A Matrix-Driven Cellular Automata Model for Analyzing Urban Decay and Vitality Indicators at the Neighborhood Scale
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Urban decay and urban vitality are widely used concepts in architecture and urban stud-ies to describe the negative and positive characteristics of urban environments. However, they are commonly addressed through qualitative or static approaches, limiting their ap-plicability in neighborhood-scale spatial assessment and design-oriented deci-sion-making processes. This study proposes a matrix-based cellular automata model for analyzing urban decay and urban vitality indicators at the neighborhood scale. Indicators related to urban decay and urban vitality were identified through a comprehensive litera-ture review, and repetitive, overlapping, and context-inappropriate criteria were removed. A data-based decision matrix was then constructed using five criteria: theoretical validity, data accessibility, spatial applicability, model compatibility, and impact level. Indicators were scored on a 1–5 scale, and those with a total suitability score of four or higher were selected as model inputs. The finalized indicator set was incorporated into a cellular au-tomata model with a regular grid structure, defined for a study area of approximately 600 m × 600 m in the Semsi Tebrizi neighborhood of Konya, Turkey, using 15 m × 15 m cells. The model is not intended as a predictive tool but functions as an indicator-based deci-sion-support framework for pre-design spatial analysis and interpretation.
Source: Buildings
Authors: Ayşe Tüzün Güner, Süheyla Büyükşahin
Institutions: KTO Karatay University, Sakarya University
Language: English
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7154339151