Abstract
Walkability and playability are two constructs on how the built environment can support physical activity, the former most relevant to adults and the latter designed with children in mind. There are concerns that walkability and playability are intrinsically in competition with one another, with urban forms supportive of physical activity for adults detrimental toward the physical activity of children and vice versa. This thesis explores this conflict using agent-based modeling as a tool for refining the theoretical constructs behind playability and children’s physical activity. We examine the state of the current evidence for the relationship between walkability and children’s physical activity, utilize an agent-based model to test causal mechanisms behind children’s physical activity, and suggest areas for future research to resolve any trade-offs between walkability and playability.
Committee Chair
Ross Hammond
Committee Members
Amy Eyler; Nathan Jacobs; Patrick Fowler; Russell Pate
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Author's Department
Interdisciplinary Programs
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
8-17-2026
Language
English (en)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7936/sskd-8r12
Recommended Citation
Reader, Lydia, "The Cul-de-sac Paradox: The Relationship between Walkability, Playability, and Children’s Physical Activity" (2026). McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations. 1421.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.7936/sskd-8r12