Gated but Connected? Evaluating Accessibility, Permeability and Connectivity in Italian City 1, Erbil

Urban planning plays a vital role in ensuring inclusive, sustainable, and livable cities. This study evaluates three critical indicators of sustainable urban form—accessibility, permeability, and connectivity—using Italian City 1 in Erbil, Iraq, as a case study. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was applied, combining infrastructure assessments with resident and visitor surveys. Two indices were developed: the Infrastructure Accessibility Index (IAI), based on field audits of sidewalks, bikeways, crosswalks, and public transport stops; and the Opportunity Accessibility Index (OAI), based on user-reported access to essential services. Both indices were tested using descriptive and inferential analyses to examine accessibility levels across subgroups. Findings indicate that Italian City 1 demonstrates satisfactory accessibility to local services but uneven infrastructure quality, particularly for crosswalks and public transport. Sidewalks performed better, while permeability was hindered by gated typology and limited pedestrian-only routes. Connectivity was relatively strong internally but car-dominated externally. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in accessibility perceptions between younger and older participants. Although Italian City 1 demonstrates moderate walkability and service proximity, deficiencies in inclusive infrastructure and multimodal transport reduce sustainability and equity. Enhancing sidewalks, crosswalks, and disability access, alongside developing multimodal connectivity, are critical for future planning.