Cold Climate Architecture and Enviroment

An Analysis of Obstacles to Walkable Urban Environments in Cold Highland Cities: A Comparative Examination of Tarbiat and Valiasr Pedestrian Walkways in Tabriz.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ahmad Aftab 1
Ali Majnouni-Toutakhane 2

1 Geography and urban planning, University of Urmia

2 Postdoctoral Researcher in Geography and Planning, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract
This research investigates the dynamics of walkable urban environments in cold-climate mountainous cities, with a focused case study on Tabriz, Iran, specifically examining the Tarbiat and Valiasr pedestrian corridors. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology, gathering primary data through structured questionnaires developed by the researchers. Advanced analytical techniques were employed, including Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and the Fuzzy TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making model. The findings reveal that walkability quality is significantly influenced by five distinct dimensions, in order of impact strength: social (β = 0.29), economic (β = 0.27), spatial-physical (β = 0.25), managerial (β = 0.21), and environmental (β = 0.18) components.

Furthermore, an obstacle prioritization analysis using the Fuzzy TOPSIS method identified four principal challenges hindering walkability in the studied areas. These are, in descending order of priority: the occupation of effective walkway width by street vendors (Fuzzy score: 0.8411), a decline in cultural and administrative activities (0.8108), a lack of spatial and visual diversity (0.7638), and difficulties in pedestrian movement and accessibility (0.7601). Based on these results, the study proposes the adoption of a Climate-Adaptive Walkability Framework for cold-climate cities. This framework emphasizes the critical need for integrated urban management, the intelligent formalization and spatial organization of street vending, and the design of multifunctional public spaces equipped with passive and active thermal comfort strategies, such as localized heating systems and weather-protective canopies.

Keywords

Walkability
Cold Climate
Tabriz
Urban Environmental Quality
Structural Equation Modeling
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