The walkable neighbourhood. Understanding the influence of perceived walkability, place attachment and urban design on walking behaviour. A photovoice study in Nijmegen
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2025-06-27
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nl
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This research focuses on the relationship between walking behaviour and three interrelated factors: perceived walkability, place attachment and urban design. This examines how people's perceptions of walkability and place attachment influence their walking behaviour, and in what way urban design shapes these perceptions, attachments and behaviour. To this end, the Theory of Planned behaviour is used to theoretically explain people's intentions and behaviour. A relatively new research method is applied for the study, namely Photovoice. This is a participatory research method in which participants themselves take pictures of their living environment. Photovoice helps uncover subjective experiences that are difficult to express in words. In this study, residents of Nijmegen East took photographs to provide insight into their walking behaviour and the factors that influence that behaviour. Additional interviews broadened and deepened the perspective. The results show that walking behaviour is influenced by how the environment is perceived and the degree of attachment to a place. Urban design plays a key role in facilitating and enhancing these perceptions and feelings. This research recommends the 4C (connected, comfortable, caring and captivating) tool to improve the walkability of an environment, with a focus on the human-centred approach in planning.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen