The application of Hillier's space syntax theory in measuring the quality of urban space; Case study: Queen Street, Auckland (New Zealand)

Urban design, considering social, economic, and environmental needs, organizes urban spaces in a way that both meets the needs of citizens and enhances social interactions and quality of life. This process, focused on sustainability and efficiency, creates environmentally friendly and economically beneficial spaces that strengthen residents' sense of belonging and improve the living environment. Good urban design enhances the quality of urban spaces and, ultimately, the quality of urban life by emphasizing aspects such as accessibility, safety, and social connectivity. In this process, combining analytical methods with various stages of design aids in idea development and continuous assessment, increasing the likelihood of project success. This study examines the application of space syntax on Queen Street in the central trade district of Oakland City to answer the question: "How would the urban space quality of this street be evaluated using space syntax, and what challenges might arise in this evaluation?" Space syntax theory, which analyzes spatial layouts and their impact on human behavior, provides a tool for assessing connectivity, accessibility, and the integrity of pathways within the urban network. This tool is particularly valuable for understanding how spatial configurations influence social behavior. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research incorporated both quantitative and qualitative data; quantitative data was analyzed through DepthMap software, while qualitative data was collected to understand Queen Street’s role in the social and cultural context. The findings show that Queen Street benefits from adequate connectivity within the urban network and, as a key route, supports pedestrian activity and vibrancy in the central trade area. However, improvements such as enhancing pedestrian safety and optimizing traffic flow could further increase the street’s functionality. Analyzing Queen Street with space syntax revealed several challenges, including the complexity of data analysis and the subjective interpretations that may influence results. Additionally, temporal factors and cultural sensitivity are necessary to ensure that design recommendations align with local values. This study concludes that space syntax is a useful tool in evaluating urban space quality; however, ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating these analyses with qualitative insights can provide a more comprehensive understanding of urban spaces, fostering environments that are more sustainable and aligned with community needs.