Exploratory Walks: A Diagnostic Tool for Reducing Consumption and Enhancing Quality of Life

In the heart of the Paris metropolitan area, the city of Chaville (20,000 inhabitants) embarked on an ambitious journey to reimagine its public spaces. With a vision of promoting sustainable mobility and improving the well-being of residents, the city partnered with AREC Île-de-France to conduct an in-depth diagnostic study. The result? A simple yet powerful tool that could inspire cities across Europe: the exploratory walk.

This participatory approach, also known as a sensitive walk, invites stakeholders to experience urban spaces through their senses. More than a technical assessment, it offers a human-centered perspective, identifying both the strengths and shortcomings of a neighbourhood. For Chaville, this meant designing a 2-kilometre itinerary where participants could explore how the organisation of spaces and activities influences energy and resource consumption.

The walk provided valuable insights into urban infrastructure and public spaces, highlighting opportunities to enhance accessibility, mobility, and greenery while reducing resource consumption. Key areas of focus included:

• Mobility and accessibility: Evaluating the presence and condition of pedestrian pathways, cycling infrastructure, and road signage to improve connectivity and safety.
• Public space optimisation: Identifying ways to reclaim space from parked vehicles to benefit pedestrians and community activities.
• Green infrastructure: Expanding the use of trees, shrubs, and green spaces to provide shade and reduce urban heat islands.
• Local food and community initiatives: Encouraging shared gardens and markets to strengthen local supply chains and social ties.
• Urban aesthetics and wayfinding: Enhancing signage, street furniture, and lighting to create inviting and navigable public spaces.

A Sensory-Based Approach to Urban Design

Throughout the walk, participants documented their perceptions across four key senses: hearing, touch, sight, and smell. Their observations painted a vivid picture of the district:

• Auditory perceptions: The contrast between the hum of traffic in some areas and the calming birdsong in others highlighted the need for better noise management.
• Tactile perceptions: Damaged pavements and a lack of natural elements reduced comfort for pedestrians, while wooden walkways and green spaces provided a more pleasant experience.
• Visual perceptions: The overwhelming presence of parked vehicles and billboards disrupted the aesthetics of certain streets, whereas other locations benefited from natural light and picturesque viewpoints.
• Olfactory perceptions: The difference between the scent of exhaust fumes in busy areas and the refreshing aroma of trees and flowers illustrated the impact of urban design on air quality and well-being.

By capturing these insights, AREC Île-de-France translated sensory experiences into concrete recommendations: reallocating space to pedestrians and cyclists, increasing urban greenery, improving wayfinding, and enhancing infrastructure to foster a more sustainable and inclusive city.

Transforming Observations into Action

One striking example from the exploratory walk was the contrast between a congested street dominated by cars and a nearby pedestrian pathway surrounded by nature. AREC’s recommendations focused on reclaiming space for pedestrians, increasing greenery to reduce heat, and installing signs to encourage the use of pedestrian-friendly routes.

Why It Matters

Exploratory walks are more than just diagnostic exercises; they are a tool for transformation. By engaging citizens and experts alike, they provide a holistic understanding of urban environments and generate actionable solutions. In Chaville, this initiative has set the stage for concrete improvements, demonstrating how simple, cost-effective changes can enhance both sustainability and quality of life.

As European cities strive to meet climate and mobility goals, this approach offers a replicable model for rethinking urban spaces. By tuning into the everyday experiences of residents, municipalities can craft solutions that not only reduce consumption but also create more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities.

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!