Work

Walking and Time! The Style of Walkability in Urmia Old Town

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper analyzes the spatial evolution and walkability of Urmia’s historic Bazaar, applying space syntax theory to support heritage-sensitive urban planning. Three temporal configurations (1933, 1948, 2018) were reconstructed from georeferenced maps and field surveys and analyzed in Depthmap X using syntactic measures (NACH, NAIN, Entropy). Results indicate that modernization expanded network connectivity and introduced linear patterns, yet the Bazaar continues to function as the primary configurational hub driving socio-economic interaction. Findings empirically reinforce natural movement theory and offer practical guidance for planning strategies that enhance spatial permeability while sustaining historic fabric integrity and cultural continuity.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su172310758

Authors: Momen Foadmarashi, Farnaz Eskandari, Francisco Serdoura

Institutions: University of Lisbon, Centro de Investigação em Arquitetura Urbanismo e Design, Iran University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Urban Design and Spatial Analysis

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896