Smit, Jasper Laurens (2022) Space Syntax: Exploring the applicability of sociospatial theory during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence from Groningen. Master thesis.
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on society. At the time of writing this thesis it is, in fact, still having a major grip on the gears that keep our society running. During multiple pandemic lockdowns inflicted by the Dutch government, socio-economic processes have been brought to a halt, in attempts to minimise the spread of the virus. This has put a lot of stress on the social well-being and the economic functioning of cities, with increasing consequences of social malaise. It is this scenario that has questioned the urban resilience: meaning how well can a city cope with the effects of a global pandemic. This research aims to put sociospatial theory into practise, in order to see if it is capable of evaluating the well-functioning of urban settings during a pandemic lockdown. If so, then this field of social sciences might provide solutions to mitigate the negative effects of lockdowns (or pandemics) on cities, improving aspects like safety, quality of life and maintaining socio-economic stability. During this research Space Syntax is the applied sociospatial theory, to evaluate on the movement patterns of pedestrians and cyclist during one of the lockdowns in the Dutch city of Groningen. Through a mixed-method approach of field observations, Space Syntax analysis and statistical analysis, this research aimed to determine the applicability of Space Syntax for evaluating and predicting the well functioning of urban space. This research concludes Space Syntax to be a viable candidate for both evaluating and predicting the functioning of urban space during a pandemic situation. Space Syntax allowed for comprehensive insights into the movement patterns of inhabitants of the city, without the requirement of complex resources. Additionally, the statistical analysis concluded the observed movement patterns of inhabitants to be in line with the expectations of the Space Syntax theory, justifying it’s usage as a predictive tool. Finally, Space Syntax’ practical and visual approach towards communicating information, was found ideal for both experts and non-experts. Existing limitations of Space Syntax, as well as the context in which this research was conducted, apply to the concluding statements of this thesis.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Environmental & Infrastructure Planning |
| Supervisor: | Yamu, C.H. and Kann, F.M.G. van and Margaritis, E. |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Mar 2022 15:43 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Mar 2022 15:43 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3794 |
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