Abstract:
This thesis aims to create a walkability assessment and quantification of urban
neighbourhoods, by examining pedestrian and street infrastructure, and by also
providing a gender perspective and creating strategy guidelines for a walkable
neighborhood. Walkability has been defined as the level of friendliness towards the
pedestrian environment, with all it’s elements. It is also proven to have a range of
benefits in health, safety, economy, livability in building a more sustainable city. Cities
are not gender-neutral. (Gauvin, 2020). Research also shows that there are differences
when it comes to factors that influence gender walking, which urban planners do not
take into considerations. The study takes place in Tirana, a city of particular
development due to its late bloom in urban infrastructure and mobility, with cars taking
over after the fall of communism and their consideration as a luxury and a status
symbol, in contrast to the continued neglection of walking infrastructure.
Using a mixed-method approach, this study aims to create a visualized
walkability assessment mapping, and hopes to aid in answering questions like: How to
assess walkability in terms of city, neighbourhood and street level. Survey participants
(n=616) and focused expert interviews ranked pedestrian infrastructure and sidewalk
issues, altoghether with design standards as the walkability elements with the lowest
score. Results also showed differences in gender related to safety and walkability
perception. The study visualizes city and neighbourhood analysis thorugh mapping,
illustrations and photos. Hopefully, this thesis will serve as a means of analysis for
further research in the urban mobility of Tirana.
