New Design Ideas

Amid rising urban populations, increasing density, intensifying climate events, and growing concerns regarding public health and pedestrian mobility, a critical reassessment of alternative pedestrian infrastructure has become imperative. This study explores the multidimensional impacts of skywalk systems—developed across varying climatic and spatial contexts—on urban space, public life, social interaction, and accessibility. The research employs bibliometric analysis, a systematic literature review, and a comparative case study approach. Based on a systematic review of the Scopus database using the keywords "skywalk," "skyway," and "pedestrian," 21 relevant articles were selected from 54 retrieved studies. Furthermore, selected skywalk cases from diverse urban contexts worldwide are presented. The findings reveal that while skywalk systems offer functional advantages, such as pedestrian safety, climatic protection, and continuous urban circulation, they can also lead to issues including access inequality, social segregation, navigational challenges, and detachment from street-level life. The results of this study offer insights for decision-makers, designers, and researchers in urban design, city planning, transportation systems, and public space management. By systematically evaluating both the positive and negative urban impacts of skywalk systems, this research provides a holistic framework and develops context-sensitive recommendations for designing functional and inclusive elevated pedestrian infrastructures.