Urban densities for walkability in Granada
Urban densities for walkability
Urban densities for walkability refer to the spatial conditions and urban functions that enable daily walking.
Granada has heterogeneous levels of walkability throughout its urban fabric. The 42% of the urban nucleus presents high values. The distribution of values follows a center-periphery pattern. The west side of the city, from Beiro to Zaidín, is the area with the highest densities.
The presence of mountainous areas and mono-functional areas such as the Alhambra and the Cartuja University campus explain why densities are lower in the eastern third of the city.
What do urban densities depend on for walkability?
Urban densities for walkability integrate residential and commercial density, walkable intersections and the diversity of uses of the built environment.
Residential density
Residential density in Granada is heterogeneous and presents a polycentric spatial distribution. Values are high in 24% of the municipality. The southern and western neighborhoods, such as Zaidín and Camino de Ronda, have a very high residential density. North of the city there are also several nodes of high residential density. The areas of lowest residential density coincide with the industrial and mountainous areas of the periphery.
Commercial density
The streets of the historic center of Granada and the Zaidín neighborhood are home to a large number of commercial activities. Although to a lesser extent and with a more dispersed distribution, commerce is also present in other parts of the city. The northeastern university area and the southeastern neighborhoods have a reduced density of commercial establishments.
Intersections
The number and distribution of walkable road intersections (sidewalks, pedestrian zones, parks and pedestrian crossings) in the city of Granada is heterogeneous and does not respond to center-periphery patterns. All neighborhoods in the main urban continuum have high density intersection nodes. Values are high in 40% of the city.
Diversity of uses
The diversity of uses in Granada follows a center-periphery pattern. The urban core combines residential, commercial, institutional, office and leisure uses. The center of the city is distinguished by its great diversity, which diminishes in the suburbs. The most diverse areas represent 13% of the city.
Location map
