Unlocking urban charm for liveable street: transformative design strategies to boost pedestrian appeal in Asian cities

Abstract Walking as a mode of transportation faces challenges in Asian cities due to the proliferation of private motorized vehicles and lacking public transportation management. Despite contributing to people’s physical and mental well-being, walking is often considered the last option for transportation. Previous research has highlighted the link between walking, urban design qualities, individual reactions, and a sense of place. Other studies have suggested that a sense of place fosters a sense of belonging and attachment to the location. This paper aims to propose transformative design strategies to enhance pedestrians’ willingness to walk through the design of street junctions. Street junctions, especially those featuring corner buildings, offer opportunities for walking, observing, and resting, all of which are crucial elements for vibrant public spaces. The findings reveal that street junctions in cities like Surabaya (Indonesia) are predominantly perceived as “spaces to move” rather than “places to be.” To advance walkability in street junctions, transformative design strategies need to be addressed. Encouraging pedestrians’ willingness to walk can focus on their experiences and perceptual qualities. Developing policies aimed at enhancing street junctions in Asian cities emerges as a pivotal strategy for strengthening a culture of walking.