Spatial intelligence: integration of land use to connectivity in the context of eastern urbanism
ISSN: 2631-6862
Article publication date: 3 March 2023
Issue publication date: 17 March 2023
Abstract
Purpose
There is an urgent need to develop a systematic tool for urban design in the cities of the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11) proposes ideas to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This paper approaches this goal through land use, integrated into an effective connectivity network. It offers a scientific and systematic approach. The research employs Space Syntax of the University College London as a tool for urban analysis and the principles of Sustainable Street Networks developed by the Congress of New Urbanism to respond to connectivity issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs empirical research through case studies. A systematic literature review is conducted on the diversified applications of the Space Syntax correlations, which steered the fundamental analysis of the elements of deconstruction to structure and land use. Space Syntax and Sustainable Street Network characteristics were the essential research methods. It is important to note that these data a new finding on the Syntactic Maps of the two case study cities.
Findings
The paper summarises a set of results on (1) international comparison of spatial intelligence, (2) patterns from the Eastern cases and (3) theoretical guidelines for spatial intelligence through the Syntax by offering key characteristics of the New Urbanism principles, which could be considered, while revitalising the cities in the Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Research limitations/implications
The findings are specific and applicable to the oriental contexts. However, such results have been further compared to the Western context.
Practical implications
The study develops a toolkit for urban planners and designers and architects in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Social implications
The research has focused and will add value for SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Theoretically, the paper offers insights to urban design readers.
Originality/value
It is important to note that the data itself is a new finding on Syntactic Maps of the two case study cities. The investigated setting is unique, and the first attempt in generating a Space Syntax map to the cities of Klang Valley, and the findings, therefore, offer a new set of knowledge-base to the city planners, urban designers, researchers and architects.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper is supported by a couple of research projects funded by Taylor’s University, Malaysia, entitled, “Rejuvenating Forgotten Waterfront Settlements in Malaysia” and “Socio-spatial sustainability of the city of Kuala Lumpur”.
Citation
Srirangam, S., Gunasagaran, S., Mari, T., Ng, V. and Kusumo, C.M.L. (2023), "Spatial intelligence: integration of land use to connectivity in the context of eastern urbanism", Archnet-IJAR, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 184-202. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARCH-12-2021-0355
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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