Dynamic analysis of a pedestrian network: The impact of solar radiation exposure on diverse user experiences

The walking experience is impacted by solar radiation exposure of pedestrian paths; this is a critical consideration for walkability assessment. The presented systematic methodology evaluates the impact of solar radiation on the user experience of pedestrian networks. Simulations were performed modelling the urban morphology in 3D and evaluating the shading provision of sidewalks at key times of the year. Three issues were investigated: the variability in solar radiation exposure of sidewalks, the difference in path length if discomfort resulting from exposure to solar radiation was prioritised over distance, and the access to shading for pedestrians of diverse walking abilities. Four user profiles were characterised by walking speed and ability to climb the stairs; adopting the perspective of diverse users provided critical information to design cities meeting the needs of vulnerable pedestrians. The resulting maps illustrated the dynamic nature of solar radiation exposure of the pedestrian network, with a critical cue on the paths chosen for optimising comfort, and the time that pedestrians would spend in the sun before finding shade. This work is a first step forward in the systematic implementation of microclimatic analysis in the walkability assessment, aimed at supporting designers in proposing solutions for ameliorating thermal stress.