Opening the City’s Edge: Improving Access and Restoring Nature via a Design-Led Multiscalar Framework for Madrid

Improving peri-urban accessibility involves enhancing infrastructure and connectivity for diverse populations. This study proposes a design-led framework for a multiscalar landscape approach to improve peri-urban accessibility using GIS to assess corridor impacts on (i) pedestrian access to green areas, and (ii) cycling access to semi-natural areas, enhancing daily use and socioecological connectivity. It examines how a continuous, safe network of routes can reduce barriers between urban cores, peri-urban belts, and natural spaces, facilitating recreational access. The network improves accessibility to Madrid’s natural and peri-urban landscapes, intersecting with existing networks and reinforcing city structure. New corridors significantly alter 15 min walk and cycling accessibility to green spaces. Findings suggest that Madrid’s peri-urban landscape access can be improved via a corridor network, linking the green belt to the city at walkable and cyclable distances. This strategy promotes sustainable land use by focusing recreation on resilient routes, buffering habitats, and aligning public preferences for beauty with ecological health.