An Evaluation of the Physical Quality of Pedestrian Walkways Based on Indicators Affecting Vitality: A Case Study of the Hafez Street in Isfahan

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Urban Planning, Daneshpajoohan Pishro Higher Education Institute, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

10.22099/iuds.2026.55731.1149

Abstract

Pedestrian streets are among the most important urban spaces that, during all or part of the day, are fully dedicated to pedestrian movement without vehicular traffic. In recent decades, due to the extensive use of motor vehicles in countries such as Iran, the role of pedestrian streets and pedestrians in urban spaces has decreased, leading to a reduction in urban vitality. Pedestrian streets are the manifestation of urban civic life and places for citizens’ social events and activities; therefore, their physical quality plays a decisive role in determining their level of vitality.The aim of this research is to identify and examine the physical criteria and indicators affecting the vitality of pedestrian streets and to evaluate the vitality of Hafez Pedestrian Street in Isfahan based on these indicators. In this research, field methods and Space Syntax analytical and descriptive software were used to assess the physical quality of Hafez Pedestrian Street. By applying the stated techniques, the physical indicators affecting the vitality of the pedestrian street were extracted and evaluated in four categories: diversity, safety, compatibility, flexibility, accessibility and permeability and each of these indicators was assigned a relative score based on its role and significance. The results indicate that the indicators of control and access to public transportation are favorable; the indicators of connectivity, integration, land-use mix, choice, and land-use compatibility are relatively favorable; and the indicators of night-active land uses, seating and resting spaces, lighting, and paving are unfavorable.

Keywords

Iranian Urban Design Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 June 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 11 June 2026
  • Accept Date: 16 June 2026
  • First Publish Date: 16 June 2026
  • Publish Date: 16 June 2026

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