PhD Oral Exam - Fatemeh Izadi, Individualized Program

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

Walkability is essential for sustainable urban development, enhancing livability, and supporting public health. Most existing walkability indices prioritize structural and accessibility-related features, such as street connectivity and proximity to essential amenities, while under-representing the street-level conditions that shape whether people can and will walk, particularly under heat stress. As a result, dense areas with many destinations may be rated highly walkable despite limited shade and insufficient street-level greenery, producing a “comfort-access” gap between potential walking and usable walking.

This dissertation develops the Green and Comfortable Walkability Index (GCWI), a street-segment–based framework that integrates accessibility with pedestrian comfort for climate-adaptive planning. The GCWI synthesizes macro-scale factors with micro-scale comfort variables. Using high-resolution, open-source geospatial data and a reproducible GIS workflow, the GCWI enables fine-grained mapping and diagnosis of walkability, preserving segment-level heterogeneity and supporting targeted intervention planning.

The thesis is organized as three interrelated papers. Paper 1 uses climate-sensitive 3D city modeling to quantify how urban form and greening modify pedestrian thermal exposure, thereby informing comfort indicators. Paper 2 analyzes the spatial distribution of street-level greenery in Montréal, including spatial clustering and inequality in visual exposure, and evaluates built-form, vegetation, and socio-demographic correlates, providing a citywide baseline. Paper 3 applies the GCWI within a 15-minute accessibility framework around older-adult housing and demonstrates that catchments with similar destination access can differ substantially in street-level comfort.

Overall, the dissertation positions the GCWI as a practical decision-support tool for municipalities to identify comfort deficits, reveal comfort-access mismatches, and prioritize street-scale interventions that advance climate-resilient, equitable, and livable walking environments.