An urban design decision-support framework for distancing walkway pedestrians from traffic-related particulate matter

• Published in: Sustainable futures 2024-06, Vol.7, p.100210, Article 100210
• Main Authors: Daghistani, Farouk, Abduljabbar, Mohammed Amro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air pollution; Built environment; Exposure; Pedestrian; Retrofit; Urban design
• ISSN: 2666-1888; 2666-1888
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sftr.2024.100210

•A decision-support framework proposed to reduce walkway users’ exposure to PM.•The framework ranked sample walkways based on priority needs for design solutions.•The framework ranked design solutions based on suitability for each sample walkway.•Framework is applicable to other urban contexts due to flexibility and scalability. Human exposure to traffic-related particulate matter (PM) has adverse health effects on individuals. A decision-support framework is proposed to help urban planners and policymakers implement measures to reduce walkway pedestrian exposure to traffic-related PM. The framework consisted of two parts: Part I determined urban walkway rankings based on priority needs for mitigation design solutions. This was achieved by weighting data on air quality monitoring, pedestrian flow, and pedestrian behaviour collected both manually and using handheld devices. Part II assessed the suitability of design solutions for each urban walkway by evaluating (on a three-point scale) the physical applicability, implementation cost, and environmental and social added values of six urban design mitigation solutions (S1–S6). The proposed framework was demonstrated using four urban walkways (W1–W4) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Two data-collection sampling cycles (winter and summer) were conducted in the year 2023. The findings indicated that the framework was successful in ordering the walkways (from highest to lowest priority need): W4, W1, W3, and W2. Additionally, the framework was successful in ordering the mitigation solutions from highest to lowest suitability for W1–W4 (e.g., S2, S3, and S4, in order, were recommended for W3). The proposed framework provides a structured decision-making approach, enabling efficient resource allocation, strategic planning, risk mitigation, transparent decision-making, and optimised impact.