Spatial legibility and sustainability: A design research approach to Park Street’s urban morphology (1757-2020)

Abstract

The application of space syntax analysis benefits heritage conservation efforts, but there is still no standardized method for integrating it with sustainability planning. However, recent studies suggest the possibility of using spatial attributes to guide urban design decisions. Therefore, this study explores a new approach for linking spatial configuration with urban sustainability using the Design Research Methodology framework. After examining the spatial attributes of Park Street (1757–2020) to be significant for urban morphology and legibility, insights were derived from segment map analysis. The spatial structure was first analyzed using an integrated spatial analysis framework. Spatial legibility is determined by a combination of intelligibility and choice measures. As part of the study, an experiment was conducted to validate the relationship between spatial configuration and urban movement patterns. The results indicate that with enhanced spatial legibility, walkability, and sustainability improve in historic urban environments. This was an important contribution to understanding the role of spatial attributes in urban planning. This framework could support urban planners and policymakers as an analytical tool for assessing quantitative and qualitative spatial attributes in heritage preservation and recommending sustainable urban design strategies to preserve historical significance, rather than relying solely on conventional planning methods.