Neighborhood Mobility Hubs: A Framework for Walkable Streets

Abstract

Urban street design has to consider many walkable factors that differ among various environments. Walking outside in extreme temperatures can be unpleasant and discourage micro-mobility options (walking, biking, transit, etc.). Studies have shown that Honolulu is experiencing a decrease in tree canopy coverage and, at the same time experiencing high-temperature extremes. Also, the micro-mobility services in Urban Honolulu are disconnected and are not a seamless experience for all users.Neighborhood mobility hubs can serve to improve these conditions and improve the pedestrian and transit experience. This research consists of a series of precedent studies that explore the framework of existing neighborhood mobility hubs. The literature review will cover topics related to how our public spaces are designed and how that impacts pedestrian comfort and outdoor spaces. Together the precedent studies and literature review will propose a neighborhood mobility hub for a tropical urban climate in Honolulu. The methodology is broken down into three parts: preliminary research, research and analysis, and case studies. The spatial challenges and limitations that come along in urban environments can make it challenging to achieve shade with large tree canopies. The findings of this research support future shade initiatives such as “Trees for Honolulu.” The results also show other alternatives to tree canopy coverage while still satisfying the shade needs to cool our cities and neighborhood mobility hubs to promote walkability.