Final answer:
The statement implies that a higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) supports greater urban walkability and can reduce car dependence by promoting denser, more walkable environments. Higher FARs lead to closer proximity of amenities and lesser need for cars, while also reflecting Christaller's threshold population concept for sustainable amenities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement suggests that a higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) can be conducive to urban walkability and can contribute to a reduction in car dependence. FAR is the ratio of a building's total floor area to the size of the piece of land upon which it is built, and higher ratios are often indicative of more dense and vertical development. In cities with high FARs, amenities tend to be closer together, which promotes walking and reduces the need for motor vehicles. This densification can create a built environment where stores, offices, and homes are within walkable distance, thus establishing a minimum threshold for reduced car dependence.
Christaller's Central Place Theory supports the idea that certain goods and services have a threshold population needed to sustain them, implying that higher urban densities can support a wider range of amenities within a walkable range. Cities designed with efficient public transportation and dense cores, like those mentioned in historical examples, further support the case for urban walkability linked to FAR. As the FAR increases in urban areas, so does the potential for a pedestrian-friendly environment, which can help reduce reliance on cars and improve overall walkability.