Cities for People: Walkability Analysis in the Surroundings of Óvalo Gutiérrez, Miraflores District

Óvalo Gutiérrez is an emblematic node in the Lima district of Miraflores, as it attracts a significant pedestrian flow due to its diversity of uses and its proximity to a major landmark, Huaca Pucllana. However, its streets primarily respond to vehicular logic, which reduces comfort and safety for pedestrians. Therefore, measuring walkability in its surroundings becomes necessary in order to improve the pedestrian experience through a verifiable diagnosis.

This research replicates the methodology developed in Identifying and Measuring Urban Design Qualities Related to Walkability (Ewing et al., 2005). Through fieldwork conducted across different street segments, five key urban design qualities were analyzed: imageability, enclosure, human scale, transparency, and complexity. The survey was documented using videos and photographs, and the collected data were transferred to a scoring sheet from which walkability results were obtained for each segment.

The results identified streets with high levels of walkability, suitable for pedestrian prioritization and for strengthening connections between centralities, as well as sectors with low levels that require specific public space interventions. The study provides a quantitative and cartographic diagnosis of the area surrounding Óvalo Gutiérrez, identifying priority spaces for intervention. Furthermore, replicable guidelines were developed for similar road nodes in Lima, contributing to a planning approach that places people at the center of urban development.