WALKWISE: A Data-Driven Urban Design Evaluation Tool for Assessing Walkability Using 5D Criteria

Walkability enhances quality of life, sustainability, and social interaction by reducing car reliance and promoting pedestrian activity. Traditional assessments often use fragmented data, limiting their effectiveness. This study integrates urban morphology and walkability metrics using the 5D criteria—Density, Diversity, Design, Destination Accessibility, and Distance to Transit—to establish a transparent, data-driven framework. Evaluated on a case-study in Copenhagen, the tool evaluates urban designs with a replicable, systematic approach.
Applied to Jernbanebyen, a redeveloping project in the western district of Copenhagen, it benchmarks shortlisted proposals from COBE, BIG, and Snohetta, enabling iterative improvements through data-driven insights. This approach equips planners with a systematic method to enhance walkability and urban sustainability. Walkwise can be operated at https://www.walkwisecopenhagen.com/.