Explore the Improvement of Humanity-Oriented Transportation through Adaptive Topology Optimization of Traffic Networks Using Density Fields

Abstract

The "Athens Charter" mentions that "transportation" plays a crucial role in connecting dwelling, work, and recreation (use of leisure time). However, the current development of car-based transportation has significantly impacted the quality of urban life and personal safety. Therefore, advocating for humanity-oriented transportation, improving pedestrian environments, and reducing traffic conflicts have become trends. Our study introduces a topological optimization model using the Shepard density interpolation strategy to establish a traffic density field. The aim is to investigate how, within an acceptable range of overall service levels on urban roads, it is possible to reduce vehicular space and release more space for pedestrian activities. Furthermore, combining adaptive methods for more accurate traffic density estimation facilitates the effective allocation of both vehicular and pedestrian spaces.

The traditional planning approach of automobile-based for urban spaces and transportation environments is based on the general pattern of the circulation in the city and its region. It considers different user groups, such as pedestrians, automobiles, through traffic, and the needs and characteristics of roads including road width and intersection design, to determine the flow and quality of traffic. In Taiwan, transportation planning is integrated into urban planning, considering land use, road distribution, traffic characteristic surveys, traffic volume analysis and prediction, public transportation conditions, etc. This helps in planning corresponding road functional levels and road system configurations to meet the varying degrees of feasibility and accessibility. However, over time, the development of road networks has leaned towards a car-oriented pattern. This has had significant impacts on pedestrian environments in urban areas including issues such as high usage of motor vehicles leading to air pollution and inadequate parking space, insufficient sidewalk coverage, and the incompatibility between transportation modes and urban spaces.

In response to these challenges, urban transformation becomes imperative. Shifting from car-based transportation to humanity-oriented transportation emphasizes a human-centric planning approach. While prioritizing the efficiency of transportation system development, it is equally important to consider environmental protection and public safety. This involves focusing on pedestrian activities on roads, increasing pedestrian space, and minimizing the impact of vehicles on road users. Improving road spaces, adjusting the functional structure of road systems, reconfiguring road spaces, reducing the impact of through traffic, and lowering driving speeds in the area. Therefore, through the proposed methodology in our study which introduces the Shepard density interpolation strategy into a topological optimization model to construct a traffic density field, coupled with adaptive methods, the precision of traffic density estimation is enhanced. The goal is to reevaluate and adjust spatial configurations before implementing humanity-oriented transportation. This approach aims to simultaneously meet the needs of pedestrian and vehicular spaces, contributing a modest effort towards achieving net zero emissions and sustainable development in response to climate change.