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A qualitative study on walking in the Penang Botanical Gardens, Malaysia

ABSTRACT Walking is both a physical and a social activity. This paper explores the meaning attached to walking by walkers in the Penang Botanical Gardens, Malaysia and the importance of the environment to them. Data for this study were collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 walkers. Data were coded into two main themes: ‘walking has many meanings’ and ‘the environment is important for walkers’. This study gives support to the hierarchy of walking needs and shows that various needs may contribute to one’s decision to walk and such needs are important in designing spaces to encourage people to walk.