34 research outputs found
A multidisciplinary sustainability index to assess transport in urban areas: a case study of Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
Requirements for Developing System Behavioral Models by Composition of Available Discipline Specific Models
Smart pedestrian network: an integrated conceptual model for improving walkability
Smart and sustainable mobility have recently emerged as a solution to the problems
incurred by the intensive use of motorised transport modes. For many decades, cities have been
planned based on the needs of vehicle traffic, neglecting basic human needs for active mobility
and the adverse effects of motorised traffic on the natural environment. However, walking is an
environmentally friendly transport mode and a healthy form of making physical activity. Thus,
walking becomes an essential component of the transport and urban policies for achieving a more
sustainable development process. This paper presents the research project Smart Pedestrian Network
(SPN) that aims at promoting walkability as one of the critical dimensions of smart and
sustainable mobility in cities. The paper analyses the various components linked to SPN that can
make a pedestrian network ?smart? and, therefore, a feasible alternative to motorised transport
modes. Three integrated components are analysed: i) an urban planning component supported in
a GIS-based multi-criteria model to assess the conditions provided to pedestrians and to support
the adoption of planning policies; ii) a smartphone app for pedestrian navigation, displaying optional
routes according to the pedestrian preferences and needs; and iii) a business component to
estimate and disseminate the multiple benefits of walking as well as the market potential of SPN.
By promoting an innovative linkage of these three components, SPN has a great potential for
improving walkability and, therefore, for creating more sustainable and liveable urban spaces.FCT co-financing (ENSUF/0004/2016) - The authors gratefully acknowledge ERANET Cofund Smart Urban Futures for funding the research project SPN - Smart Pedestrian Net. The authors also acknowledge the national agencies for science, research and technology from Portugal, Italy, Austria and Cyprus for co-funding the project