Simulation Analysis of Urban Pedestrian Pathways and Their Impact on Sense of Place Using Space Syntax Method: A case study of Rasht Urban Pedestrian Pathway

A B S T R A C T
In the present era, due to the separation from the culture and heritage of the past and the use of pure geometric shapes and cubic forms in architecture, spaces devoid of differentiation in quality, mystery, and meaning have emerged. Urban open spaces play a crucial role in creating meaning within the environment. The existence of urban open spaces that hold qualities such as meaning within their structure enhances human interaction and consequently leads to the formation of a sense of place attachment. The main objective of this research is to analyze the impact of urban pedestrian pathways on individuals' sense of belonging through simulation. The research strategy is quantitative-qualitative. Data analysis was conducted using the Space Syntax method within the context of Rasht’s urban pedestrian pathway. Data processing was performed in UCL Depth Map 10 software. The results indicate that the sense of belonging in the pedestrian pathway is influenced by the legibility factor, which plays a key role in fostering a sense of security and, ultimately, strengthening the sense of belonging. The correlation coefficient of legibility was found to be lower than 0.4, and regarding the analysis of overall connectivity, the correlation coefficient (R2), excluding the 3 km radius, was 0.46, indicating a moderate presence of these parameters within the study area. Therefore, to improve the conceptual quality of this pathway, attention and reconsideration in its design are required.
Extended abstract
Introduction
In an effort to enhance the quality of urban spaces, this paper emphasizes the sense of belonging as a fundamental component in the formation of meaning and identity within the environment and analyzes its presence in urban pedestrian pathways. This study explores the significance of the sense of belonging and place attachment within a public, cultural, and social space. The central pedestrian pathway of Rasht, located in Municipality Square, has been selected for analysis due to its rich sensory and symbolic meanings, as well as its valuable social, physical, and functional characteristics, to examine its impact on fostering a sense of place attachment. It appears that the transformation of the physical fabric of this square and its surrounding streets into a pedestrian-friendly urban space has contributed to an increased sense of belonging to this location. Accordingly, this research seeks to address the question: To what extent has the development of an urban pedestrian pathway influenced the sense of belonging among the residents of Rasht? The study adopts the Space Syntax Theory, which, based on spatial and physical characteristics, enables the analysis of urban spatial structures. In this context, the interactions and social behaviors within the pedestrian pathway have been assessed using DepthMap software through the space syntax method. This analysis evaluates key factors such as legibility, urban fabric dispersion, accessibility, route selection, and duration of presence in the space, all of which are crucial in shaping a sense of belonging.
 
Methodology 
The research strategy adopted in this study follows a quantitative-qualitative approach. Data collection is conducted through two main methods: library research and spatial syntax analysis. The foundation for these analyses is prepared using AutoCAD software for map processing and refinement, making it suitable for further analysis in DepthMap10 software.
In this study, achieving the research objectives involves extracting data from the case study analysis using DepthMap software, applying Space Syntax Theory, and subsequently categorizing, analyzing, and integrating the data for a comprehensive interpretation. Additionally, to enhance the study’s validity, visual assessments have been conducted through direct observation using the Gate method, wherein specific points on the map have been identified and examined.
Among various spatial syntax analytical methods, including Isovist, Convex, Visibility, and Axial Line Analysis, the Axial Line Analysis method has been selected as the most suitable approach for this study.
 
Results and discussion
The data indicate that the presence of factors such as legibility, safety, accessibility, and comfort contributes to the formation of a dynamic and vibrant pathway (Shia et al., 2013: 22). Furthermore, route dynamism and the presence of such factors enhance social interactions and vitality (Akbarzadeh et al., 2016: 128). As a result, individuals' presence in urban pedestrian zones allows them to perceive the urban environment more closely, leading to a coherent interpretation and memory formation of their living space. Consequently, this process strengthens the sense of place and fosters a sense of belonging (Ghorbani & Jam Kasra, 2010: 59).
In the present study, the correlation analysis of urban fabric distribution and depth correlation of the map, which represents the level of accessibility within the studied area, yielded a value above 0.4, indicating a high level of accessibility across the city. In contrast, the correlation analysis of movement perception, associated with urban legibility, resulted in a low value of 0.16, suggesting poor quality in this aspect within the study area.
The findings of this study highlight the weakness of the legibility factor, as evident in the collected data. Additionally, in terms of safety and distance from crime-prone areas, the Choice factor—which was analyzed to assess the frequency of use and the presence of individuals in the area—yielded a low value of 0.06, further indicating the poor quality of safety, similar to the findings on legibility in the studied area.
 
Conclusion 
In the process of urban design, there is a need for tools that can systematically and coherently simulate effective steps aligned with design objectives and predict the outcomes of these measures before implementation. In response to this necessity, innovative methods have been introduced, among which Space Syntax is considered a reliable approach for achieving this goal. The present study has demonstrated that urban transformations can be interpreted through this method. Overall, the data do not indicate a significant impact of this pedestrian pathway on fostering a sense of place attachment among the residents of Rasht.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
 We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.