Final answer:
The functional outdoor walkway space for one person is typically around 36 inches wide, which is necessary to provide comfort, freedom of movement, and safety. It may vary based on design and traffic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functional outdoor walkway space for one person refers to the area required to comfortably walk or traverse an outdoor path. This space must be sufficient to not only accommodate the physical size of a person but also give them freedom of movement and ensure safety. The size of this space can vary depending on the specific design guidelines or accessibility requirements.
For example, the Nomadic Museum uses a broad pathway of wooden flooring to define the walkway for visitors, indicating that the space is thoughtfully designed for clear movement. In a performance space, the walkway doubles as a functional area where actors can perform while moving through the audience. Within city planning, like in the description of New York City's walkers and drivers, sidewalks and paths must facilitate the zigzagged paths people take, which also influences the space required for walking.
Overall, while there might not be an exact universally standard measurement, a comfortable walking space for one person on an outdoor walkway is typically assumed to be around 36 inches (91 cm) wide to allow for unobstructed passage. Areas with higher traffic might require wider pathways.