Urban densities for walkability in Palma
Urban densities for walkability
Urban densities for walkability refer to the spatial conditions and urban functions that facilitate daily walking.
In Palma, high walkability densities are present in 24% of the urban fabric. These densities follow a center-periphery model. The characteristics of the historic center and its surrounding neighborhoods encourage walking. Industrial areas, Cerro de Bellver, and the city’s waterways (Torrent Sa Riera and Torrent de Bàrbara) do not meet the necessary conditions to promote daily walking.
What do urban densities depend on for walkability?
Urban densities for walkability integrate residential and commercial density, walkable intersections, and the diversity of built environment uses.
Residential density
Palma’s residential density is high in 12% of the city. The highest values are found in the urban center and in the peripheral neighborhoods of S’Arenal, Coll d’en Rabassa, El Molinar, and Sant Agustí. Residential density is low in the periphery.
Commercial density
Palma’s commercial density is high in 8% of the city. The central areas of Palma and the coastal zone have a high concentration of street-level businesses. However, small nodes of high commercial density can also be found in the periphery.
Intersections
The number of walkable roadway intersections (sidewalks, pedestrian areas, parks, and crosswalks) in Palma is heterogeneous. Their distribution follows a center-periphery pattern, with high intersection densities in the historic center. Neighborhoods within the main urban continuum also feature nodes of high intersection density. High values are found in 11% of the city.
Diversity of uses
Palma is a diverse city in terms of land use.
The historic center has a great mix of uses, combining residential, commercial, institutional, office and leisure spaces. The diversity of uses is high in 12% of the urban area.
The coastal population enclaves and peripheral neighborhoods such as Son Ferragut, Sa Vileta, Es Rafal, and Es Vivero also have diversity nodes.
Location map
