Study 1 - Individual - The purpose was to determine whether a 12-week behavioural risk reduction intervention caused self-reported MVPA to increase and to identify associated Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs. Three hundred twenty-four physically inactive (<150 minutes/week moderate-vigorous PA) participants were included. Intervention participants were significantly more likely to meet PA guidelines at 12-weeks (OR=3.54, 95% CI 2.22-5.63, p<.001), which was significantly correlated with increases in TPB constructs. // Study 2 - Family - Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 participants to elicit perceptions of factors that influence PA. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, coded and analyzed. Spouses were more likely to engage in PA with their spouse after the CHD event; however this may be limited by their partners’ capabilities. The data suggests awareness of an increased susceptibility to CHD is not stimulating participants to increase their own PA to prevent future risk, particularly among offspring, but they may take other actions. The shared family environment can promote PA, although intensity may be limited. // Study 3 - Neighbourhood - Self-reported PA from a prospective behavioural risk reduction intervention was explored in the context of objectively measured Walk Scores and neighbourhood walkability in Ottawa, Canada. Participants in the intervention arm had significantly higher odds of meeting PA guidelines at 12-weeks compared to the standard care control group. This was not influenced by Walk Scores or walkability. This individual-level intervention was effective in assisting participants to overcome potential structural barriers presented by their neighbourhood to meet PA guidelines at 12-weeks.

La banlieue présente plusieurs défis pour la marche en raison notamment de la ségrégation des fonctions qui la caractérise et de la distance qui les sépare. L’échelle y est pensée pour la voiture. On constate pourtant que plusieurs aînés vivant dans les banlieues marchent, ils le font toutefois surtout pour des motifs différents, dont les loisirs. Devant l’importance de la marche chez les personnes âgées pour des raisons de santé et d’inclusion, mais aussi devant les limites rencontrées par les municipalités de banlieue souhaitant améliorer la qualité de leurs environnements de marche, notre étude s’est intéressée au développement d’une stratégie d’intervention qui soit accessible pour les administrations municipales en matière de faisabilité, et permettant une amélioration réelle, rapide et évolutive des environnements de marche pour les personnes âgées. La recherche poursuit deux objectifs complémentaires. Un premier consiste à élaborer une stratégie d’intervention visant à améliorer la qualité des environnements de marche des banlieues pour les personnes âgées. Un second consiste à tester cette stratégie dans le cadre d’une étude de cas portant sur le secteur Pont-Viau-Laval-des-Rapides à Laval en banlieue de Montréal. Sur le plan méthodologique, le mémoire se décline en deux parties. Une première partie déductive propose, sur la base de la documentation scientifique récente, une approche d’intervention qui se veut adaptée à la banlieue. Une seconde partie, plus exploratoire, combine entrevues semi-dirigées, parcours commentés et groupes de discussion pour tester et apporter les modifications nécessaires à la stratégie développée en première partie. Dans une perspective d’intervention sur la banlieue les résultats suggèrent d’éliminer prioritairement les obstacles à la marche à l’échelle du quartier que représentent par exemple certains viaducs ou la faible qualité des infrastructures piétonnes de plusieurs intersections des artères commerciales suburbaines. La recherche permet de conclure de l’importance des critères associés au plaisir de marcher et à l’ambiance de marche dans l’appréciation des environnements de marche par les personnes âgées. On observe également la pertinence d’impliquer les personnes âgées en amont du processus d’intervention. / Enhancing walkability of public space for the elderly living in suburban areas often means intervening in environments that are of low density, where functions are highly segregated and where walking infrastructures are lacking in quality or simply don’t exist. While many studies have done the demonstration that high density, mix land use, and walking facilities tend to support the decision to walk among all ages, how can suburban public administrations plan fruitful interventions to support walking among the elderly? Based on available documentation, this study identifies the most relevant criteria to locate and shape interventions meant to enhance walkability of public spaces for the elderly living in existing suburbs. Based on these criteria, the study then proposes interventions for the specific suburban neighborhood of Cartier in Laval, Quebec, Canada. This second phase of the study involves mixed methods with semi-directed interviews, walking interviews and participatory workshops to validate and bring precision to the process and criteria identified in the previous stage of study. To enhance the walkability of public space for elderly living in suburban areas, the results of this study suggest that urban intervention should at first focus on removing obstacles to walking. They also suggest that accessibility to leisure destinations as well as attractiveness of the path are part of the most relevant criteria to consider. According to those findings, interventions planned to enhance walkability of suburbs towards the elderly should take into primary account preferences related to leisure and path attractiveness. In line with the results of several recent studies on the subject, the study also concludes to the importance of involving older people in intervention processes to increase the walkability of the suburbs.

Stockholm is an archipelago of islands connected by water that historically has been an important resource for the city and for the industries, which found an easy access for ships and therefore they settled on strategic positions along the edges. This thesis investigates the topics of water, industrial heritage and edges in the city of Stockholm: these aspects are strong in their individual identity but they also interact in a powerful and interesting way. This work intervenes where this pattern is still visible -due to the presence of water and industries- but not accessible because it lacks the third element of connection with the city. The aim is therefore to investigate strategies that increase and reconnect the potential of these aspects that got disconnected through time. To obtain accessibility and usability, the edge was transformed and redefined to enhance the experience of walking along it. An analysis was carried out and a proposal was designed for the site of Lövholmen, which has these characteristics -the water, a strong industrial heritage and proximity to the city- that are now disconnected. The opening of the edge and possibilities of walking will transform and reconnect the site - and the richness in it- with the city of Stockholm.

Recreational amenities present great value for the community. Their existence provides an improved quality of life, offers a connection with the natural surroundings, and facilitates a healthy lifestyle. While communities continue to create and operate recreational facilities/areas, the presence of such facilities may have indirect effects on the general population. Specifically, this thesis will compare the presence of recreational amenities in metropolitan statistical areas that contain universities which are a part of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and metropolitan statistical areas with similar populations and geographic characteristics that don’t contain an AAU-member institution.

Walking is one of the fundamental human activities, which extends beyond mere transportation mode and is embedded leisure and social practice, that intertwines physical movement, sensory experience, and interaction with physical and social environments. Given its multiple health and environmental benefits, promoting walking and pedestrianisation became a priority on the global agenda to meet health, climate, and broader sustainability objectives. Considering the complexity of human behaviour, understanding more than physical factors that influence walkability has become increasingly important. This study explores pedestrian perceptions of walkability in the public space of a historical neighbourhood in Batumi, Georgia. By employing qualitative research design, the study delves into perceptual and symbolic factors that influence walking behaviours in historically and culturally reach area. The study is based on one-hour walk-along interviews with nine participants and interviews with two business proprietors, supplemented by detailed observation and strategic document analysis. Study findings reveal that a sense of place, relaxation, aesthetic pleasure, and social interactions are critical perceived factors that motivate pedestrians to walk in the Old Batumi neighbourhood. Emotional attachment to place, shared values and beliefs (place identity), and physical and functional attachment to the area emerged as significant elements drawing people to walk despite the present car-oriented development and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure and comfort. Tranquil ambiance, old-style architecture, and scenic views enhance the walking experience for those seeking relaxation. In contrast, others are drawn to the area for active socialization as a form of relaxation. Additionally, the research uncovered that symbolic factors, such as open access and multiculturalism, walking as a performative act to claim the space, and cultural affinity play a crucial role in shaping pedestrian preferences. These factors enable individuals to reclaim cultural identity and protect historical heritage through their walking practices. They emerged as distinct for the particular geographic, political, and cultural context, reflecting the ongoing developments related to neoliberal transitions. Besides contributing to the theoretical walkability literature, the findings of the study suggest practical implications for ongoing pedestrianisation initiative in Batumi. It suggests that efforts should prioritise enhancing the sense of place and protecting historical and cultural elements. Recommendations include suggestions on priority streets with high pedestrianisation potential, considering features and factors positively influencing walking practices. Additionally, the study suggests that improving pedestrian infrastructure and access, maintaining the aesthetic and cultural integrity of public spaces, updating and enforcing existing regulations, and introducing integrated and participatory planning are essential. These measures are important to support and preserve the identified values of belonging, multiculturalism, and socialization.

Older Australians walk for many reasons: health, recreation and transport. However, road safety statistics show that pedestrians over 65 represent one-third of Australia's pedestrian deaths. As Australia's population ages in place and older people take up a walking regime for health and transportation reasons, they need a supportive suburban setting. Urban design theories discuss such "pedestrian-friendly" concepts as sense of place, sense of community, responsive environments, traditional neighbourhood design, transit-oriented development, and crime prevention through environmental design. To investigate these concepts in relation to older pedestrians, this study brings together two areas of literature - research into older pedestrians in relation to urban design theories. Qualitative research methods were used in two case studies, to reveal how older people's interpretation of their local walking environment relates to urban design theories concerning walkable suburbs. The two Brisbane suburbs of Bulimba and Forest Lake were chosen for study, as they have different histories, topographies, street patterns, and other variations. Analysis of key themes gathered from two focus group discussions, one from each suburb, revealed the significance for participants of social interaction when walking for health. A photographic exercise performed by the Forest Lake focus group provided pictorial information for analysis, and revealed participants' interest in the lake's fauna and flora, and in its ongoing maintenance. The study was limited by an unforeseen failure to obtain the cooperation of the Bulimba group in the photographic exercise. In support of the claims made in the literature review, it seems that when older pedestrians walk through suburban streets, they avoid steep hills, busy roads, and intersections where possible, and require footpaths with even surfaces and shelters. When walking for health reasons, participants in this study did not favour local streets, but preferred "natural" places designed exclusively for walkers. Forest Lake participants stated a preference for driving to places they deemed suitable for walking, which suggests a need for more detailed design attention to the urban design qualities of local streets, so that those older people without cars are not disadvantaged.

The 15-minute city is an ideal that has taken hold in many places around the world. The new urban planning concept is increasingly being discussed and implemented. Rome is one of the cities where the concept has gained a strong foothold. In spring 2023, an urban development project called 15 municipalities, 15 projects for the city in 15 minutes was launched in Rome. The project aims to decentralize the city centre to even out the unevenly distributed resources in the city to reduce car use. The concept aims to create self-sufficient neighborhoods where residents' destinations can be reached within short walking and cycling distances. Our bachelor thesis examines the implementation of the 15-minute city in the Villaggio Olimpico district of Rome. The aim of the work is to examine the strategies used by officials to promote the values referred to in the concept and the challenges faced by the Villaggio Olimpico urban development project. The area's modernist and dysfunctional built environment will be transformed in order to enhance and ensure the quality of life of its citizens. The project includes measures to promote transport efficiency and the activation of dilapidated public activity spaces to bring more life and activity to the area. For the implementation of the study, empirical data has been collected through document, interview and field studies. The theoretical framework consists of urban critic Jane Jacobs, urban planning icon Jan Gehl, architect Robert Lavelid and urban planning researcher Moa Tunström and their theories on what is required for successful planning for sustainable cities. The results of the study show that the concept is used as a strategic tool to counteract the car and the transport habits of the population to promote walking, cycling and public transport. Villaggio Olimpico plans to apply the values of the 15-minute city by activating and restoring degraded green and public spaces to create an attractive urban environment, as well as infrastructure investments that promote green transport choices.

Our world is creeping closer to the challenges and problems created by technology and urban planning in the last century. People put faith in new technology and a comfortable lifestyle, which has led to many different social problems. The consequences of this have led to sustainability being a hot topic in today’s society, where the environment is in focus. However, sustainability is more than just the environment. Sustainability also aims to improve social activities in our society and bring life and movement to our streets. Streets are a cornerstone of our society, where people move, meet, and create life. As the simplest form of stage for people to perform social activities, the street should be accessible to everyone. During the 20th century, planning ideals and the car changed the way the city's spaces were designed. The car took up more and more space and the street's functionality were limited, which planning still tries to counteract today.  This study aims to increase the understanding of how external retail areas affect pedestrian and cyclist movements in the area. External retail areas are car-centric with large parking areas. With new knowledge, the study aims to contribute to a better understanding of how they can be improved to better suit pedestrians and cyclists. At the same time, the study will investigate how analysis tools for the streets of the future can be used in an area with a different type of street structure.  Through the literature review, the study gained a foundation to build on during the analysis. The previous research helped to shed light on key factors that were relevant to the purpose and goals of the study.  For the analysis, the design guide for Smart Streets was used as an analytic tool. The site was analysed both by measuring the physical environment on site and through base maps and aerial photos. The measurement of the physical environment helped to map the functions of the street spaces. Furthermore, observations were made as part of the analysis, where movements and activities were mapped. / Vår värld kryper närmare de utmaningar och problem som tekniken och planeringen skapade under förra seklet. Människans tilltro till den nya tekniken och bekvämlighet har lett till många olika samhällsproblem. Konsekvenserna av detta har lett till att hållbarhet är ett hett samtalsämne där miljön står i fokus. Hållbarhet är dock så mycket mer än bara miljö. Hållbarhet ämnar även att förbättra sociala aktiviteter i vårt samhälle och ge liv och rörelse till våra gator. Gatorna är en grundsten i vårt samhälle, där människor rör sig, möts, och skapar liv. Som den enklaste form av scen för människor att utföra sociala aktiviteter bör gatan därför vara tillgänglig för alla. Under 1900-talet förändrade planeringsideal och bilen hur stadens rum utformades. Bilen tog alltmer plats och gatans funktionalitet begränsades, vilket planeringen än idag arbetar för att motverka. Denna studie syftar till att öka förståelsen för hur externa handelsområden påverkar fotgängare och cyklisters rörelser i området. Externa handelsområden är bilcentrerade med stora parkeringsytor. Med ny kunskap ämnar studien att bidra till en bättre förståelse för hur de kan förbättras för fotgängare och cyklister. Samtidigt kommer studien att undersöka hur analysverktyg för framtidens gator kan användas i ett område med en annan typ av gatustruktur. Genom litteraturstudien fick studien en grund att bygga vidare på under analysen. Den tidigare forskningen bidrog till att belysa viktiga faktorer som var relevanta för studiens syfte och mål. Till analysen användes designguiden för Smarta gator som verktyg. Platsen analyserades både genom att mäta den fysiska miljön på plats och genom grundkarta och flygfoton. Mätningen av den fysiska miljön hjälpte till med att kartlägga gaturummens funktioner. Vidare utfördes observationer som en del av analysen, där rörelser och aktiviteter kartlades.

The object of this Thesis is an area adjacent to European heritage site of Dolni Vitkovice, in the city of Ostrava, Moravian-Silesian Region. This work focuses on making the area more accessible by all means of transportation, overcoming natural and man-made barriers as well as exploring the possibility of dense development on the site while maintaining its industrial identity. All that in context of otherwise slowly shrinking post-industrial city with aging and declining urban population.

GAYME is a transmedia story-telling world that I have created to conceptually explore the dynamics of queering game design through the development of varying game prototypes. The final iteration of GAYME is @deadquarewalking'. It is a documentary game and a performance art installation that documents a carless, gay/queer/quare man's journey on Halloween to get to and from one of Orlando's most well-known gay clubs - the Parliament House Resort. "The art of cruising" city streets to seek out queer/quare companionship particularly amongst gay, male culture(s) is well-documented in densely, populated cities like New York, San Francisco and London, but not so much in car-centric, urban environments like Orlando that are less oriented towards pedestrians. Cruising has been and continues to be risky even in pedestrian-friendly cities but in Orlando cruising takes on a whole other dimension of danger. In 2011-2012, The Advocate magazine named Orlando one of the gayest cities in America (Breen, 2012). Transportation for America (2011) also named the Orlando metropolitan region the most dangerous city in the country for pedestrians. Living in Orlando without a car can be deadly as well as a significant barrier to connecting with other people, especially queer/quare people, because of Orlando's car-centric design. In Orlando, cars are sexy. At the same time, the increasing prevalence in gay, male culture(s) of geo-social, mobile phone applications using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and location aware services, such as Grindr (Grindr, LLC., 2009) and even FourSquare (Crowley and Selvadurai, 2009) and Instagram (Systrom and Krieger, 2010), is shifting the way gay/queer/quare Orlandoans co-create social and sexual networks both online and offline. Urban and sub-urban landscapes have transformed into hybrid "techno-scapes" overlaying "the electronic, the emotional and the social with the geographic and the physical" (Hjorth, 2011). With or without a car, gay men can still geo-socially cruise Orlando's car-centric, street life with mobile devices. As such emerging media has become more pervasive, it has created new opportunities to quarely visualize Orlando's "technoscape" through phone photography and hashtag metadata while also blurring lines between the artist and the curator, the player and the game designer. This project particularly has evolved to employ game design as an exhibition tool for the visualization of geo-social photography through hashtag play. Using hashtags as a game mechanic generates metadata that potentially identifies patterns of play and "ways of seeing" across player experiences as they attempt to make meaning of the images they encounter in the game. @deadquarewalking also demonstrates the potential of game design and geo-social, photo-sharing applications to illuminate new ways of documenting and witnessing the urban landscapes that we both collectively and uniquely inhabit. 'In Irish culture, "quare" can mean "very" or "extremely" or it can be a spelling of the rural or Southern pronunciation of the word "queer." Living in the American Southeast, I personally relate more to the term "quare" versus "queer." Cultural theorist E. Patrick Johnson (2001) also argues for "quareness" as a way to question the subjective bias of whiteness in queer studies that risks discounting the lived experiences and material realities of people of color. Though I do not identify as a person of color and would be categorized as white or European American, "quareness" has an important critical application for considering how Orlando's urban design is intersectionally racialized, gendered and classed.