Pedestrian circulation dynamics as an indication of priority places to plant trees on a commercial street in an urban center

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the pedestrian circulation dynamics on a commercial street in a central urban area − due to insolation − and to investigate if the afforestation can influence the walking choice and the intensity of people flow. The pressure of urban territory use on the natural environment has been associated with changes in the microclimate, and afforestation has beneficial effects for reestablishing a condition of environmental balance. In this sense, streets are important public spaces in cities, responsible for all social, economic, and environmental dynamics, and can be considered priority areas for afforestation in cities. Thus, an exploratory literature review and documentary research was carried out, having as a study case the urban rehabilitation works in the central region of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, which constitute the interventions of an ongoing integrated development program. Based on the results of this research, it was possible to demonstrate that, on days with higher temperatures, the greatest flow of pedestrians occurred on the shaded side, and tree-lined sidewalks provide higher thermal comfort and environmental quality for public space users on the urban road. Therefore, we concluded that the planned public space contemplating afforestation is configured as a condition to guarantee sustainable cities.