The application of space syntax analysis in urban planning with existing practice: case study of Jaffna municipal council area

Abstract

The road integration in development activities plays a key role in the urban spatial structure. Many urban issues are increasing without integration among the road system. So, several studies are seeking to address this issue of spatial mobility. Over the past years, many spatial analysis methods have been developed for a better understanding and modeling of real-world phenomena. However, there is still a need for the exploration of new analytical techniques for modeling urban spaces in Jaffna Urban area. Space syntax is the technique that has been used to derive the connectivity of urban or architectural spaces (Hillier 1996, Penn et al. 1998). This paper proposes methodological and practical evaluations of the potential of the space syntax approach and theory. Jaffna Municipal Council Area (M.C) has been analyzed as the case study area with application of urban planning and design. For that purpose a method to assess how connectivity affects the hierarchical structure was developed. Secondary data like map of the regional network were used for this research. Very high, moderate and low criteria were used as connectivity levels using space syntax analysis methods which include the Geographical Information Techniques and tools and Depth map Software. This paper proposes the result that a review of the space syntax theory in urban context and forms of the roads and integration level of roads of Jaffna M.C area were known. When we implement this, integration space map can be avoided and the transportation facilities would be more sustainable in the future and we can make new and innovative decision making on the spatial or physical matters with considering social and other economic impacts also.