Urban morphology refers to the study of the physical layout, spatial patterns, and structural form of urban areas, including elements such as streets, plots, buildings, and open spaces (Moudon, 1997). It provides insights into how cities evolve over time and how the arrangement of these components influences land use, movement, and urban functionality (Conzen, 1960).

The morphological characteristics that support walkability include the following:

First are the Grid-like street patterns with smaller block sizes. These are fundamental to creating walkable urban environments because they provide high levels of connectivity, permeability, and directness in pedestrian routes. As Marshall (2005) explains, the grid system allows for multiple intersecting pathways, enabling pedestrians to choose the most efficient or pleasant route to their destination.

This flexibility is particularly important in encouraging walking, as it reduces the need for detours and long, circuitous routes that are common in suburban layouts with cul-de-sacs and superblocks. Smaller block sizes also mean more intersections per unit area, which shortens distances between crossings and creates frequent access points to surrounding streets and land uses.

This structure supports active street life, making urban environments more legible and navigable. Furthermore, grid-like patterns often result in narrower streets, which naturally calm traffic and enhance pedestrian safety. In contrast, disconnected or hierarchical street systems tend to prioritize vehicular flow over pedestrian convenience, limiting walkability. Thus, the traditional grid not only promotes ease of movement and accessibility but also contributes to a more vibrant and human-scaled urban fabric that supports walkable communities.

Active frontages, such as shops, cafes, and other transparent, accessible ground-floor uses, contribute to lively and engaging street-level environments by encouraging visual interest and social interaction. These features create a sense of openness and activity, making walking more enjoyable and fostering a feeling of safety through natural surveillance. Minimal setbacks, where buildings are positioned close to the sidewalk, help define the public realm and maintain a continuous urban edge that supports a human-scaled streetscape. According to Gehl (2010), such environments invite people to linger, explore, and interact, enhancing both the functionality and vibrancy of urban streets.

Next is human-scale design. Built forms that are proportionate to pedestrians, such as low- to mid-rise buildings with detailed, fine-grained facades, foster an environment that feels comfortable, inviting, and human-scaled. These design elements reduce the sense of overwhelming scale that can occur with large, monolithic structures, making the walking experience more intimate and engaging. Fine-grained facades, including features like windows, doors, awnings, and architectural detail, provide visual interest and variety at eye level, encouraging people to slow down, look around, and enjoy their surroundings.

Carmona et al. (2010) explained that this pedestrian-oriented design helps create a strong sense of place and contributes to the social and aesthetic quality of streetscapes. Such built environments not only support functional walking but also make walking a pleasurable and meaningful activity, enhancing both individual experience and broader urban livability.

Finally is the configuration of public spaces. The quality and continuity of public spaces, such as plazas, sidewalks, and parks, are essential in shaping walkable environments by ensuring that pedestrians have access to safe, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing areas for movement and social interaction. High-quality public spaces are well-designed, maintained, and equipped with amenities like seating, shade, lighting, and greenery, which enhance the walking experience and encourage people to spend more time outdoors.

Well-designed public spaces are not just about aesthetics; they’re also about functionality. Continuity is equally important, as uninterrupted and well-connected networks of public spaces allow for seamless pedestrian movement across different parts of the city. Mehta (2008) emphasizes that these spaces serve not only as corridors for mobility but also as destinations in themselves, fostering social encounters, community engagement, and a sense of belonging.

When public spaces are thoughtfully integrated into the urban fabric, they create an inviting atmosphere that supports walking as both a practical mode of transportation and a valued form of everyday life.