Exploring the effect of walking patterns on pathway design in landscape architecture using gait analysis
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of pathway design on human walking patterns using advanced gait analysis techniques to inform landscape architecture. By analyzing key gait parameters such as stride length, cadence, walking speed, step width, and foot placement angles, this research seeks to identify how various pathway features—such as surface material, slope, curvature, and width—influence walking behaviour. Data is collected through motion capture systems and wearable sensors from diverse participants, including individuals of different ages and physical abilities. Statistical methods, including Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), are applied to determine significant differences in walking patterns across pathway types, while ML techniques, such as k-means clustering, classify participants based on their walking strategies. The results offer data-driven insights into how different pathway designs affect walking efficiency and comfort. For example, pathways with a slope of 10% reduced WS by 14% compared to flat pathways, while surfaces like gravel increased Foot Placement Angles by 18% compared to concrete, impacting stability. The study provides practical recommendations for creating pathways that support natural human movement, such as ensuring step width and stride length remain consistent across varied surface types by designing smooth transitions between different materials. The study emphasizes the importance of designing inclusive, accessible pathways that accommodate the needs of diverse user groups. For instance, individuals with mobility challenges exhibited a 12% increase in step width on sloped surfaces, suggesting that gentler inclines and smoother textures are essential for accessibility. The findings contribute to LA by offering evidence-based guidelines that optimize pathways’ functionality and user experience in outdoor environments. These guidelines include maintaining a pathway slope below 5% for universal accessibility and using surface materials like concrete or permeable pavers that balance durability and comfort, promoting sustainability and user-centred design.
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