Walkability in Beirut

ADDRESSING WALKABILITY AS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE RELATED TO URBAN DESIGN

Carla Aridi 20142567 Final Individual Case Study Urbanism II- ARP 562

Abstract The increasing absence of physical activity across all communities is seen as a global problem of public health. In healthy cities, walkability is an important component of urban planning and design It results from the mixing and density of Land uses, and the availability of transportation and design to safe connection of open spaces. A walkable place only happens when the whole ecosystem is successful.

This is crucial for urban design, as what is declared a walkable location varies significantly between concepts that lead to completely different designs.

Walkable urbanism has several has social, environmental and economic benefits to the residents, businesses, developers and municipalities.

Beirut is one of the world's most unfriendly pedestrian towns The municipality of Beirut has sponsored an urban study to develop soft mobility patterns in Beirut (Liaison Douce), that has been completed and the municipal council and governor have been awaiting approval for implementation for the last few years.

In 2010, two units at AUB, the Neighborhood Initiative and the Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service, joined forces to design the first barrier - free walkway on Jeanne d'Arc Street in Beirut, the main street in the neighborhood of the university. Jeanne d'Arc is similar to many congested streets in Beirut with a mix of land uses: retail, commercial, institutional and residential.The Council also encouraged the AUB team to propose new ideas for Beirut in future urban design guidelines. In the end, a new street design was developed. Included in specific recommendations: The most effective way to implement walkability is to plan for it, and write it into zoning and development codes.

The most important obstacle to overcome is the restrictive and incorrect zoning codes currently in force in most municipalities.

Current codes do not allow walkability to be implemented.

Table of Contents  Abstract  Introduction  Background •

WALKABILITY AS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE.

• What exactly is meant by the term “walkability”?

• Walkability Measurement Variables • Benefits of Walkable Communities • Design for Walkability • Walkability in Beirut • Beirut’s first Barrier Free walkway • Stakeholders and Responsibilities • Conclusion • References

Introduction Activity-Friendly Environment

these changes effective. What elements of the built environment encourage people to walk?

The increasing absence of physical activity across all communities is seen as a global problem of public health. (“WHO |Physical

According to Active Living Research, activity-supportive built

Inactivity”). Public health struggles to improve

environments not only increase physical activity but also

health typically by promoting moderate types of physical activity, such as walking and cycling, because these are easier to start and maintain inactive populations and are easier to integrate into everyday routines. (Frank et al., 2003). The

foster a variety of co-benefits. Creating activity-friendly environments has been correlated to positive changes in chronic illness, safety/ injuryprevention, mental health, social benefits, economic benefits, traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions.

built environment was identified as a key factor in integrating physical activity into one's Walking is the easiest and most affordable way to improve physical activity and promote healthier lifestyles.

everyday life. (Cerin et al., 2013, Frank et al.,

“If you plan cities for cars and traffic, you get cars

2003, Frumkin et al., 2011, Sallis et al., 2011).

and traffic. If you plan for people and places, you get

International organizations such as the World

people and places.” — Fred Kent, Project for Public

Health Organization (WHO) requested changes

Spaces (kent)

in the built environment to improve human health by walking, including changes in urban design, transport and leisure facilities (Adams et al., 2013). It is important to identify the design elements of the built environment the influence physical activity in order to make

BACKGROUND Urban design as defined by Benjamin Grant in the SPUR Report on December 2013, as “the physical organization of buildings, streets and open space into whole places that work for people.” (Grant, 2013) According to WHO, (World Health Organization). Public health is defined as “the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society” (Acheson, 1988)

Physical activity. It is widely recognized that

WALKABILITY AS A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE.

pedestrians are not only an important object of congestion planning and that walking is more about another form of mobility; however it is a

Health has been proven by the interaction between the

human behavior but has become an

individual and his social and built environment. Car -

internationally important topic in urban

oriented urban areas are increasingly delaying

planning, urban design, mobility and health, as

physical activity every day, coupled with our modern

the built environment affects behavior. At the

inactive lifestyles. The lack of open green spaces for

same time, the willingness to develop new

physical activity, and safe traffic areas for eco -

forms of mobility and the reclaiming of urban

friendly local mobility has a negative impact on the

spaces for pedestrians and cyclists seem to give

health and quality of life of urban residents. This

additional motivation to this trend. (Mag. phil.

results in a minimum daily walking time. In various

Gerlinde Grasser, 2014)

countries, 80% of adults do not achieve the recommended 150-minute activity per week. There are well-known correlations between lack of exercise and a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer for example. Lack of physical activity is the fourth biggest death risk after smoking, in the developed world. (Benfield, Dec 2012)

.

What exactly is meant by the term “walkability”?

Everyone is a pedestrian!

(Forsyth, 2015) The term refers to different types of phenomena in scientific studies and

elements and the public sector's

social discussions. Some discussions

ability to invest in them. A walkable

concentrate on environmental

place only happens when the whole

characteristics or walking environments,

ecosystem is successful.

such as areas that are traversable,

This is crucial for urban design, as

modular, physically attractive and safe.

what is declared a walkable location

Some deal with the potential outcomes of

varies significantly between concepts

such environments such as creating lively

that lead to completely different

places, improving sustainable transport

designs. (mokerintz, april 2018)

and exercise. Finally, some people use the term walkability as a proxy for better design, whether it consists of multiple measurable dimensions or offers a sustainable solution to urban problems.

“Walkability” is an excellent shorthand for good urban design. It results from the mixing and density of Land uses, the location and orientation of buildings, the safety and the environment of local roads, the availability of transportation and the design and connectivity of open spaces. It is still up to the readiness of the real estate market to build on these

Walkability Measurement Variables There are different motivations for walking that require different elements from the built environment. Behavioral scientists have identified two primary motivations for walking: recreation and transportation (Giles-Corti et al., 2005; Saelens and Handy, 2008). Walking for recreation refers to walking for exercise or simple recreation, whereas walking for transportation refers to walking to reach a destination (Saelens and Handy, 2008).

The walking framework developed by Zuniga-Teran (2015) and subsequently implemented by Zuniga-Teran et al. 2016) serves these two functions. The framework synthesizes hypotheses from a number of research fields that explore the relationship between the built environment and walkability. These areas include physical activity, planning and development, transportation, thermal comfort, health, and green spaces.

The framework also addresses walking from

Finally, the framework groups the elements of

the point of view of architecture and

neighborhood design which were theoretically

urban design through the Energy and

identified as key factors into 9 walkability

Environmental Design Leadership for

categories: connectivity, density, land use, traffic

Neighborhood Development guidelines

safety, surveillance, experience, parking, green

(LEED-ND) (USGBC, 2016).

space and community. (lAdriana A. Zuniga-Terann, 2016)

Benefits of Walkable Communities In reference to a document written by Dr. Paul Symonds has a PhD in Wayfinding from Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK which states the benefits of “Walkable Cities” down into four categories, these being (symonds) 

Social benefits



Economic benefits



Environmental benefits



Individual / personal benefits

Economic Benefits There are a number of long-term economic benefits to be gained from a move towards creating walkable areas, one of which is the commercial benefits Increases in foot traffic can create great opportunities for a wide range of service providers including shops, restaurants, stall holders, kiosks, to name but a few. Creating walkable cities tends to also mean the need for additional pavements

Environmental Benefits

and walkable areas close to properties and this is

Benefits Getting people to walk more and

known to help raise local property prices.

cycle more has undoubted benefits Reducing

the use of cars and creating walkable areas such as trails and pedestrian and cycle only zones, also means cleaner air through less pollution and reduced emissions.

Social Benefits Making locations connected via walkable paths Launched in 2004, the Complete Streets movement aims to better integrate people and place into the planning, design, and maintenance of transportation networks.

This Brookings Institute study found that, “More walkable places perform better economically.�

and areas in essence creates better connected communities benefiting local people and neighborhoods. Providing the opportunity also to

DESIGN FOR WALKABILITY: Seven Key Components The spatial components of walkable environments are simple and well understood.

2. Orient buildings to streets and open space.

1. Create fine-grained pedestrian circulation.

3. Organize uses to support public activity.

.

6. Build complete streets.

4. Place parking behind or below buildings.

7. Provide clear, continuous pedestrian access.

5. Address the human scale in buildings and landscape design

Walkability in Beirut connected into a walkable network (such as

Overview

Ramlet el-Beida, Jnah). Moving in a vehicle is also strongly associated with a higher social status, while walking is associated

Walking is the main form of efficient public

with lower class practices (Monroe 2011).

transport, but Beirut is one of the world's most

Some of the city's neighborhoods are more

unfriendly pedestrian towns. Sidewalks are either

accessible than others, such as Ras Beirut,

non-existent or broken, blocked, uncomfortably

where students, inhabitants, expats and

high or unpaved because cars and motorcycles are

tourists flock to the streets and areas where

parked. The situation is unsafe and unpleasant for

the urban fabric is close and street life is

capable persons, but the mobility of disabled

vibrant. (Mar Mikhail, Gemmayezeh, Tariq

persons, older persons and parents with children

al-Died, Zokak al-Blatt, Mar Elias).

is severely limited. The basic right to walk in one's town is simply not available to the people of Beirut. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of public parks and green spaces.

In terms of walkability, the accumulation of Beirut is less and less accessible. The neighborhoods of Municipal Beirut are much more accessible to pedestrians than the new hilly

Marmkhayel

suburbs designed for vehicles. Walking is not a preferred mode of transport even in the municipality of Beirut, as sidewalks and footpaths are not safe, not sheltered and not easily

.

jnah The municipality of Beirut has sponsored an

outdoors and in nature People negotiate their

urban study to develop soft mobility patterns in

movement in and around the city according to

Beirut (Liaison Douce), that has been completed

sectarian politics, social and religious norms

and the municipal council and governor have

and values, spatial characteristics as well as

been awaiting approval for implementation for

gender and class.

the last few years. Physical access is not the only factor that affects space mobility in Lebanon's cities. Sectarian politics and moral standards are also factors that influence the choices of young people to navigate the city, as we have demonstrated in our study of moral leisure facilities in Beirut and its southern section (Deeb and Harb 2013). Piety, gender and class, as well as life experiences and personal mood, all come together when they make their choice. Levels of sectarian political tension also factor into such decisions. However, the spatial features of the site itself can trump all these considerations: The public beach, the corniche, the park or the river all attract young people because of their environmental attributes, their openness and their alliance with the peace and quiet of being

Ain mriesseh

BEIRUT’S FIRST BARRIER-FREE WALKWAY In recent decades, architects, product designers, urban planners and disability activist groups have advocated the adoption of government policies to promote barrier - free environments in many countries. There is also increasing evidence that the non-motorized transport society has positive economic and health benefits, including walking. In 2010, two units at AUB, the Neighborhood Initiative and the Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service, joined forces to design the first barrier - free walkway on Jeanne d'Arc Street in Beirut, the main street in the neighborhood of the university. Jeanne d'Arc is similar to many congested streets in Beirut with a mix of land uses: retail, commercial, institutional and residential.

The AUB team organized several charts with the technical central points of the municipality of Beirut, local urban design experts and wheelchair users during the development of the design. Experts suggested simple innovations in Beirut that are not yet common, such as high junctions and tactile pavers for a portion of the street. Members of the Beirut Municipal Council challenged The AUB team to develop a design that assumed that cars, motorcycles and shops would block the walkway; our design made it difficult for them to do so.

AUB

Review Plan The Council also encouraged the AUB

WEST SIDE:

 Sidewalk is widened.

team to propose new ideas for Beirut in

 Removal of one parking lane.

future urban design guidelines. In the end,

 Creation of a 1.5m wide ‘safe passage’

a new street design was developed.

with special tiling to indicate that it

Included in specific recommendations:

should never be invaded upon.  Preventing parking of cars and motorcycles on sidewalk, by developing a sidewalk protection ‘system’ that combines bollards, benches, trees and light poles.  Installation of channels to facilitate removal of rainwater and prevent ponding.

EAST SIDE:

 Repaired sidewalk, width as is.

THROUGHT:

 Addition of improved energyefficient lighting.

 ‘Pockets’ that contain parking meters and other street furniture.

 Addition of mature jacaranda trees.

 Chosen spaces for business deliveries, taxis and parking for the physically disabled

JUNCTIONS:



Elevated junctions and flat crossings.

 Narrowed intersection to prevent barriers to walkway by diagonally parked cars.  Designated spaces on cross street for the parking of motorcycles and bicycles. .

 Addition of improved signage

Identify and Engage Stakeholders Public involvement is a fundamental part of the walkability evaluation process.

Stakeholders should be identified and engaged throughout the process.

Participants in the charge manner and workshop will vary, depending on the size

Other rules may wish to consider forming a committee consisting of stakeholders and volunteers who are (3) Citizen stakeholders including special-needs and interested in improving the walkability of a vulnerable populations, representatives of health and specific neighborhood or district. safety advocacy groups, bicycle and recreation enthusiasts, local school leaders, neighborhood civic In either case, additional outreach association leaders, citizen organization representatives, should be conducted to make sure and local business representatives. participants are diverse and represent Community interests.

Stakeholders should include

and composition of the authority and outreach effort.

Larger municipalities may already have a standing committee or planning commission that is working to improve a

(1) Professionals from the local government, public safety agencies, health organizations, metropolitan planning organizations and local media

community’s overall health and walkability.

(2) State and local elected/appointed officials including state legislators, council members, planning commission members, and committee representatives

The main task of working with decision makers responsible for the local environment in Beirut is the complicated and overlapping authorities between several public agencies, in particular the municipality of Beirut and the governorate of Beirut. The municipality decides on projects and the governorate acts as the executive agency; it can be difficult to secure approvals from both. In the case of the Jeanne d'Arc project, the removal of 32 legal parking spaces on the west side of the street became a sticking point with the Governor in the approval process.

(STUDIO)

So the responsibility falls on both the public and the government to work together in order to enhance this

d

 There is a responsibility towards the Municipality, Urban designers, Developers and residents.

Legal Responsibilities

Municipalities must provide codes and zoning within the rules and regulation to provide a more walkable place.

Responsibility towards the public and the client

many levels and not only the urban level. Residents by abiding by the laws and easing the work of the

Urban designers must as well take into consideration the importance of this aspect and that their design affects

ministries and municipalities in implementing these rules is very beneficial.

 The main obstacle to overcome is the restrictive and incorrect zoning codes currently in force in most municipalities. Current codes do not allow walkability to be implemented, but do allow sprawl. Adopting a system of 'smart codes' allows walkability easily without having to rewrite existing code  The most effective way to implement Walkability is to plan for it, and write it into zoning and development codes. This directs all future development into this form.

 Calls to action are meant to provide planners, public health professionals, and researchers with potential ways to help improve the implementation of walkability in the built environment. Once planners begin to carry out these recommendations in policy and practice, significant gains should be made in building an environment that truly promotes walking.

CONCLUSION With the change in the way that cities have grown over the century, our nation has been confronted with a number of problems. Heavy reliance on the automobile, local land use and zoning laws segregating uses, and changes in preferences for large lot, single-family detached housing has led to an increase in urban sprawl, environmental deterioration, further separation of race and income, and many public health problems. While there are many options available that can help

From a policy perspective, Beirut is at an interval in determining which model of urban development to follow

fight these trends, the city planning profession is

– Houston’s or London’s. The first is car-dependent, and characterized by congested freeways and suburban

now emphasizing the importance of designing

sprawl. The second discourages private car use in the city center through an overcrowding charge, rises urban

walkable communities to foster walking and

density through infill growth on underused urban sites, supports public transportation, and encourages non-

bicycling to destinations and create a sense of

motorized transport such as bicycles and walking. Unfortunately for Lebanon, the municipal and national

community among residents.

policy-makers’ current focus on the car, and specifically on creating more highways and more parking spaces, is short-sighted and unsustainable in the long run.

Overall, urban designers and others interested in walkability could be more conscious about definitions. What is most walkable differs by walking purposes--whether people are walking to get somewhere, engage in exercise, socialize, or enjoy the outdoors, or if walking is part of some other activity such as looking after children or engaging in paid work. Those designing walkable environments have different aims. Those aims— such as creating a setting that has the minimum features for walking (paths, close destinations) vs. sociability or exercise—may well need different kinds of places to achieve. Walkability debates can be enriched by understanding these multiple dimensions (Forsyth, What is a walkable place? The walkability debate, 2015)

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Acheson. (1988). World health organization.

WHO.

symonds, p. (n.d.). walkable cities. cardiff university.

Benfield, K. (Dec 2012). Techniques for Making Cities More Walkable. citylab.

Xuemei Zhu, C. L.-Y. (2014). Health Impacts of A Walkable Community. design research for active living.

Forsyth, A. (2015). What is a walkable place?

The walkability debate. harvard.

Forsyth, A. (2015). what is a walkable space.

Grant, B. (2013). Getting to Great Places. san Jose: APUR. kent, f. (n.d.). project for public spaces. travelway. lAdriana A. Zuniga-Terann, B. J. (2016).

Designing healthy communities: Testingthe walkability model. Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson.

Mabsout, C. M. (2014). Lessons from the Jeanne d’Arc Street case. AUB. Mag. phil. Gerlinde Grasser, M. (2014). Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology .

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