Journal of South Architecture

A Study on Measuring the Walkability of the Built Environment in Communities for an Ageing Society

HUANGLidi (School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Northeast Petroleum University), LIUShuangshuang (School of Civil and Architecture Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University), ZHENGBodan (School of Civil and Architecture Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University; Municipal Engineering Management Office), WEIDake (School of Architecture and Design, Harbin Institute of Technology)

Abstract


This study investigates several ageing communities in Daqing City with differing facility layouts and street network morphologies to evaluate their walkability. We develop a comprehensive walkability measurement model at macro and micro scales and apply the analytic hierarchy Process (AHP) to perform qualitative and quantitative assessments of the influencing indicators. At the meso scale, we employ a walkability index to analyze facility distribution and accessibility. Results indicate that the comprehensive walkability model and the walkability index effectively reflect community walkability. Factors such as land-use mix, street network configuration, facility distribution, and the quality of the pedestrian environment all influence the walkability of communities. Recommendations for practice include: establish rational street network structures, increase diversity of community land uses, and create high-quality pedestrian environments to enhance older adults’walking comfort and enjoyment in community planning; reconfigure road space, optimize parking areas and parking strategies, and improve the system of community eldercare facilities in existing communities.

Keywords


ageing; walkability; older adults; community; walkability index

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33142/jsa.v3i3.20300

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Copyright (c) 2026 Lidi HUANG, Shuangshuang LIU, Bodan ZHENG, Dake WEI

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ISSN: 3029-2336 | Jointly published by Viser Technology Pte. Ltd. and Editorial Department of Southern Architecture