Explaining Urban Design Strategies to Improve Walkability in Waterfront Public Spaces (Case Study: Bushehr Coastal Strip)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran

2 Master’s Student in Urban Design, Jundi Shapur University, Dezful, Iran

Abstract

Urban pedestrian-oriented space design is recognized as one of the fundamental pillars in enhancing quality of life and urban vitality. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the walkability status of the coastal strip of Bushehr City and examining the impact of five key factors (safety, accessibility and connectivity, environmental, socio-cultural, and aesthetic) on it. The required data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires among 200 citizens using a simple random sampling method and were analyzed using the one-sample t-test and regression analysis. The findings of the t-test indicate that, from the citizens’ perspective, most indicators are in a desirable to relatively desirable condition, which reflects their relative satisfaction. Moreover, the results of the multiple regression analysis showed that socio-cultural factors and accessibility and connectivity have the greatest impact on walkability; whereas environmental, safety, and aesthetic factors, although having a positive effect, play a smaller role in explaining it. Accordingly, strengthening social and cultural spaces, improving pedestrian and transportation infrastructure, increasing safety and lighting, expanding green space, and enhancing environmental aesthetics can greatly contribute to increasing walkability in this area. These findings can serve as a valuable practical guide for urban planners and designers in improving the quality of public spaces along the Bushehr coastal strip and in cities with similar conditions.

Highlights

  • The walkability of Bushehr’s coastal strip was evaluated based on five factors: safety, accessibility and connectivity, environmental, socio-cultural, and aesthetics.
  • Multiple regression results indicate that socio-cultural and accessibility–connectivity factors have the greatest impact on walkability, while other factors have positive but weaker effects.
  • Enhancing social activities, improving pedestrian infrastructure, increasing safety, expanding green spaces, and improving visual quality are proposed as key strategies to promote walkability along the coastal strip.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 20 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 07 June 2025
  • First Publish Date: 30 December 2025
  • Publish Date: 20 January 2026

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