Accessibility analysis: Travel times in high-density sectors in Pasto

Abstract

The study analyzed the urban configuration of Pasto from the perspective of mixed land use, mobility and pedestrian accessibility. It was observed that city planning had developed spontaneously, without a clear coherence with the guidelines of the POT 2015-2027, which generated territorial fragmentation and inequality in access to services and facilities. Urban densification led to land uses being defined more by the practices of the inhabitants than by regulations, producing tensions between housing, commerce, services and infrastructure. It was also found that the road network consisted mostly of local and intermediate roads, which limited structural connectivity and the implementation of sustainable mobility. The methodology used, of an empirical-analytical nature, integrated GIS, CAD and cartographic database tools to calculate accessibility and mixed-use indices. Four study areas were identified with densities higher than 175.9 inhabitants/ha, where residential use largely predominated over the others. Despite this, imbalances were found in the distribution of commerce, facilities and public space, reflecting a low functional integration of the land. The results showed that Areas 1 and 3 presented better conditions of connectivity and proximity to services, thus approaching the 15-minute city model. However, the limited network of bicycle paths, unsafe crossings and the lack of continuity in the pedestrian infrastructure restricted equitable access. In conclusion, it was recommended to redistribute facilities, strengthen active mobility and design sectorized strategies that favor a more sustainable, equitable and connected urban development.