The influence of spatial affordances of urban design on pedestrian behaviour in public spaces: A food market in Lund, Sweden

Abstract

Every year, the main public space in Lund, Sweden, hosts the International Food Market. It attracts pedestrians from near and far who come to enjoy the food and street life; the design features of the space play a significant role in that. This study focuses on how pedestrians interact with the physical aspects of the public spaces during this event. To identify key urban design features that this space affords, two methods are used: observation and photography, to capture movement patterns and social behaviour. The study shows how specific design features influence spatial affordances that enable social interaction within public space. In addition, this study highlights the importance of integrating urban design and pedestrian behavior by offering conceptual tools that provide urban designers with a deeper understanding of users' needs.