Uncovering walkability: a chronological literature review

This review explores the conceptual evolution and policy integration of Walkability as a key urban quality linked to sustainable development. By analyzing its development from an implicit to an explicit, measurable construct, the paper underscores Walkability’s multidimensional nature, encompassing built environment attributes, pedestrian perceptions, and socio-spatial interactions. It emphasises Walkability’s role as a transdisciplinary, context-dependent concept that influences community vitality, public health, and environmental sustainability through interconnected policy outcomes. A comprehensive framework is proposed, highlighting four core properties – implicit/explicit, interdisciplinary, context-dependency, and causality – and illustrating Walkability’s potential as a strategic driver for place-based, cross-sectoral urban policies aligned with global sustainability agendas. Ultimately, the paper advocates for nuanced, participatory approaches that integrate objective indicators with subjective experiences to foster healthier, more equitable urban environments.