Exploring the role of configurational accessibility of alleyways on facilitating wayfinding transportation within the organic street network systems
Reza Askarizad, Francisco José Lamíquiz Daudén, Chiara Garau
Abstract
Despite the significant role of alleyways in urban spatial configuration and accessibility as critical structures of urban infrastructure, there remains a noticeable gap in understanding their specific role in urban transportation policies. The main aim of the present study is to investigate the role of configurational accessibility of alleyways in facilitating wayfinding within organic street network systems. A mixed method was applied using Space Syntax and empirical observations. Moreover, Pearson correlations and t-tests were used to discern the association between variables and compare independent groups using SPSS software. The findings from the syntactical analysis strongly indicate that alleyways significantly impact configurational accessibility within urban network systems. Furthermore, the complex and labyrinthine structure of organic alleyways was found to significantly hinder the intelligibility of urban areas, making navigation more challenging. The results revealed a significant correlation between vehicle mobility and connectivity values, with higher levels of mobility consistently linked to increased connectivity values. The outcomes also indicated that alleys connected to main streets play a crucial role in facilitating wayfinding within urban network systems. This study contributes to a more profound understanding of the role of alleyways in urban network systems for urban planners and transportation engineers, paving the way for more targeted sustainable urban planning strategies. • Alleyways connecting main streets boost connectivity and vehicle mobility in organic urban networks. • The maze-like structure of organic alleyways complicates urban intelligibility and makes wayfinding harder. • The research indicates a significant correlation between vehicle mobility and alleyway connectivity. • Two alleyway types found: those connecting alleys and those linking main streets, with the latter easing traffic. • Planners should improve alleyway clarity to enhance wayfinding and support sustainable transportation in organic contexts.