Spatial Configuration of The Historic Downtown Urban Fabric and Its Effect On Human Movement Patterns

This study explores the relationship between spatial configuration and human movement behavior in downtown historic areas, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods through Space Syntax analysis. The study adopts a case study approach focusing on the Downtown Historic District in Alexandria. It addresses the issue of chaotic pedestrian movement and overcrowding, which negatively impacts comfort and the sense of place in these environments. The research first employs the virtual gate method for monitoring pedestrian movement and density. Then, it used the Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS) for map analysis and spatial data management. Space Syntax analysis has also been used to model and interpret spatial configurations. This Quantitative analysis is used to identify patterns and correlations influencing pedestrian behavior. The findings reveal a clear association between pedestrian activity and the diversity and compatibility of land uses within a 400–804-metre range. While traditional syntactic indicators remain relevant, pedestrian movement in such contexts is more strongly affected by land-use and activity diversity during daytime periods (8:30 AM 5:30 PM). The results highlight the spatial elements that contribute to the district's vibrancy, identify areas that require attention, and provide methods for revitalizing historic urban areas. Overall, the results emphasize the value of place-making approaches in creating lively and pedestrian-oriented urban environments. The research limitation is that the model does not account for all the variables that influence human activities, such as the social characteristics of streets, cultural factors, and changes in individuals' needs.