Isochrone Mapping of Urban Transport: Car-dependency, Mode-choice and Design Research

Abstract Imperatives to develop more walkable, transit-oriented and low-carbon cities have accentuated the need to understand the performance and possible transformation of urban access networks. Within a framework of complex adaptive systems and assemblage thinking we develop isochrone mapping of urban transport access in four transport modes: walking, cycling, public transport and cars. These isochrones can be used to compare the range and area of urban access for each of these modes, over different time limits and for different times of day. Such mapping gears urban morphology to the phenomenology of urban transport and enables us to better understand mode choice. Through design research we can also test a range of possible design scenarios for infrastructure investment and show their impact on the isochrone maps. We conclude with a focus on the relations between car and public transport isochrones as a means of better understanding car-dependency and what we call the ‘Car/PT assemblage’.