From historic markets to contemporary urban districts: A comparative space syntax analysis of historic markets and contemporary urban districts

Abstract Urban commercial districts play a crucial role in promoting pedestrian activities, fostering social interaction, and supporting sustainable development. This study employs space syntax analysis to explore the spatial configurations of two contrasting commercial districts of Doha: the planned LEED-certified smart district of Msheireb Downtown Doha, and Souq Waqif, a traditional commercial space with an organic, irregular street pattern. This study employed a computational quantitative spatial analysis framework, utilizing DepthmapX and GIS-based axial mapping, to evaluate three core space syntax metrics: Connectivity, Choice, and Integration. The results showed that Msheireb exhibited higher values across all three metrics (connectivity: avg. 4.72; Choice: avg. 63,725; integration: avg. 514.34), highlighting Msheireb’s alignment with LEED-ND principles for walkability and mobility. In contrast, Souq Waqif had lower metric values (connectivity: avg. 2.36; choice: avg. 36.29; integration, avg. 405.13) but fosters localized connectivity, cultural immersion, and pedestrian clustering. By comparing spatial metrics with LEED-ND principles, this study indicates how both quantifiable and qualitative spatial characteristics contribute to urban sustainability. Msheireb performs well on measurable benchmarks, whereas Souq Waqif adds intangible cultural value through social vibrancy and cultural depth. This study offers evidence that spatial analysis can influence planning decisions and proposes a hybrid model that combines modern spatial efficiency with traditional spatial richness to support sustainable, inclusive, and culturally responsive urban environments.