Abstract:

This study explores the question of the impact of urban interventions, specifically construction sites, on the amount of pedestrian traffic in a given urban area, specifically Grand Central area in Manhattan. The results of the experiment show that when considering examining impact of a certain intervention (construction works, weather, other events) on pedestrian traffic, it is imperative to understand the context of the neighborhood in terms of what social activities are most prominent in this area, as well as whether this area frequently experiences extreme weather conditions that could significantly alter pedestrian traffic patterns. The experiment (together with existing research on this topic) shows that urban areas that are relying on visitor attractiveness as a main factor of development are more influenced by varying conditions in weather, construction works, etc. than urban areas with a high level of commercial activities (workplace hubs). Workplace hubs, such as Grand Central Partnership area in Manhattan (the experiment site in this study), have consistent peaks during weekdays and lows during weekends which do not change throughout the year, despite the season or any ongoing construction works