The dominance of automobile-oriented planning and the deterioration of urban micro-spaces, particularly in modernist neighborhoods such as Narmak, have diminished the quality of the pedestrian experience and increased users’ dissatisfaction with urban environments. As a key principle of contemporary urban design, walkability can play a vital role in enhancing the quality of public spaces. This study aims to identify the pattern of pedestrian dissatisfaction and prioritize physical interventions on Heydarkhani Street, a heavily used corridor located adjacent to the Iran University of Science and Technology and Elm-o-Sanat Metro Station.

A descriptive–analytical approach was adopted using data collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising seven micro-spatial indicators. The survey was administered to 44 regular street users using convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, K-means cluster analysis, Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA).

The results revealed significant positive correlations among all indicators (r = 0.48–0.72), indicating a relatively integrated pattern of perceived pedestrian dissatisfaction. Cluster analysis identified three user groups: highly dissatisfied (32%), moderately dissatisfied (54%), and slightly dissatisfied (14%), with women more prominently represented in the highly dissatisfied cluster. MCA further showed that inadequate shading and resting spaces were the primary concerns among women, whereas insufficient cycling infrastructure was the principal concern among young men. TOPSIS and IPA consistently identified access to cycling facilities and the quality of resting spaces as the highest-priority intervention areas.

The findings suggest that improving walkability on Heydarkhani Street requires a systemic approach that considers differences in users’ perceptions while prioritizing active mobility infrastructure and high-quality pedestrian resting spaces.