The spatial logic of pedestrian movement and exploration in the central area of Jeddah: The effect of spatial configuration on shopping behavior.

摘要

This study investigates the relationship between the configuration of urban layout, shopping spatial behavior and choice in the central area of Jeddah. It is argued that the pedestrian paths of consumers, their search patterns and their shopping behaviors are strongly affected by the spatial properties of the retail district. In this case, understanding the role of spatial layout is particularly important because traditional shopping environments are juxtaposed to modern shopping centers: the potential co-existence of a preserved traditional area and a modern central business district is of interest to planners and architects alike. A better understanding of the effect of layout upon shopping behavior may assist the preservation of the spatial character of the traditional town while taking into account current needs and behavioral patterns. The study uses and extends the analytical computer-based techniques of "space syntax".; Using field observations and behavioral mapping, this thesis explores the relationship between the distribution of pedestrian movement and spatial configuration and distribution of shopping attractors in the study area.; The thesis further explores the relationship between the pattern of exploratory paths of potential shoppers and their overt shopping behaviors and the spatial configuration and the distribution of shops in the area.; The physical analysis of the study area reveals that the integration core of the area has shifted from a predominant historic east-west direction to a predominant north-south direction. The contemporary core divides the city into two halves. The eastern half retains its traditional morphology and traditional Aswaq and clusters of shops. On the other hand, the western half displays a more grid-like pattern and accommodates the modern central business district as well as shopping malls and shopping centers. In addition, the analysis also demonstrates that distribution of shops, particularly the clusters, correlates with integration.; The space use analysis reveals that the spatial configuration of the area is significantly correlated to patterns of movement, co-awareness, and co-presence. In addition, the spatial logic of movement is different between the two halves of the town. That is, movement in the western half is correlated most clearly with global configurational variables, while movement in the eastern half is correlated most clearly with local configurational variables and with the local pattern of land use.; The analysis of the actual paths of potential shoppers in the area reveals that spatial search is well distributed and covers a large number of spaces in the system. The analysis also confirm that the flow of exploratory paths are biased towards the western contemporary part of town, and emphasize the historic east-west direction rather than the actual pattern of most integrated spaces (the north-south direction). In addition, the aggregate paths from all origins defined an empirical core that corresponds with the distribution of shops and shopping dusters.; The analysis of overt shopping behavior reveal that spaces that attracted a greater number of people also attracted more overt shopping behavior such as window-shopping and buying. Moreover, the spatial characterization of overt shopping behavior enabled us to identify a number of distinct shopping profiles that reflect different shoppers typology.