Analysing the walkability through streetscape design elements of Kro Street, Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract

Despite the importance of street walkways, it does not receive much attention. The Literature on public spaces mostly focuses on squares, parks, and streets where different people are expected to gather for significant activities. The environmental qualities which facilitate walking determine a pedestrian`s sense of comfort. This paper focuses on the walkability of urban places in the Kurdistan Reconstruction Organization (KRO) Street of Duhok. The objective of this study is to analyse the users’ satisfaction level on KRO street walkways, identification of users’ opinion on the improvement of KRO street walkways and to establish recommendations that will enhance walkway usage and promoting walkability in KRO street. The Mixed method of both quantitative and qualitative was adopted for this study. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) questionnaires were administered among the pedestrians in the study area by employing random systematic sampling technique. Data were processed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM version 22 and the analysis was presented by the use of descriptive and cross-tabulation statistics. The findings indicated that most of the respondents with 50.0%, 38.7%, and 40.7% respectively were not satisfied with the condition of walkways in the KRO street particularly in terms of pedestrian facilities provided and the accessibility and the connectivity of the walkways. In contrast, field observation revealed that the KRO street walkways had poor maintenance of facilities reflected in the improper condition of walkways and street furniture. However, 94.0% of the respondents which is also the majority highly recommended for appropriate hardscape in the KRO street while 75.0% opted for the appropriate softscape. Thus, the study recommends that for both short term and long term, the allocation of the walkways dimensions for the three zones is important by the local authority, as it not only positively affects the image of the walkway and its usefulness but also benefits the whole user-experience of the community. The installation of the new hardscape and softscape should follow the recommendation above. For example, benches, street light, walkway tiles, proper signage and trash receptacles among other good things for hardscape while for softscape elements the example is, planting of new trees and shrubs. The findings from this study can be used as a benchmark for the improvement of KRO streets walkability through streetscape design elements and partly its accessibility and connectivity for the better pedestrian system in KRO street.