Republic of the Philippines

EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND ALLIED DISCIPLINE
Tacloban City

ARCH 523 – SPECIALIZATION 3

RESEARCH WORK No. 1

CHAPTER 15 - MOBILITY AND THE CITY: THE BROAD VIEW

Submitted By:

SHAIRA MAE N. GECERA

BSAR – 5A

Submitted To:

AR. HERVY G. CATILOGO, UAP, MSCM

INSTRUCTOR

APRIL 4, 2024
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 15: Mobility and the City: The Broad View...........................................................3

A. Higher Density and Mobility for Efficient Reach.........................................................3
Urban Mobility..................................................................................................................3
Population Density............................................................................................................3
Mixed Land Use................................................................................................................4
Sustainable Mobility.........................................................................................................5
Macro Land-Use Planning...............................................................................................6
B. Green Modes of Transit and Active Mobility...............................................................7
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................8
References.................................................................................................................................9
Chapter 15: Mobility and the City: The Broad View

Many of the trips taken by people and the mode of transit they use to reach them are
linked to the land uses decision and the location of amenities. The positioning of institutional,
commercial, and residential structures will have an impact on these excursions. On a larger
scale, it's important to consider where they should be located, cluster them, and develop
convenient modes of transportation such as walking, biking, or public transit. This chapter
addresses the fundamental principles of urban design.

A. Higher Density and Mobility for Efficient Reach

Urban Mobility

Urban mobility has been one of the most important and challenging issues in our
times. It is a catch-all term which means we are discussing the ease and speed with which
people, goods, and services can move around in urban areas. It refers to all aspects of
movement in urban settings. It can include modes of transport, such as walking, cycling, and
public transit, as well as the spatial arrangement of these modes in a built environment.
Urban mobility means transporting people and materials from one place to another.
Apart from that, it also means how people get around within urban areas easily and per their
requirements and activities, including dining out, shopping, work-related activities, travelling,
etc. However, it is essential to mention that urban mobility is also about how it influences the
quality of people's lives. The more people who can go around and move without using
automobiles or any motorized vehicles, the better the cities will be in terms of environment,
health, surroundings, and overall well-being.

Population Density

Density plays a pivotal role. Areas with efficient transit networks and higher-density
locations, such as city centers, are more conducive to adopting active transportation. When
people live closer to amenities, they are more likely to walk or cycle.
The population density of an urban area affects mobility patterns. Higher population
density often leads to increased travel demand and can result in congestion and slower travel
times. It can also influence the feasibility and effectiveness of different modes of
transportation.

Transportation Modes and Accessibility

The availability and accessibility of various transportation modes, such as public

transit systems (buses, trains, and subways), walking paths, cycling lanes, and carpooling
services, influence mobility choices. A well-integrated and diverse transportation network
provides people with more options and can reduce their reliance on private vehicles.
Active transportation is more likely to be adopted in areas with efficient transit
networks and higher-density areas, such as city centers. Density allows for a bigger volume
of people to be located near certain amenities and is in turn an aspect which motivates the
building of amenities as was the case in Ørestad, near Copenhagen, Denmark. It is
Copenhagen’s most recent expansion. Plans were developed in 1997 and building began in
2001. A linear-development plan was utilized, with focus placed on a central transport artery.
This main artery consists of a light rail system, bicycle lanes, and a motorway. The light rail
system has intentionally been raised above ground level. This prevents the system from
acting as a barrier to pedestrians and cyclists, while also firmly asserting its presence in the
community.

Fig. 1 A linear-development plan was utilized in Ørestad near Copenhagen, Denmark with focus
placed on a central public transport artery that consists of a light rail system and bicycle lanes

Mixed Land Use

Mixed land use is another important planning component which allows different
amenities to be clustered in a single location. Although planning to support transport
infrastructure may be challenging, there are strategies for such infrastructure to be
successfully developed, including investments guided by land-use management.
Mixed land use is a planning and development concept that involves integrating
various types of land uses within a single area or neighborhood. Rather than segregating
different functions (such as residential, commercial, and recreational) into separate zones,
mixed land use encourages a blend of activities.
Mixed land use areas typically include a mix of residential, commercial, industrial,
recreational, and institutional spaces. It promotes a dynamic and interconnected urban
environment, fostering community interaction and efficient resource utilization.

Sustainable Mobility

Sustainable mobility is a critical aspect of urban planning and transportation. It focuses on

creating transportation systems that are environmentally friendly, socially equitable, and
economically viable. Several overarching planning aspects of communities will affect
mobility. For example, locating amenities in a way which makes them accessible by means of
active transportation such as walking, cycling and public transport is very important if the
aim is to encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport. Amenities such as shops,
companies, and zones where economic activities are present should be served by urban
transport networks to provide good accessibility.
Fig. 2 Overarching planning considerations and strategies with effect on mobility in communities

Macro Land-Use Planning

A macro land-use planning is another important aspect to address in promoting sustainable

mobility that aim is to design for comfortable walking distances. Macro land-use planning is
a process of determining the most appropriate use of land at a broad scale, taking into
consideration various factors such as environmental, social, and economic considerations. It
involves long-term planning for the allocation of land for different purposes such as
residential areas, commercial zones, industrial sites, agricultural land, conservation areas, and
recreational spaces. It involves strategic decision-making at a broader level, considering large
geographic areas or entire regions. It focuses on shaping land use patterns, infrastructure
development, and resource allocation to produce long-term and efficient results.
For instance, placing schools at the center of communities may play an important role
in enhancing walking and biking among children. Locating services and commercial
amenities at the intersections of arterial roads which are in proximity to residential
developments is another good strategy to promote walkability. Furthermore, new public
transit networks should be designed while considering existing streets and paths in order to
build on what is already there.

Fig. 3 People will reach amenities by foot when they are located within a comfortable walking
distance from residences
B. Green Modes of Transit and Active Mobility

For development to be sustainable, planners must prioritize the needs of pedestrians

over vehicles. This can be achieved by investing in active mobility, increasing its public
appeal and minimizing car-centric infrastructure. Active mobility is when an individual uses
their own power to travel; this can include walking, running, biking, skateboarding, roller
blading, and using a wheelchair.
Active mobility benefits individual and public health, the environment, and the
economy. Transition to active mobility and public transportation can only occur if sustainable
transport choices become more attractive, convenient, and affordable than private vehicular
transport. There are existing strategies that demonstrate how mobility, livability, and
sustainability can be achieved and promoted. Among them include multiway boulevards and
greenways connected to active mobility networks. Planners should design transit systems to
be sustainable in every way possible, using renewable energy sources, green technologies and
low impact development.
A case in point is the community of Bois-Franc in Montréal, Canada, that was
designed to promote an active lifestyle and utilize outdoor space. The community is lined
with an extensive network of sidewalks and bike paths. This increases safety for pedestrians
and bicyclists on the streets and demonstrates the developer’s commitment to active modes of
transportation. The cycling paths, running through streets and natural settings alike, serve
well for both com muting and leisure purposes.

Fig. 4 Bois-Franc, near Montreal, Quebec, Canada was designed to promote an active lifestyle and
utilize outdoor space by including many pedestrian bike paths

Optimizing the relationship between land-use and mobility planning is important for
successful active transportation. Transportation planning needs to integrate land-use policies
that affects the built environment where daily transportation choices are made. For example,
roads can be redesigned to allocate more space for pedestrian walkways and bike paths,
narrowing the space for vehicles, therefore encouraging active mobility.
 Development of affordable and sustainable public transport solutions, rather than
costly ones such as tram and metro systems, should be prioritized. For example, bus rapid
transit (BRT) achieves this through the provision of dedicated lanes, with busways and iconic
stations typically aligned to the center of the road, off-board fare collection, and fast and
frequent operations. BRT systems offer efficient and affordable access to public
transportation while making use of existing infrastructure, and therefore offer a sustainable
alternative to building new tram or metro systems.

Fig. 5 Accommodating cyclists, having safe bike lanes and pedestrian paths are vital if people are to
choose to engage in active mobility

Conclusion

Albeit planning for green modes of transit and active mobility can be challenging, it
does also present many development opportunities as well as economic incentives. Such
planning should give priority to active mobility rather than private vehicles. Factors such as
land use and zoning should be considered to promote neighborhood sustainability.
Connecting neighborhoods and services with a reliable active mobility network and public
transit network will greatly benefit the community by decreasing the collective carbon
footprint and promoting healthy lifestyles.
References

 Boname P, Zhu J, Matheson C (2009) Efficient cities: the interrelationship between

effective rapid transit systems and the optimal utilization of land use entitlements.
https://cwf.ca/wp-content/
uploads/2015/11/CWF_GoingForGold5_EfficientCities_MAR2009.pdf. Accessed 18
May 2020

 Cervero R (2009) Transport infrastructure and global competitiveness: balancing

mobility and livability. Ann Am Acad 626:210–224

 Commission of the European Committees (2007) Green paper: towards a new culture
for urban mobility. European Union, Brussels

 European Heart Network (2008) European Heart Network response to the European
Commission on the “Green Paper Towards a new culture for urban mobility”.
http://www.ehnheart.org/publications-and-papers/responses-to-consultations.html?
start=20. Accessed 18 May 2020

 Government of Canada (2014) Active transportation.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/being-active/active-
transportation.html. Accessed 22 April 2020

 Institute for Transport and Development Policy (ITDP) (n.d.) What is BRT?
https://www.itdp.org/
library/standards-and-guides/the-bus-rapid-transit-standard/what-is-brt/. Accessed 22
April 2020