Zprávy památkové péče 2020, 80(1):10-16 | DOI: 10.56112/zpp.2020.1.03

Using a topological analysis of the street network in the care of the urban value of settlements

Jana Zdráhalová

Ústav urbanismu FA ČVUT

The article introduces the Space syntax theory and its methods to the field of heritage care and conservation, focusing primarily on the urban dimension of settlements. It presents the theoretical foundations and explains the main concepts, but it also points out to the limits of the Space syntax. The second part of the article demonstrates the case of Pelhřimov, a Czech town with urban heritage protection, and the use of the theory, showing its results and conclusions.
The Space syntax theory brings two main assets in comparison to the standard analytical tools used in heritage care. First, it can capture the urban settlement or any spatial arrangements of places as a whole. In the urban dimension, it extends the often-used analysis of the relationships between two essential places such as the main square and a castle or a railway station and the city center. Space syntax transforms the street network of a settlement into an axial graph and analyses its topological properties. In this way, it covers all places of the settlement at once. This quality is expressed as the configurational character of the theory.
The second asset is the ability to connect the spatial properties of the street network with the character of life in the spaces. It can predict the potential of individual places to capture the through-movement (called Choice in the Space syntax theory) or a to-movement (called Integration). The distribution of activities in the city is related to the spatial arrangement and use of places.
A comparison of a city's road network in different periods allows us to monitor the position of topologically dominant places or their movement within the settlement. This way, we can study the shift of socially essential locations within the city, the formation of new centers, or the relationship between the historical center and the surrounding region.
The analysis of the street network of Pelhřimov in 1829 and 2020 demonstrates the shift from an even, radial system of streets into a street system of more expressed main roads with the other streets becoming secondary. The later street network creates new communication circuits that are complementary to the once single node corresponding to the historical center. The formation of the new bypass transport communication designed in the 1970s to protect the historical center from heavy traffic has significantly disrupted the connection between the west and east part of Pelhřimov. An increased quality of interconnection between the two parts of the town would help to overcome the separation and bring more people to the city center. In this way, through a regular, everyday contact with the historical center, the inhabitants can build a stronger and authentic relationship with the city and its historical parts.
Space syntax analysis extends known and used approaches to urban analysis. It can offer valuable arguments in heritage care, planning, and development, while preserving the historical spirit of the settlement.

Keywords: urban structure, street network, Space syntax, Bill Hillier, Julienne Hanson, urban analysis, integration, choice

Published: March 1, 2020  Show citation