Methods in Urban Planning Research and Analysis (MPUP 520-01)
Fall 2015
Research Assignment #3: Literature Review
Due: December 17, 2015
Introduction:
This literature review research paper will investigate various issues regarding walkability in neighborhoods and communities, for my Georgetown neighborhood project. In doing so, I have reviewed a number of researches and articles on the topic of walkability, to provide an answer to weather walkable communities promotes a positive health, or even a positive financial value.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
(1) How does one define walkability: What is a walkable environment?
(2) Does Walkability effect on property values?
(3) Does walkable neighborhoods result an increase in walking?
(4) Does …show more content…
Research
In recent years, a number of studies have shown that many people living in major cities across the country are not getting enough physical activities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention known as CDC, they stated almost 51.2% of the American population does not get a sufficient amount of physical activity, and 13.5% of Americans are completely inactive. Many urban planners and policy-makers are forced to take an action, and create more walkable neighborhoods and communities in order to decrease the rising obesity rate and among other health issues.
I have reviewed a number of research articles, to answer weather walkable communities have a positive impact on overall health? Most studies do find an important relationships between walkability and positive heath. For one of the research, they examined the relationship between walkability and health problems and the effects of the built environment and its potential to impact overall community health. They found that there is a correlation between walkable neighborhoods and health, and that walkable communities promotes a positive health, and overall a positive financial value. For example, the authors compared low-income African American women in two different cities, one low-income African American women from a batter walkable neighborhood, the other low-income African American women from less walkable neighborhood, the author found that neighborhoods with more land use mix to result in less …show more content…
CONCLUSION:
Putting all together, after reviewing a number of research articles from different authors on walkable communities, I have come to the following conclusions.
First, I have come to conclusion that it’s very hard to define the word “walkability” and it’s even harder to measure the variables that constitute a walkable environment.
Second, majority of the study have concluded and mostly supported the claims that walkable communities and neighborhoods have a positive physical activity and health, and an increase property value.
Finally, majority of the researches supports that walkable communities are influenced by built environment elements such as land use mix, street network, and urban design. For example, one of the research shown other building characteristics that contribute to neighborhood walkability and a more pleasant walking experience including, street network elements and a mix of land uses, they create an environment in which it is much easier to walk. Additionally, pedestrian friendly urban Design contribute to neighborhood walkability and create a comfortable environment for pedestrian