Pedestrian Areas in Istanbul—Assessment of Conditions for Human Mobility

Abstract

Urban mobility is influenced by complex interactions between pedestrian behavior, urban design, and social dynamics. In recent years, interest in the transformation of Istanbul’s walking areas has increased that led to the launch of several projects for pedestrianization aimed to revitalize the city center, including infrastructure and pedestrian activity. However, it still causes difficulties for many organizations and governments to understand and accurately measure the complex ecology of walking. The research seeks to answer how urban space mobility can be analyzed using a multidimensional approach that takes into account spatial, physical and perceptual aspects. The study investigates the independent and combined effects of physical characteristics, individual perceptions, and walking habits on Istanbul’s walking capacities in order to learn more efficient and equitable practices of urban design. The study provides a comprehensive framework for walking assessment and understanding pedestrian behavior and space based on documentary and field research. The results underscore the importance of taking into account the needs of different users and social dynamics in urban planning. For instance, urban planners in Istanbul can better optimize the width of sidewalks, the layout of intersections and social spaces in order to accommodate various pedestrian experiences. Through linking these findings to system design gaps, it provides specific recommendations to improve user-centered mobility planning in dense urban environments. The paper provides valuable insights into Istanbul’s safe, accessible and equitable urban environments and can be used for future urban design and pedestrianization projects through effective spatial models and strategic approaches.