Quantitative analysis of spatial vitality and spatial characteristics of urban underground space (UUS) in metro area

Abstract

The implementation of transit-oriented development (TOD) policies and the vigorous development of urban rail transit construction have promoted the rapid development of the urban underground spaces (UUSs) in metro construction areas. Spatial vitality, as one of the important evaluation indicators for the layout of the UUS, is closely related to spatial efficiency. Taking the UUS of the Shanghai People’s Square (SPSUUS) as a case study, the distribution regularities of the spatial vitality in the UUS were investigated by analyzing its spatial characteristics and vitality distribution quantitatively. Space syntax, point of interest (POI) data, traditional field investigations, and pedestrian counting were adopted to measure the spatial features and population density of the SPSUUS, and then comparisons were made. The correlations between each spatial characteristic variable and the spatial vitality were further explored using the SPSS software. The results showed that the spatial vitality of the SPSUUS was comprehensively affected by related variables, including the visibility and accessibility of the spatial structures, the degree of the functional mixture, the layout of the station hall and entrances, and the organization of business forms. Depending on the feedback results, corresponding improvement suggestions and discussions are proposed from the aspects of entrance layout, spatial organization, and functional distribution to provide a reference for future planning, design, and optimization of UUSs with effective vitality.