Access to public open spaces is supposed to be equitably distributed to all city inhabitants, especially in predominantly residential areas. If public open spaces are urban features that help to improve the social development of an area, then, why in big metropolises such as Mexico City the access to public space is many times perceived as a privilege instead of a right? Through space syntax spatial analyses, land use analyses, and the potential radius of influence specific public open spaces might have according to their size; this study investigates the diverse accessibility characteristics different public open spaces have.

Description Although Apartheid officially ended in 1994, scant empirical evidence exists into spatial factors which may serve to afford the generation of racial heterogeneity. This research, centred on Cape Town, as a primary case study is an empirical examination of the relationship between demographic racial integration and urban configuration in South African cities. The principal argument of this dissertation is that the spatial configuration and mobility systems of an urban environment can either reinforce existing racial homogeneity or allow for the creation of new networks of racial heterogeneity. Furthermore, it is argued that within this context, urban systems, which emerged organically, have the strongest relation with demographic racial integration. The research required a methodological approach which could encompass both physical and behavioural aspects. The precise descriptions offered by the evidence-based research techniques of space syntax allowed for a configurational understanding of both the spatial and social aspects of this study. A morphological analysis of Cape Town over three crucial time periods using space syntax analytical techniques, South African Census and GIS data confirmed that, on a global scale, the city remains predominantly racially and economically stratified. Despite the global trend of segregation, a local analysis of demographic racial integration, revealed that, residential racial heterogeneity is emerging in particular neighbourhoods. Through a compendium of neighbourhood case studies, specific spatial morphological characteristics were identified and shown to have a relation with demographic residential racial integration. Finally, the research examined mobility systems, from the perspective of how they may provide affordances for the creation of patterns of multi-racial co-presence, with a specific emphasis on the emergent minibus taxi system. Whilst this system has been widely stigmatised as chaotic and haphazard, the evidence has shown that it has an intrinsic spatial and social logic, forming the largest network of accessibility in the city. Finally, the thesis draws a series of conclusions which lead to a broad set of proposed recommendations.

The results reveal that the rail network has an important optimization effect Spatial Accessibility in at multi dimensions

Canal structure was designed alongside the planning of the street configuration in Amsterdam and it was added to the existing urban form in London during the city’s growth. On that basis this study aims to demonstrate the possible impact of this difference on the potential movement and spatial distribution of functions between Amsterdam and London.

Amid a global dementia epidemic and the absence of a definitive cure, creating supportive environments that promote physical and social activity is paramount for slowing disease progression. Moreover, inconsistencies and ofttimes subjective metrics persist in the evidence base behind dementia-sensitive design. This study, conducted in three long-term care facilities in Bavaria, Germany, employs ethnographic observations to investigate residents’ space use patterns. For the first time, the comprehensive suite of space syntax techniques is tested for assessing the behavior of people with dementia. Results suggest that spatial configuration (visual integration) can effectively explain movement patterns (r2≈.5-.6). Best correlations are found for wandering – despite potential somatosensory impairments. Purposeful behaviors are more conditioned by the institutional regime. Social activities are nuanced, influenced by care culture, persons involved, and cluster in the main common room (MCR). A novel computational tool, MCR Step Depth analysis, is introduced to illustrate the spatial dynamics of interactions. Comparative examination of special care units yields new insights – ample daylight and views appear as attractors to wandering, and strategic positioning of furniture may mitigate agitated behaviors. The research emphasises the efficacy of space syntax as a qualitative, evaluative tool for care home designs, providing practical recommendations for architects, and advancing the discourse on dementia-sensitive design, ultimately seeking to enhance the well-being and quality of life for people with dementia in long-term care settings.