An investigation of the influence of neighbourhood walkability and outdoor thermal comfort on walking behaviour

This research aims to examine how walkability and outdoor thermal comfort affect walking behaviour at the neighbourhood scale in the hot-arid climate of Saudi Arabia and suggest design strategies that can enhance both factors simultaneously, addressing the need for comprehensive research in this area. The study is driven by the rising issue of physical inactivity globally, particularly in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia. It recognises the built environment as a critical factor influencing physical activity.

While previous studies have examined individual measures promoting walkability and outdoor thermal comfort, this research seeks to explore their combined effect. It acknowledges the limitations of excluding regional and national scales and highlights the importance of investigating the conflicting nature within and between different built environment measures at the neighbourhood scale. By addressing these limitations, the study aims to develop better walkability indicators and effective strategies for promoting walking in Saudi Arabia and similar regions. The research design incorporates a mixed-methods approach, utilising a statistical approach supplemented with content analysis.

This approach allows for collecting both quantitative and qualitative data, providing a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. The research employs a cross-sectional and case study design, collecting data on participants, the built environment, and environmental measures such as air temperature. Primary data, including surveys and physical measurements, as well as secondary data from literature reviews, built environment data, and national statistics, are utilised. Overall, this research seeks to fill the existing gap in knowledge by examining the simultaneous impact of walkability and outdoor thermal comfort on walking behaviour in the hot-arid climate of Saudi Arabia. Through its mixed-methods approach and comprehensive framework, it aims to provide valuable insights and practical design strategies to promote walking and enhance the quality of urban environments. This research is currently in its first year, during which emphasis is placed on developing the research proposal and establishing a theoretical framework.

The research questions have been clearly defined, and the current stage involves rigorous exploration and experimentation with various approaches for data collection and analysis, assessing the suitability of different methods and tools. The findings of this study are expected to provide a better understanding of the complex relationship between various factors that may influence walking behaviour at the neighbourhood scale. It will also inform urban policies and decisions with recommendations for providing supportive environments for walking with certain thermal comfort requirements.