WALKABILITY IN PLANO PILOTO, BRASÍLIA: A DISAGGREGATED ANALYSIS OF PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE IN METRO STATION AREAS

Abstract

Walkability results from the interaction of built-environment attributes related to the continuity, safety, accessibility, and comfort of walking. Assessing different aspects of walkability together may, however, produce favorable overall results even when significant deficiencies persist in specific components. This article analyzes pedestrian infrastructure conditions in the areas surrounding metro stations in Asa Sul, Plano Piloto, Brasília, through a disaggregated assessment of three components: sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and shade and shelter. The study reanalyzes georeferenced data from Geoportal/DF, field observations, and photographic records collected in a previous investigation and processed using QGIS. The indicators are derived from the TOD Standard 3.0 and are examined individually. The results reveal extensive availability of shade and shelter, associated with urban vegetation and architectural elements, while irregularities in sidewalk conditions and discontinuities in pedestrian crossings persist. Aggregating these components produces more favorable overall assessments and makes specific shortcomings less visible. The study concludes that composite indices are useful for territorial comparisons, but their use in defining interventions should be complemented by a disaggregated assessment, particularly when critical attributes of accessibility and safety cannot be functionally offset by favorable environmental comfort conditions.