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ISF Workshop: Urban innovation through

walkability and spatial cognition

September 19-21, 2022, Tel Aviv University

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Dr. Anna Bornioli

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I am a transport and urban economist interested in how to create healthy and liveable cities, with a specific interest around urban walking, high-quality walkable environments, and sustainable mobility behaviours. My PhD thesis explored the influence of built environments on walking experiences and walking intentions, with the city of Bristol (UK) as a case study. It focused on what elements can support a positive wellbeing experience of walking, finding that the presence of nature, symbolic significance, and the absence of barriers (lack of infrastructure, poor aesthetics, low sense of security) can all contribute to walking quality and intentions. I am extending the research line on assessing walking and wellbeing experiences in cities by incorporating virtual reality and physiological measurements. I have a background in Economics (BSc and MSc) and have 10 years of experience in the fields of public health, urban management and transport geography.

Walking, micro-qualities of settings and wellbeing experiences in urban environments

Abstract:

The physical environment influences the walking experience, associated psychological wellbeing benefits, and intentions to walk. In order to encourage walking behaviours, it is important to identify environmental features which support positive wellbeing experiences during urban walking. The walkability literature indicates that density, diversity, design, destination accessibility, and distance to transit are all associated with more walking. In addition, it is well-established that walking in natural areas can encourage physical activity and support wellbeing benefits. However, the literature on which micro-qualities of urban environments support walking and influence wellbeing is relatively limited. This paper will discuss the micro urban features which can support walking experiences, wellbeing, and intentions to walk by presenting results from several experimental studies. Study 1) was an online experiment measuring relaxation and hedonic tone changes following a simulated walk to one out of five urban settings with different characteristics in Bristol, UK. Study 2) was a follow-up that also included virtual reality simulation and physiological measurements (EEG). Study 3) was a qualitative interview study exploring wellbeing experiences of participants during a walk in Bristol, UK. Overall, the findings indicate that the physical micro-features which can support positive wellbeing experiences of walking are a) the absence of car traffic and barriers (lack of infrastructure, low sense of security) and b) the presence of greenery, and/or interesting and aesthetically-rich elements. Historic and cultural features also emerge as important elements of the wellbeing walking experience. In general, safety, comfort, and moderate sensory stimulation are important for positive walking experiences and walkability. Suggested avenues for future research include the use of psychological and physiological measures to assess walking and wellbeing experiences in cities; the use of virtual reality and visual manipulation techniques to assess the role of specific physical elements; the role of cognition, landmarks, and orientation.

(Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, 16:30-18:00 IL)

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