Campus Walkability in Malaysian Public Universities: A Case-Study of Universiti Malaya

Abstract

Universities are important innovation hubs for sustainable development. As universities worldwide are striving to provide conducive living and learning environments for their students and staff, the mobility of campus users is one of the challenges that have to be overcome immediately. In order to understand the issues of campus mobility, this study was conducted to evaluate a component of mobility, i.e. its walkability features and potential. The location of this study was in Universiti Malaya. We divided the study in two stages: 1. Students' surveys to find out their perceptions on the features, potential and policy on walkability. 2. Direct observations and measurements of the existing walkability conditions (vehicular and pedestrian circulation and the street elements that constitute a walkable environment). The main findings were as follows: Most students perceived the overall walkability environment at UM did not give them a positive walking experience on campus. Street elements that are user-friendly were found to be lacking although there existed some positive ones, e.g. traffic calming devices especially at pedestrian crossing area. Although this is a case study of UM, we feel that the issues are of general interest to other university campuses, especially those located in major cities and having the same organizational structure. We would therefore recommend university management to conduct periodical campus walkability evaluation and to take the user's perceptions seriously so as to provide better adaptation solutions to their campus sustainability projects.

Analytical Study of University Campuses’ Walkability using Space Syntax Analysis: University of Duhok (UoD) as a Case Study

“…It's not only important for reducing congestion, cleaner environment, social and recreational value rather it promotes health physically and mentally (Southworth, 2005). People's behavior can be shaped when architects, urban designers, and planners worked smartly on the design of the built environment (Keat, Yaacob, & Hashim, 2016). Walking path should be friendly, safe, secure, coherence, and attractive, Pedestrian safety is related to the relationship between pedestrian and built environment around (Fruin, 1992).…”

Comfort Character of Landscape Features of Traditional Streets in Amman, Jordan

“…The width of the sidewalk meets the dimension Saja Jamil Alamoush, Nor Haslina Ja'afar, Elina Mohd Husini, & Wan Norisma Wan Ismail Comfort Character of Landscape Features of Traditional Streets in Amman, Jordan suggested by many parties. For instance, Keat, Yaacob and Hashim (2016) suggest that sidewalk width should be between 1.8m to 3m. Meanwhile, Brezina, Graser and Leth suggest that it should not be less than 1.5m.…”

Volume 16 : 2018

“…The width of the sidewalk meets the dimension suggested by many parties. For instance, Keat, Yaacob and Hashim (2016) suggest that sidewalk width should be between 1.8m to 3m. Meanwhile, Brezina, Graser and Leth suggest that it should not be less than 1.5m.…”