Efficient Public Underground Pedestrian Space in a Cold-Climate City: A Case Study of Sapporo, Japan

This study examines the impact of changes in temperature and seasonal climate across a 4-year period (2019-2022) and the impact of the existing design on pedestrian activity in the ChiKaHo underground public space in Sapporo, Japan. Using statistical and regression analyses, the study identified boundary temperature ranges for each analyzed point in this space and presented an assumption of the design- and function-related factors influencing the period of use of the ChiKaHo. Each observation point exhibited a unique temperature range of change in pedestrian behavior, from -2 degrees C (points J1 and J3 near the main transportation station gate and in the corridor, respectively) to +6.8-13.2 degrees C for points J2 and J4, near open spaces. This research revealed the temperature ranges affecting pedestrian use of underground spaces and that a varying climate has different influences on a particular location. In the future, this can be used as a basis for local design improvements and seasonal adaptation policies to provide a sustainable public underground space in ChiKaHo.