Procedure for the integrated analysis of urban and population densification and sidewalk availability in the vicinity of mass transit stations

Abstract

The objective of this article is to compare the evolution of building and population density and sidewalk availability in an urban densification incentive area in São Paulo between 2010 and 2020. The study addresses a gap in the literature concerning the coordination between vertical and population growth and the adequacy of pedestrian infrastructure in areas of intense densification. Multidimensional urban metrics were used, based on morphology, land use, and sidewalk infrastructure, with property tax (IPTU) and Census data employed to examine urban changes. As the proposed method is applicable to similar urban contexts, it was adapted with georeferenced data and field visits. The results indicate that, despite the significant increase in vertical construction, population growth was disproportionate, and sidewalk infrastructure did not keep pace with the increase in building density, revealing deficiencies in promoting adequate walkability. The study highlights the need for policies that align densification with improvements in pedestrian infrastructure, ensuring more inclusive and accessible urban environments.

Keywords
Urban density; Urban morphology; Walkability; Verticalization; Pedestrians