate condition is considered for response to the hypothesis regarding its influence on deciding underground pedestrian systems utilization. The analysis is the basis for further research considering more influencing factors such as city scale and economic level. All of the outcomes from the secondary data will paves the way for primary data collection on the interaction between urban environment and underground pedestrian.