Abstract:
In New Zealand pedestrian infrastructure is not a robust area of transport
planning. As a funding class it receives minimal monetary allocation. This
thesis argues design interventions in the pedestrian environment need to
be both responsive to the surrounding context and effective in promoting
walking patronage. To achieve this goal this thesis argues that the current
process used by central authorities and local authorities for researching,
designing, and implementing pedestrian infrastructure, needs to change.
As a solution this thesis develops a new methodology for researching,
designing and implementing pedestrian infrastructure. The methodology
is developed through a series of design experiments using Central
Wellington as a site. The methodology uses a multi paradigm framework
adopted from landscape perception research, which allows it to
successfully alternate between ‘top down’ expert orientated approaches.
For example, on one hand the methodology uses standardized typological
solutions as a cost and time efficient approach to resolving pedestrian
barriers to walking; as well as a ‘top down’ macro scale urban analysis in
order to ensure any resources being spent at a micro scale street level are
also improving larger urban scale problems in the pedestrian network.
While on the other hand uses a ‘bottom up’ qualitative approach through a
newly developed ‘cognitive survey and interview technique’, to research
from the perspective of the public where pedestrian accessibility barriers
to walking are located in the built environment.
The research is significant as it reveals new insight into the practical
application of a standardized typological approach to pedestrian design.
In particular it reveals how a new hybrid methodology combining a ‘top
down expert’ and utilitarian approach, with a ‘bottom up qualitative’ and
contextual approach, makes for efficient employment of design resources
when implementing pedestrian infrastructure.
