A STRUCTURAL EQUATION ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL CONFIGURATIONS AND VIBRANCY IN CITY CENTERS

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between spatial configurations and vibrancy in city centers of local cities. Focusing on streets as major constituent elements of urban form, this study calculates measures related to characteristics of streets. Topological characteristics of street network is calculated by network theory, and other spatial characteristics including land use, facilities and pavement are evaluated based on the surveys. These characteristics are aggregated by unit of streets. Assuming vibrancy of city centers composed of various elements such as social, economic and travel activities of citizens and visitors, it is estimated by land price, pedestrian flow volume and ratio of vacant properties to all buildings. A case study in Tottori city center, a typical local city in Japan experiencing the city center’s decline along depopulation and suburbanization, is carried out. Results of structural equilibrium analysis indicate that land use in which commercial areas and residential areas are separated, high centrality in the street network, accessibility from suburb areas in terms of distance to bus stops and parking facilities, and walking environment influence vibrancy of streets. The framework and results are intended to create sustainable and livable cities.