Walking the City as a Multisensory Experience: Microclimate and Soundscape Effects in Béjaïa

Abstract

This paper examines urban walking as a multisensory experience by investigating the influence of microclimatic conditions and soundscapes on pedestrian perception and comfort in Béjaïa, Algeria. Two contrasting urban fabrics were analysed: the historic Medina and the modern lower city. The study combines thermal walks, soundwalks, in-situ environmental measurements, questionnaires, mental maps, and statistical analyses to explore how physical and perceptual factors shape walking experiences. The findings demonstrate that vegetation, shaded areas, favourable wind conditions, and morphologically diverse urban environments improve thermal comfort and increase pedestrians’ willingness to continue walking. The research also shows that natural and social sounds contribute positively to perceived comfort and safety, whereas traffic and construction noise are associated with discomfort and avoidance behaviours. Results highlight the importance of transitions between urban spaces, revealing that variations in shade, openness, temperature, and sound conditions significantly influence pedestrian perceptions. The study concludes that walkability should be approached as a multisensory phenomenon in which microclimatic, acoustic, visual, cognitive, and affective dimensions interact. Recommendations include designing shaded and varied pedestrian routes, enhancing sound quality through urban design interventions, and incorporating regularly spaced “breathing spaces” such as gardens, fountains, and seating areas to support pedestrian comfort and encourage walking.