An Analytical Framework for Evaluating Workplace Walkability in Business Districts

Purpose: This study presents an analytical framework for evaluating workplace walkability in business districts from two functional perspectives: commuting and restoration. By distinguishing commute-related walking from restorative walking and translating their environmental requirements into measurable indicators, the study seeks to provide a framework for systematically assessing walking environments around workplaces and comparing offices on a common basis. Method: Everyday walking among office workers was classified into commute-related walking and restorative walking, and two corresponding indicator sets were defined. Commute walkability indicators correspond to the mobility and accessibility dimension, whereas restorative walkability indicators correspond to everyday destination and restorative environment dimensions. Using road and sidewalk data, network-based walkable service areas were constructed around each office, and spatial data within these areas were used to compute standardized walkability indices. Result: The proposed framework generated standardized commute and restorative walkability indices and enabled systematic comparison of workplaces within business districts. Application to a central business district (CBD) demonstrated that the proposed analytic framework can capture variation in workplace walkability across offices, indicating that the framework can be used to diagnose commute and restoration-related weaknesses in workplace walking environments and to identify offices where walking environment improvements should be prioritized.