Katsunori Furuya (Chiba University)
*Feby Parmita Riani (Chiba University)
This research aims to investigate the influence of design on transport-oriented development (TOD) spaces in Tokyo, focusing on their impact on accessibility, user experience of nearby recreational areas, and pedestrian flow. Transit-Oriented Development principles, such as higher density, diverse land use, and activity-oriented design, are employed to reduce car usage, promote public transport, and encourage active modes of transportation. While existing literature suggests that TOD can enhance pedestrian access to transit stops, current land use policies have posed challenges to walkability, convenience, and pedestrian safety, highlighting the need to consider pedestrian needs and walkability design in TOD planning. To achieve the research objectives, a combination of field surveys, spatial analysis, and observations will be conducted. The field survey will involve comprehensive data collection on the design elements and features of transport-oriented spaces and nearby recreational areas. Detailed measurements, photographs, and observations of spatial configurations will be recorded. The collected data will be analyzed using space syntax/depthmap techniques to understand the spatial configuration and connectivity among different spaces within public squares. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) will be utilized to analyze the distance from public transport stations and document the physical environment, surrounding land use, and pedestrian networks in each TOD case study. IPCA analysis will assess the accessibility of public squares. Observations of user behavior will focus on identifying patterns of usage, movement, activity types, and user interaction with specific space features. This will involve determining the most common times of usage, observing how people navigate through the spaces, analyzing the types of activities users engage in, and examining their interactions with elements such as proximity to transit stations or recreational amenities like playgrounds and green spaces. It is important to note that this research is specific to public squares in Tokyo, and the findings may not be directly applicable to other cities or contexts. However, the potential implications of the research are significant. The findings can inform design principles by identifying successful elements in existing spaces that can be incorporated into future designs. This includes aspects related to accessibility, usability, aesthetic value, safety features, and meeting the diverse needs of populations. The recommendations can be made for integrating transportation hubs with public squares to enhance mobility and improve accessibility to public spaces. The study also contributes insights into balancing development and recreation within urban areas, leading to more livable cities. Additionally, the research can provide guidelines for designing multifunctional spaces that cater to both daily commuters and leisure seekers, optimizing space utilization in densely populated cities like Tokyo. The research findings could potentially influence zoning laws and development regulations, resulting in more effective urban planning policies that prioritize pedestrian-friendly environments and inclusive public spaces.
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