Promoting Ecological Streets: Evaluating Walkability in Two Different Types of Commercial Streets in Cairo Using Space Syntax Theory

The global climate crisis underscores the urgent need to adopt sustainable urban design strategies, including walkability, as a fundamental aspect of environmentally responsible transportation. This study investigates the relationship between walkability and ecological dimensions through statistical and spatial analyses. Using Space Syntax theory, Depth map X v.3 software analyzed the spatial configurations of two distinct commercial streets in Cairo: a heritage pedestrian-only street and a modern street accommodating both vehicles and pedestrians. Ecological conditions were evaluated using ENVI-met v5.6.1 simulations conducted at two different times of the day. Field observations of pedestrian flow rates further contextualized the spatial and climatic factors.Statistical analysis using SPSS V.26 revealed significant correlations between walkability metrics (Integration, Choice, Angular Choice, and Total Depth) and key climatic variables (Air Temperature, CO2 Levels, and Wind Speed). These findings highlight the interplay between street network configurations and ecological conditions in shaping walkability.The study demonstrates the utility of Space Syntax theory and ENVI-met software as predictive tools for assessing and enhancing walkability. These tools provide a robust framework for evaluating street network patterns and their capacity to support sustainable, ecological streets. The results offer valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers addressing socio-ecological challenges, environmental pollution, and sustainable urban development. Furthermore, this research directly supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11. By bridging spatial and ecological analyses, this research contributes to advancing sustainable walkability in urban settings, fostering environmentally conscious urban design.