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Connecting the city: A three-dimensional pedestrian network of Hong Kong

Author

Listed:
  • Guibo Sun
  • Chris Webster
  • Xiaohu Zhang

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to investigate how a three-dimensional pedestrian network reshapes connectivity and helps to integrate the built environment of high-density cities. Using the case of Hong Kong, first, we elaborate how a continuous three-dimensional network constitutes an entirely different urban morphological spatial hierarchy compared to two-dimensional because of the footbridge system, underground connected with metro stations, and paths connected with mall developments. Second, we construct a three-dimensional pedestrian network model classifying segments into 23 categories with multi-height levels (e.g. sidewalk, footbridge, underground, crosswalk, ramp, paths on the building roof). Then we map the three-dimensional network for Hong Kong territory in a geographic information system, finding that the three-dimensional pedestrian network is 2.4 times in length and 8.5 times in link size greater than the road network. Connectivity comparison through a betweenness measure found striking differences between the two networks and indicated that footbridges and underground links could enhance walkability when they are well connected with the ground-level networks. Since road networks are widely used as a proxy for pedestrian analysis, we suggest that active travel optimisation planning, especially in high-density cities, requires a bespoke three-dimensional pedestrian model. The three-dimensional pedestrian network, enabling multi-level city living in a vertical metropolis, is a fundamental consideration in urban planning and design practices for high-density cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Guibo Sun & Chris Webster & Xiaohu Zhang, 2021. "Connecting the city: A three-dimensional pedestrian network of Hong Kong," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 48(1), pages 60-75, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:48:y:2021:i:1:p:60-75
    DOI: 10.1177/2399808319847204
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. John Zacharias, 2013. "The Central-Mid-levels Escalator as Urban Regenerator in Hong Kong," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(4), pages 583-593, November.
    2. Thill, Jean-Claude & Dao, Thi Hong Diep & Zhou, Yuhong, 2011. "Traveling in the three-dimensional city: applications in route planning, accessibility assessment, location analysis and beyond," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 405-421.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ho, Hung Chak & Cheng, Wei & Song, Yimeng & Liu, Yuqi & Guo, Yingqi & Lu, Shiyu & Lum, Terry Yat Sang & Chiu, Rebecca & Webster, Chris, 2022. "Spatial uncertainty and environment-health association: An empirical study of osteoporosis among “old residents” in public housing estates across a hilly environment," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 306(C).
    2. Fernando Fonseca & Escolástica Fernandes & Rui Ramos, 2022. "Walkable Cities: Using the Smart Pedestrian Net Method for Evaluating a Pedestrian Network in Guimarães, Portugal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-23, August.
    3. Zaouche, Mounia & Bode, Nikolai W.F., 2023. "Bayesian spatio-temporal models for mapping urban pedestrian traffic," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    4. Yingying Xu & Ho-Yin Chan & Anthony Chen & Xintao Liu, 2022. "Walk this way: Visualizing accessibility and mobility in metro station areas on a 3D pedestrian network," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 49(4), pages 1331-1335, May.
    5. Yuchen Qin & Yikang Zhang & Minfeng Yao & Qiwei Chen, 2023. "How to Measure the Impact of Walking Accessibility of Suburban Rail Station Catchment Areas on the Commercial Premium Benefits of Joint Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-29, March.

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