My Dream Research Project
My Proposal and Background:
My ultimate research project would be broadly centred around walkable communities, sustainability and its connection to the improvement of individuals’ health and climate change. Throughout my time as a student and media consumer, I’ve found an interest in creating spaces that enhance a group’s ability to live a healthy lifestyle and the aspects that come into that from the development level. I know there are research and work being done or analyzed already as this is not exactly a new concept. That being said, I would hope my work is substantial enough to be proposed to higher levels of municipal government or private companies in the city development sector, to show its significance and connection to their existing projects. A summarized version of initial observational findings and oral interviews would be the start of my proposal, and I would use historical data of climate change statistics and existing walking cities to highlight my focus of connecting the two variables.
There are locations such as Boston, Massachusetts or London England that have created an environment with a higher walkability score compared to other major cities (Armitage, 2018). Research shows a correlation between a person’s residence walkability score and their individual health. I want to build off that and create research and possible expansion plans.
Acorn Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
Who would benefit from my research?
This project would theoretically benefit a huge demographic of anyone who resides or utilizes the walkable community. The demographics are not very limited in regard to criteria, allowing as many individuals as possible to live a healthier lifestyle and participate in the popularization of more sustainable living practices. In the long run, the goal would be to be a part of a project that changes the way development comes together or to shift old priorities to something more innovative and current.
Ethics:
Due to my research involving human participants and the examination of their quality of life, my work would need to go through a REB review process (Hooykaas, 2021). With my hopes of taking the findings to the municipal government level, research ethic clearance is necessary to ensure the safety of my participants and maintain the credibility of the work. While probably minimal, I would also need to take social or economic risk into consideration. Of course, we are always aiming for minimal risk within the ethical research world!
Example of a “Walkable City”
I would be using this project as a chance to enhance my research and leadership skills while working to create a city that I and like-minded people would really enjoy inhabiting. It would also answer a lot of my personal questions about my career because it would let me figure out if a career in city planning or qualitative research is something I want for myself.
Questions for my classmates:
Have you ever found yourself in a particularly walkable city? Did anything stand out to you?
Would you be inclined to settle in a walkable and more sustainable city, even if it might cost you a bit more?
Is the visual aspect of a city important to you? Why or why not?
References:
Armitage, H. (2018). “The 10 Most Walkable Cities in the World”. Retrieved from: https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/articles/the-10-most-walkable-cities-in-the-world/
Hay, I. (2016). Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography.Toronto. Oxford University Press.
Hooykaas, A. “Ethics” University of Guelph, 2021.
Hi Kirsten!
I really enjoyed your post and your proposed research project. It really caught my attention as I was unaware what was meant by walkable cities. After reading your post I certainly learned something new, and can support this research project. I enjoy the correlation within your proposed research project, that is, sustainability, individual health, and climate change. While you acknowledge that research has been done and that this is not a new concept, I still believe your research would be significant. With our current climate, advocating for walkable cities could reduce some of the emissions that negatively impact our environment. I really like the long run goal you’ve discussed in your post. If your research could be used in the future to change the way we develop our communities that would truly be something.
To answer the questions you asked, I have not found myself in a walkable city. However, I think I would enjoy visiting or even living in one. I honestly do not like parking and I get very stressed out trying to park, especially in areas that are particularly busy. I certainly would be inclined to settle in a walkable community, even if it was more costly. For me, the visual aspect of a city is important. If you had to live somewhere that was not well taken care of, I would think it would be a pretty awful experience. I chose to move to Guelph because it was a city with a small town feel. Plus Guelph has an abundance of beautiful trails and parks for recreational use.
Have you lived in our visited any walkable cities? Which ones?
















