Future resilient cities need to integrate increasing density with the development of urban infrastructure and systems, especially natural and green systems. In Singapore’s post-Independence history, urban green spaces have evolved from leftover manicured grassy areas to biodiverse spaces with recreational areas and facilities. Singapore has recognized the need to provide varying access to the public to protect the more natural areas from too much public access. In urban green spaces, different areas have varying access depending on the scale and significance of the natural habitat. This paper uses Spatial Network Analysis — or the study of topological spatial relationships — to inform the planning and design of varying levels of access in urban green spaces in Singapore. It investigates the influence of spatial configuration of urban green spaces on pedestrian movement, by studying two types of urban green spaces in Singapore: one-north Park and Jurong Lakeside Garden. In both cases, the research utilizes weighted Spatial Network Analysis using sDNA, an analytical tool, to gain insights into the correlations between spatial connectivity and pedestrian movement distribution patterns. Empirical quantitative data are collected using infrared-sensor devices and manual pedestrian count and activity mapping. The methodology can provide the basis for the future planning and design of pedestrian infrastructure in urban green spaces in Singapore, and other high-density cities.
In high-density, land-scarce cities like Singapore, the successful translation of ground-level urban qualities and benefits into vertical living is crucial for social, economic, environmental, and ecological sustainability. This research introduces a Network science-based spatial analysis framework to evaluate the connectivity and relationships of vertically integrated urban open spaces. Kampung Admiralty (KA), a unique development integrating housing for the elderly with various facilities, serves as a case study. The methodology combines static spatial network measures and real-world movement data to predict movement flows, accessibility, and connectivity. Lift lobbies and elevated garden connectors emerged as critical paths, effectively distributing pedestrian flows. Landscape spaces played a key role in visual and physical connectivity, offering high recreational and social value. Strategic placement of “social attractors” improved space utilization. The study highlights the importance of spatial design parameters in user-space interactions and provides insights into socio-spatial networks at both ground and elevated levels. It identifies key connectors that facilitate effective planning and design of vertically integrated public space networks, promoting social and spatial effectiveness.
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