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Planerade stråk och spontana genvägar - Fallstudie i Lund

Nilsson, Lovisa LU (2025) ASBM05 20251
Department of Architecture and Built Environment
Abstract
Urban planning has historically prioritized car traffic, often at the expense of pedestrian safety and accessibility. This study aims to explore how pedestrian behavior and preferences can be integrated into the design of more walkable urban environments. The purpose of this work is to identify specific pedestrian behaviors, such as shortcuts, that should be included in the planning of urban areas where walking is prioritized, contributing to a safer and more inclusive city.

A qualitative case study was conducted in the residential area of Klosterbacken, Lund, to observe and analyze pedestrian movement patterns. Observations were carried out at different times and days to capture a comprehensive understanding of how pedestrians... (More)
Urban planning has historically prioritized car traffic, often at the expense of pedestrian safety and accessibility. This study aims to explore how pedestrian behavior and preferences can be integrated into the design of more walkable urban environments. The purpose of this work is to identify specific pedestrian behaviors, such as shortcuts, that should be included in the planning of urban areas where walking is prioritized, contributing to a safer and more inclusive city.

A qualitative case study was conducted in the residential area of Klosterbacken, Lund, to observe and analyze pedestrian movement patterns. Observations were carried out at different times and days to capture a comprehensive understanding of how pedestrians navigate the space, with particular attention to shortcuts known as “desire lines.” These observations were supplemented by interviews with residents at Klosterbacken to gain insights into their walking behaviors and experiences of the area. A literature review of research and theories on walkability and urban planning provided a theoretical framework for the analysis. The findings highlight that pedestrian behaviors are often unpredictable and influenced by both social and physical factors in the urban environment. Desire lines, which reflect people’s preferred routes, emerged as a key element for understanding pedestrian movement patterns. The study concludes that pedestrian needs and natural movement preferences should be integrated into urban planning to create safer, more accessible, and inviting walking environments. By prioritizing pedestrians and fostering human-centered design, cities can promote sustainable urban development that benefits both health and social cohesion. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Nilsson, Lovisa LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Planned routes and desire lines - Case study in Lund
course
ASBM05 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
gångbarhet, önskade vägar, genvägar, fotgängare, beteende, rörelsemönster, tillgänglighet för fotgängare walkability, desire lines, shortcuts, pedestrians, behavior, movement patterns, accessibility for pedestrians
language
Swedish
id
9207745
date added to LUP
2025-07-03 09:04:44
date last changed
2025-07-03 09:04:44
@misc{9207745,
  abstract     = {{Urban planning has historically prioritized car traffic, often at the expense of pedestrian safety and accessibility. This study aims to explore how pedestrian behavior and preferences can be integrated into the design of more walkable urban environments. The purpose of this work is to identify specific pedestrian behaviors, such as shortcuts, that should be included in the planning of urban areas where walking is prioritized, contributing to a safer and more inclusive city. 

A qualitative case study was conducted in the residential area of Klosterbacken, Lund, to observe and analyze pedestrian movement patterns. Observations were carried out at different times and days to capture a comprehensive understanding of how pedestrians navigate the space, with particular attention to shortcuts known as “desire lines.” These observations were supplemented by interviews with residents at Klosterbacken to gain insights into their walking behaviors and experiences of the area. A literature review of research and theories on walkability and urban planning provided a theoretical framework for the analysis. The findings highlight that pedestrian behaviors are often unpredictable and influenced by both social and physical factors in the urban environment. Desire lines, which reflect people’s preferred routes, emerged as a key element for understanding pedestrian movement patterns. The study concludes that pedestrian needs and natural movement preferences should be integrated into urban planning to create safer, more accessible, and inviting walking environments. By prioritizing pedestrians and fostering human-centered design, cities can promote sustainable urban development that benefits both health and social cohesion.}},
  author       = {{Nilsson, Lovisa}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Planerade stråk och spontana genvägar - Fallstudie i Lund}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}