Utilizing thermal comfort and walking facilities to propose a comfort walkability index (CWI) at the neighbourhood level

Abstract

Many walkability indices have been developed by considering a range of specific indicators. However, comfort indicators at the neighbourhood scale and the effects of thermal comfort have generally not been accounted for in such research. To this end, we propose the comfort walkability index (CWI) at the neighbourhood micro-scale. The proposed tool is based on two questionnaires, 330 respondents answered the first questionnaire, to evaluate the relative coefficient for each indicator (Cis). The second questionnaire based on 282 respondents using a simple random sampling technique to assess the scores of the selected factors (Sis). We tested the CWI in two areas in the city centre of Annaba, Algeria, and calculated the physiological Equivalent temperature (PET) using RayMan software on two average summer days from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. when heat and humidity peaks are observed. The results show that over 95% of the suggested indicators were estimated as being very important and necessary. The CWI scores were dependent on PET values and thermal perception. The highest scores of CWI were 40.95% and 25.23% in Colonial centre and Old town respectively, correlated with neutral thermal sensation (20 degrees C-26 degrees C). CWI in the Colonial centre was changing from rarely acceptable comfort quality to uncomfortable level depending on PET scores, however, CWI in Old Town defined a low comfort quality despite the variability of PET scores. This paper highlights the importance of assessing pedestrian comfort facilities at the neighbourhood microscale and heeding the importance of thermal comfort in promoting a satisfying walking experience.