Effects of Gehl’s urban design guidelines on walkability: A virtual reality experiment in Singaporean public housing estates

Walkability has become an important theme of urban design research and practice. Evidence suggests that environmental attractiveness can have a significant impact on the amount walking activities take place, but relatively little exists which features linked to increase walkability. Using virtual reality experiment, present study examined effects walkability three key features, as defined by Jan Gehl, influential planning practitioner theorist: liveliness, high-quality façades low buildings. A simulation allowed isolating these while avoiding confounding factors, such presence shops, been difficult do in past field studies. Our confirmed combination recommended Gehl promoted activity study’s context. Further exploratory analyses suggested improved façade quality was positively activity, building height liveliness had negligible effects. findings contribute existing understanding walkability, may benefit practice models is necessary confirm our results regarding specific different contexts.