Planning connection level

Overall route planning

Networked layout: Incorporate pedestrian paths into the transportation network planning of a city or region, and form organic connections with other pedestrian paths, bicycle paths, public transportation stops, etc. For instance, around a large community, the walking paths should be connected to all the entrances and exits within the community, the surrounding parks, commercial areas, etc., to form a well-connected walking network, enabling people to smoothly reach different destinations during their walks and enhancing the accessibility and continuity of the walking paths.

Avoid dead-end roads: During the planning stage, the direction and extension of the walking paths should be fully considered to ensure that there are no sudden "dead-end roads". Possible obstacles can be resolved by making reasonable adjustments to the terrain, buildings, etc., or by setting up transitional areas. For instance, when a walkway encounters a river, the location and connection method of the bridge should be planned in advance to ensure that the walkway can smoothly cross the river and continue to extend.

Transitional design for different areas

Natural transition: When walking paths pass through different functional areas (such as from the city center to a nature park, from residential areas to commercial areas, etc.), natural transition techniques are adopted. During the transition from the city center to the natural park, the density and variety of vegetation can be gradually increased on both sides of the walkways, from the common street trees and flowers in the city to the rich natural vegetation in the park, allowing people to feel the changes in the environment during their walks while maintaining the continuity of the landscape.

Signage guidance for transition: Set up a clear and explicit signage system to guide people's transitions between different areas. Signs can use different colors, shapes or patterns to distinguish the characteristics of different areas. At the same time, the direction and distance of the destination should be indicated on the signs to help people find their way forward smoothly. For example, at the transition from residential areas to commercial areas, large signs with commercial signs and directional arrows are set up to remind people that they are about to enter the commercial areas.

The level of landscape elements

Vegetation continuity

Unify the vegetation style: Based on the geographical location and climatic conditions of the walking path, select suitable vegetation types and maintain the overall style consistency. On a coastal footpath, plants that are tolerant of salt and alkali and resistant to wind and sand, such as tamarisk and Suaeda glauca, can be selected to form a vegetation landscape with coastal characteristics. Meanwhile, along different sections of the road, some plants that bloom in different seasons can be appropriately combined to ensure that the walkway has rich color changes throughout the year, but the overall style should remain harmonious and consistent.

Vegetation connection treatment: Between different sections of the walking path, it is necessary to do a good job in the connection of vegetation. Avoid situations where the vegetation is suddenly interrupted or the style changes abruptly. Transition zones can be set up, and some plants with connecting functions, such as vines or low shrubs, can be planted in the transition zones, so that the vegetation in different sections can blend naturally together.

The terrain is connected with the pavement

Smooth terrain transition: If the walkway passes through different terrains (such as flat land, slopes, steps, etc.), smooth terrain transition treatment should be carried out. At the junction of sloping land and flat land, a combination of gentle slopes or steps and ramps can be adopted to enable people to walk safely and comfortably. For instance, on a long slope, a rest platform is set up at certain intervals, and the platform is connected to the slope by a gentle slope. This not only facilitates people's rest but also ensures the continuity of the terrain.

Uniform paving style: The paving materials and style of the walkways should be kept consistent to enhance the continuity of the landscape. Appropriate paving materials can be selected based on the function and theme of the walkway, such as stone slabs, permeable bricks, wooden walkways, etc. The same or similar colored and textured paving materials can be used on different sections of the road, and the paving splicing methods should be consistent to visually form a whole for the entire pedestrian path.

Continuity of supporting facilities

Rest facilities should be evenly distributed: Rest facilities such as benches and pavilions should be reasonably set up on the walking paths, and their distribution should be kept even. Generally speaking, a set of rest facilities is set up at certain intervals (such as 200 to 300 meters) to meet people's rest needs during walking. The style and design of the rest facilities should be in harmony with the overall landscape of the walkway. The same materials and design elements can be adopted to enhance the continuity of the landscape.

Continuous setting of lighting and signage: Lighting and signage facilities are also important components of the continuity of the pedestrian walkway landscape. The lighting facilities should ensure that the entire walkway has sufficient light at night, and the style and installation height of the lamps should be consistent. Signage facilities should be continuously set up. Clear signs should be placed at the starting points, ending points, intersections, and important scenic spots of the walkways to facilitate people's identification of directions and access to information.

At the cultural and thematic level

The cultural theme runs through.

Unearth regional culture: Deeply explore the regional cultural characteristics of the area where the walkway is located, such as historical stories, folk customs, traditional arts, etc., and integrate them into the landscape design of the walkway. For instance, on a pedestrian path along an ancient street with a long history, cultural walls, sculptures, reliefs and other forms can be set up to showcase the historical changes and cultural inheritance of the ancient street, allowing people to feel the strong regional cultural atmosphere while walking.

Thematic thread continuation: Determine a clear thematic thread and run it throughout the landscape design of the entire walkway. This thematic thread can be a natural theme (such as mountains, waters, flowers, etc.), a cultural theme (such as poetry, art, etc.) or a functional theme (such as fitness, leisure, etc.). In different sections of the walkway, designs and creations are carried out around the theme thread, so that people can always feel the continuity and integrity of the theme during the walking process.

The activities are integrated with the landscape

Organize theme activities: Based on the cultural themes and landscape features of the walking paths, regularly hold related theme activities, such as cultural festivals, art exhibitions, outdoor sports, etc. These activities can attract more people to the walkway and enhance its vitality and popularity. Meanwhile, during the event, attention should be paid to the integration with the landscape to avoid causing damage to it. For instance, when holding a cultural festival, the event venue can be set up in the open area of the walking path, using the surrounding landscape as the background to create a unique event atmosphere.

Coordination of activity facilities with the landscape: If some activity facilities such as stages and sports fields need to be set up along the walkway, it is necessary to ensure that these facilities are in harmony with the landscape. The appearance, color and material of the activity facilities should be consistent with the overall style of the walkway. At the same time, their location and scale should be reasonably planned to avoid affecting the passage and landscape of the walkway.