Rethinking walkability: built environments versus lived experience
Researchers often measure walkability using physical infrastructural characteristics. But residents’ lived experiences of neighborhood walkability can tell a different story. Our study shows that places that look walkable on paper do not always feel safe, comfortable, or health-supporting in the everyday life of urban neighbourhood residents.
Why housing design matters for surviving extreme weather in low-income cities
Extreme weather is not only a climate problem but also a housing problem. In Johannesburg’s low-income communities, where and how people live strongly shape who is affected when storms, floods, or heatwaves strike. This study shows why housing quality must be central to city climate planning.