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October 28, 2025Streetscapes as part of servicescapes: Can walkable streetscapes make local businesses more attractive?
By Koo, B. W., Hwang, U., & Guhathakurta, S.
Full Citation
Koo, B. W., Hwang, U., & Guhathakurta, S. (2023). Streetscapes as part of servicescapes: Can walkable streetscapes make local businesses more attractive?. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 106, 102030
Key Findings
This research article explores the connection between walkable streetscapes and the attractiveness of local businesses, extending the concept of "servicescapes" beyond immediate business environments. The authors used computer vision analysis of Google Street View images and Yelp review scores for restaurants in Atlanta to determine if features promoting walkability, like sidewalk buffers, greenness, and building-to-street ratios, positively correlate with customer satisfaction. Their findings indicate that these streetscape design elements do enhance the appeal of local businesses, suggesting that more pedestrian-friendly environments can play a role in boosting retail performance and economic opportunities.
