Behavioral Mapping and Rhythmanalysis: Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Pedestrian Streets in Hanoi

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Research on streets and public spaces in general has predominantly relied on systematic observation and behavioral mapping to investigate human behavior and its spatial patterns. This approach, however, often lacks the depth needed, especially in densely populated urban areas of Global South cities, to uncover the intricate social processes and politics that shape people’s behavior and patterns. In response to this limitation, our study takes a multifaceted approach, combining behavioral mapping (through systematic observation data) with rhythmanalysis (using general observation data and in-depth interviews) to study pedestrian streets with a case study in Hanoi, Vietnam. This research contributes to urban geography and urban studies methodology by analyzing the limitations and strengths of behavioral mapping and rhythmanalysis. We call for combining these methods in a way that allows them to complement each other. Such a combination should provide a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the temporal and social forces that shape everyday life in public spaces.