Rethinking Urban Design: Architectural Approaches to Walkability and Sprawl

Year : 2025 | Volume : 03 | Issue : 01 | Page : 25 33
    By

    Savvy Jain,

  1. Architects, Department of Architecture, Genesis Architects Pvt. Ltd, Delhi, India

Abstract

As cities stretch their concrete fingers across the landscape, architecture stands as both the problem and the solution. Like a master chess player, thoughtful architecture can reshape urban spaces, transforming car-centric sprawl into pedestrian-friendly havens. By crafting inviting streetscapes and mixed-use developments, architects weave a tapestry of walkable neighborhoods that pulse with life and connection. Streetscapes designed with wide sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, green spaces, and appropriate lighting further enhance the walking experience, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant community life. This study examines the critical role of architectural design in promoting walkability and mitigating urban sprawl in contemporary cities. This research investigates how thoughtful architectural interventions can contribute to creating more compact, pedestrian-friendly urban environments. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of urban form metrics with qualitative case studies of successful walkable neighborhoods. Key architectural strategies explored include mixed-use developments, human-scale design, active frontages, and the integration of green spaces. The research also considers how these design principles interact with broader urban planning policies and transportation infrastructure. The conclusions offer practical insights for architects, urban planners, and policymakers seeking to create more livable, sustainable cities in the face of rapid urbanization.

Keywords: Architecture, walkability, pedestrian-friendly environments, urban density, mix-use place making

[This article belongs to International Journal of Urban Design and Development ]

How to cite this article:
Savvy Jain. Rethinking Urban Design: Architectural Approaches to Walkability and Sprawl. International Journal of Urban Design and Development. 2025; 03(01):25-33.
How to cite this URL:
Savvy Jain. Rethinking Urban Design: Architectural Approaches to Walkability and Sprawl. International Journal of Urban Design and Development. 2025; 03(01):25-33. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijudd/article=2025/view=201751


References

  1. Chhangani S Urban Sprawl And Its Impact: A Comprehensive Review In Indian Context. Int J Creat Res Thoughts. 2023 Jun; 11(6): 907–912.
  2. Tobin M, Hajna S, Orychock K, Ross N, DeVries M, Villeneuve PJ, et al. Rethinking walkability and developing a conceptual definition of active living environments to guide research and practice. BMC Public Health. 2022;22:450. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12747-3. PubMed: 35255841.
  3. Baobeid A, Koç M, Ghamdi S Walkability and Its Relationships With Health, Sustainability, and Livability: Elements of Physical Environment and Evaluation Frameworks. Front Built Environ. 2021 Sep; 7: 721218.
  4. Hamidi S, Moazzeni S. Examining the relationship between urban design qualities and walking behavior: Empirical evidence from Dallas, TX. Sustainability. 2019;11:2720. DOI: 10.3390/su11102720.
  5. Choi Walkability as an Urban Design Problem: Understanding the activity of walking in the urban environment. Stockholm, Sweden: School of Architecture; 2012. Retrieved from https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:551283/FULLTEXT01.pdf
  6. Delhi Development Authority. (n.d.). Delhi city walk. [Online]. Retrieved from https://dda.gov.in/land-/delhiwalk-city
  7. Hauwa Y The Role of Architecture in Curbing Sprawl and its Effects. Dissertation. England: School of Art, Design and the Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University; 2014 Feb.
  8. Tran MC. Healthy cities—Walkability as a component of health-promoting urban planning and design. J Sustain Urban Plan Prog. 2016;1:11–21. DOI: 10.18063/JSUPP.2016.01.006.
  9. Jamei E, Ahmadi K, Chau WH, Seyedmahmoudian M, Horan B, Stojcevski (2021, May). Urban Design and Walkability: Lessons Learnt from Iranian Traditional Cities. Sustainability. 2021; 13(10): 5731.
  10. (2020 Jan 7). 200 km Cycle Walk Plan Announced for Delhi. [Online]. Retrieved from https://pedalandtringtring.com/2020/01/07/200-km-cycle-walk-plan-announced-for-delhi/#:~:text=Honourable%20Union%20Home%20Minister%20of,aim%20to%20complete%
    20by%202024.
  1. Shrestha Walkability and built environment: An understanding of central Geelong’s urban environment in terms of walkability. Thesis for Masters of Landscape Architecture. Victoria, Australia: Deakin University; 2020. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/
    publication/344678012_Walkability_and_built_environment
  2. Sonta A, Jiang X. Rethinking walkability: Exploring the relationship between urban form and neighborhood social cohesion. Sustain Cities Soc. 2023;99:104903. DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2023.104903.
Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 03
Issue 01
Received 16/09/2024
Accepted 14/11/2024
Published 25/01/2025
Publication Time 131 Days
198

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics