Sustainable walkway design in hot climate; case study of abu dhabi corniche, uae

—Walking is a basic human activity that has frequently been overlooked in the quest to build sophisticated transportation systems. However, people prefer to live in places that are welcoming, safe, and livable communities where they can walk, bicycle, recreate, and socialize. In sustainable urban design approach, walkability is one of the important concepts to measure how friendly an urban development is for pedestrians. Walking and walkability have much health, environmental, and economic benefits. Creating a pedestrian environment involves more than laying down a walkway or installing a signal. Facilities should be accessible to all pedestrians, including those with disabilities. In this context, the paper aims to investigate sustainable walkway design principles as an effective tool in sustainable urban development. Abu Dhabi Corniche walkway has been analyzed as a case study to draw a livable model design of walkways in hot climate. To achieve the aim of the study, sustainable walkway design process, design principles and design elements are investigated. Research methods, including literature review, data collection and analysis of Abu Dhabi Corniche walkway are covered. The study concludes a direction for possible improvement to Abu Dhabi Corniche and similar walkways in hot climate.