Identifying Walkability Oriented Social Inclusion Constituent Measurement Factors and Dimensions

Major risks have been intensified by uneven urban development in the built environment inthe recent years. Reduced walkability as one of the most basic personal and social needs ofthe citizens is an example of this. On the other hand, most of the pedestrian urban planningand designing is not suitable for all social groups, so that lack of access to urban services andfacilities for everyone has led to social isolation in most cities. In the meantime, it seems thatwalkability development can simulate social inclusion through encouraging all societygroups and people to active participation in the society and enhance participation andinteraction. In this study, it has been attempted to identify factors and dimensions ofwalkability and determine the effect of each dimension on social inclusion using expertsurvey method, Delphi analysis, and statistical analysis. Then, the concept of walkabilityoriented social inclusion (WOSI) was introduced based on identified components as amodern concept and frame work in human centered development. According to one-samplet-test, social and environmental factors with the mean values of ۳.۹۳ and ۳.۷۴ respectivelyhad the largest effects on social inclusion compared to other factors affecting walkability.(p>۰.۰۵) The study results show that, attention to build environment, viewpoints andtendencies of people in addition to legal procedures may have more ameliorating effect ongeneral access, mobility, freedom of choice, citizen’s interaction and participation and finallyaccess to WOSI compared to other effective factors.