Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center

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The Authors

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center Hossein Safarin, Fataneh Fakouri Moridani School of Graduate Studies and Technical Complex, Islamic Azad University of Rasht Branch, Lahijan 44158-84715, Iran Received 30 January 2017; received in revised form 16 June 2017; accepted 30 June 2017

1.

KEYWORDS

Abstract

Square; Geometry; Sociability; Accessibility; Kuala Lumpur City Center

The lack of visibility and the difficulty in developing a cognitive map may be particularly important in wayfinding and in categories where the use of accessibility and sociability will provide a square suggestion in the Kuala Lumpur City Center Park (KLCC). This study attempted to examine the existing structure within the vicinity of KLCC and the transformations of its vicinity based on a square suggestion through morphological analysis using axial analysis and observations. The axial analysis shows how the accessibility of the square has shifted within the city and compares it with an existing park. Moreover, a square suggestion can provide context for the Petronas Twin Towers as a landmark and symbolic building. A square, as a regular geometry, can aid in improving the configuration of the vicinity of KLCC. Consequently, this research is useful to architects, tourism managers, and urban designers because it demonstrates the importance of effective factors in sustaining accessible and sociable space, such as a square. & 2017 Higher Education Press Limited Company. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Introduction

Wayfinding follows psychological patterns that use perception (Emo et al., 2012). The external information of urban n

Corresponding author. E-mail address: [email protected] (H. Safari). Peer review under responsibility of Southeast University.

space, such as environmental configuration, may affect decision-making in wayfinding (Conroy, 2001). Evidence has shown that disorientation is one of the effects of impaired wayfinding on visitors. Disorientation involves an egocentric spatial sphere, a representation of heading, a lack of landmark, and viable cognitive function agnosia (Aguirre and D'Esposito, 1999; Asselena et al., 2005; Bottoni et al., 1990; Suzuki et al., 1998). Visitors rely on certain

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005 2095-2635/& 2017 Higher Education Press Limited Company. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005

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H. Safari, F.F. Moridani

wayfinding tasks, which may be a stressful experience when people are in an unfamiliar environment (Hölscher et al., 2006). Although the number of studies that focused on cognitive map and wayfinding (Gä rling et al., 1986; O’Neill, 1991a, 1991b; Weisman, 1981) has increased recently, a review of the space syntax method (Karimi, 2012) for reading urban spaces based on the wayfinding literature shows minimal theoretical works in the wayfinding area; in particular, few efforts have examined the impact of wayfinding on visitors in an unfamiliar urban space (Edwards and Griffin, 2013). Early wayfinding research (Chebat et al., 2005; Hölscher et al., 2005; Ishikawa and Montello, 2006; Mallot and Basten, 2009; Nasar, 1983; Vilar et al., 2013; Wiener et al., 2009) focused on the general characteristics and roles of landmarks (Bruce and Herman, 1983; Caduff and Timpf, 2008; Wilkniss et al., 1997; Zakzanis et al., 2009). Other research related to wayfinding includes studies based on the age (Barrash, 1994; Clearfield, 2004; Driscoll and Sutherland, 2005; Head and Isomc, 2010; Learmonth et al., 2001; Moffat et al., 2006, 2007; S.D. Moffat et al., 2001, 2006; S.D. Moffat and Resnick, 2002; Newcombe et al., 2010; Wilkniss et al., 1997) and gender (Astur et al., 1998; Chen et al., 2009; Coluccia and Louse, 2004; Grön et al., 2000; Lawton, 1994; S.D. Moffat et al., 1998; Mueller et al., 2008; Piccardi et al., 2011; Saucier et al., 2002; Tan et al., 2006) of the wayfinder, and the variety of materials, colors (Dalke et al., 2005; Read, 2003; Spence et al., 2006), and interior space, such as in airports, shopping malls, and galleries (Lam et al., 2003). Despite these works, the literature on unfamiliar urban spaces and their relationship to the spatial behavior of tourists as visitors is nearly nonexistent (Edwards and Griffin, 2013). Consequently, we have an incomplete picture of how the wayfinding of visitors can be improved in unfamiliar urban spaces by using a square to sustain accessible and sociable spaces. The objective of this study is to examine existing structures within the vicinity of the Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) Park and the transformations of its vicinity based on a square suggestion through a morphological analysis. Space syntax was selected to simulate and examine whether an urban space configuration exhibits an advantage over the square suggestion. Moreover, observation aids in understanding the existing configuration in the vicinity of KLCC and the feasibility of the square suggestion are presented in this study. The lack of visibility and the difficulty in developing a cognitive map may be important in wayfinding, particularly in categories where the use of accessibility and sociability will provide a square suggestion for the KLCC Park. This study provides a square suggestion for the vicinity of KLCC. Wayfinding issues are presented, and certain contingencies in which the configurations of space are relatively effective are explored. The hypothesis is that a square, as a regular geometry, affects urban space configuration and wayfinding. Thus, the main objectives of the present research are as follows:

 To investigate the relationship between spatial syntactical 

variables and the accessibility of streets by using a square. To assess the behavioral pattern of visitors in the KLCC Park.

Previous research on the underlying route knowledge of wayfinding has focused on survey knowledge (Mallot and Basten, 2009; Meilinger, 2008; Meilinger et al., 2013; Poucet, 1993; Trullier et al., 1997). However, the literature is nearly nonexistent on the effects of local information, which are identified by observing static and dynamic activities (e.g., snapshots, gate, people following, and directional splits) and their relationships to visitors in real space. Consequently, an incomplete picture remains of how the wayfinding of visitors in urban spaces can be improved in unfamiliar urban spaces by using a square to sustain accessible and sociable spaces. This suggestion is supported by the space syntax method. In addition, previous research has shown that the structure developed for new squares in urban design remains applicable (Giddings et al., 2011). Studies have also found a difference in the wayfinding behavior of people when they are familiar or unfamiliar with the environment (Holscher et al., 2007). Furthermore, static and dynamic activities are two types of wayfinding that exhibit differentiation (Fewings, 2001). In the case of the KLCC Park, most visitors in this area are tourists, and thus, they can be unfamiliar with the environment and may perform either a dynamic or a static activity in wayfinding. The remainder of this paper is structured as follow. First, the literature that explains effective wayfinding using a viable cognitive map, the relationship between space configurations and wayfinding, and a square as a geometric landmark is presented in Section 2. Then, the procedures used to test the hypothesized effects of effective wayfinding, space configuration, and regular geometry are described in Section 3. Subsequently, the findings of the study are presented in Section 4. Finally, the study is concluded with a summary of its contributions and directions for further research in Section 5.

2. Influences of relationship between wayfinding and space configuration The current study offers explanations on how geometry affects wayfinding. Considerable research has focused on the role of cognitive maps on wayfinding (Asselena et al., 2005; Gärling et al., 1986; O’Neill, 1991a, 1991b; Passini, 1981). In wayfinding, cognitive maps have been studied geometrically (Gallistel, 1990; Golledge, 1999; Kitchin and Freundschuh, 2000). The foundation of this research is the extant literature on relationships in effective wayfinding, the configuration of the vicinity of KLCC, and geometry. Three core relationship bonds are found in this literature. A general model for their possible interrelationships is shown in Figure 1. This model will be explained in the next section, starting with the three aspects of a relationship, including wayfinding, geometry, and space configuration.

2.1. map

Effective wayfinding with a viable cognitive

Numerous studies have shown that wayfinding involves visual access, landmarks, use of signs, and plan configuration (Weisman, 1981). Other studies discuss the impact of

Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005

Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center cognitive mapping on wayfinding (Gärling et al., 1986; O’Neill, 1991a, 1991b). Dalton (2003) defined wayfinding as the act of traveling from origin to destination through decision-making using a cognitive map. The term wayfinding can be found in the literature on psychology, geography, anthropology, urban design, and architecture. Wayfinding studies include cognitive maps, imagery, and spatial orientation (Passini, 1981). Cognitive maps and imagery are static phenomena, whereas wayfinding is a dynamic behavior (Passini, 1981). By contrast, wayfinding is a complex cognitive function that involves landmark and plan configuration (Asselena et al., 2005). Visitors regularly find their way from origin to destination along unfamiliar and familiar routes (Passini, 1981). People occasionally get lost and explore new spaces (Passini, 1981). Wayfinding capability is assisted by making decisions along the way based on route knowledge (Golledge, 1999;

Figure 1 Influences of the relationship between wayfinding and the configuration of the vicinity of KLCC. CVK: configuration of the vicinity of KLCC; RG: regular geometry; IG: irregular geometry; EF: effective wayfinding.

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Ishikawa and Montello, 2006; Mallot and Basten, 2009; Siegel and White, 1975; Thorndyke and Hayes-Roth, 1982; Trullier et al., 1997; Wiener et al., 2009). Route knowledge is a sequential knowledge of how routes are linked by landmarks from origin to destination (Cornell et al., 2003; Cubukcu and Nasar, 2005). Human wayfinding is an investigation on the processes of people orientation and navigation from origin to destination through the environment in the physical world (Bottoni et al., 1990; Conroy, 2001). Wayfinding involves interactions between the physical world and humans (Suzuki et al., 1998). It is considered based on the physical environment (global and local configurations) and human behavior (gender, age, etc.) (Hölscher et al., 2011; Lawton, 1996).

2.2. Relationship between space configuration and wayfinding Wayfinding is an activity (Golledge, 1999) performed in either familiar or unfamiliar environments (Arthur and Pasini, 1992). It defines how people organize and communicate static and dynamic activities with real space and the environment (Giuliani, 2001; Passini, 1984). Moreover, wayfinding design is central to the organization and communication of local information and environment users (e.g., visitors). It aids in understanding a sense of orientation and navigation (Pollett and Haskell, 1979). Human navigation involves path integration, cognitive map, and geometry (Önder and Gigi, 2010). Wayfinding is a cognitive process for finding a route from an origin to a destination. It is a complex process that depends on external environmental conditions (Allen, 1999; Golledge, 1999) and people behavior (Raubal, 2001). It is also a reaction to the environment, whether preplanned or unplanned (Golledge, 1999). Wayfinding is the cognitive ability to understand space configuration (Passini, 1984; Passini and Shiels, 1987). Montello

Figure 2 KLCC (R = 10 km). Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005

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H. Safari, F.F. Moridani

(2001) defined wayfinding as a decision-making process. The quality of space configuration in wayfinding involves cognitive mapping and spatial recognition (Brandon, 2008). It shows the relationship between human senses during navigation and space configuration (Hashim and Said, 2013). From the preceding discussion, the following hypothesis can be presented: H1: A change in the physical configuration of urban space affects wayfinding.

2.3.

Square as a geometric landmark

Wayfinding is a purposeful movement to a specific destination (Golledge, 1999). Humans use two strategies in wayfinding: Euclidian metrics as direction and distance estimates associated with a cognitive map (Golledge, 1999; Kitchin and Freundschuh, 2000) and a landmark strategy (Burgess, 2006). Cognitive maps are developed based on experience in the real physical world through a process of path integration (Golledge, 1999; Loomis et al., 2000) and landmark recognition (Foo et al., 2004). Landmarks are among the essential characteristics in wayfinding. Studies on humans and animals (Begega et al., 2001; Jacobs et al., 1997; Maguire et al., 1998; Moffat and Resnick, 2002) show that landmarks function as references in wayfinding (Jacobs et al., 1997; Jansen-Osmann, 2002; Jansen-Osmann and Fuchs, 2006; Waller and Lippa, 2007). Landmarks can be divided into two major visual cue categories: object landmarks and geometric landmarks. Object landmarks are salient objects that can be distinguished simply from the context of contrast and peculiar exterior design, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers (Lin et al., 2012). By contrast, geometric landmarks are constructed by surface features in the environment and urban space (Gallistel, 1990), such as Tjunction intersections, area boundaries, and squares. Squares are integrated well into grids at local and global levels (Giddings et al., 2011). However, studies on axial line analysis, which relates static activities to the dynamic aspects of visitors in public urban space, remain insufficient (Syed Mahdzar, 2008; Karimi, 2012). Public spaces are the physical spaces of a community; they are coherent, vital, and play major roles in reinforcing social behavior (Alexander, 1987; French, 1983). Rebuilding a public square helps reverse the destruction of the public realm. Public squares can be used to reclaim city centers for the benefit of communities. They also contribute to sustainable urban design (Giddings et al., 2011) and serve as a framework for geometric criteria, as supported by a previous study (Giddings, 1996). However, Krier (1979) believed that the functions of squares would become outdated by the end of the 20th century and these spaces would be transformed into empty spaces (Giedion, 1962). On the basis of their argument, empty spaces were frequently converted into car parks (Gehl and Gemzoe, 2001; Giddings et al., 2011). By contrast, streets and squares were occupied by malls belonging to the private sector (Gehl and Gemzoe, 2001; Giddings et al., 2005). These changes originated from the United States as a result of dangerous public spaces (Woolley et al., 2004), urban youth culture (Worpole and Knox, 2007), and youthful playscapes

(Chatterton and Hollands, 2002). These reasons affected the increase of the private sector (Kohn, 2004; Minton, 2006). Evidence has shown that public space, such as a square, has benefits in the economic, social, and environmental spheres. For example, a public space can attract customers, services, and employees to companies; moreover, a square can be a venue for social behavior, such as meetings, community gatherings, well-managed festivals (Pugalis, 2009), and a form of civil society (Woolley et al., 2004). In addition, a square can shape cultural identity and identify a sense of place (Pugalis, 2009). It is also a symbol of democracy (Giddings et al., 2011; Mattson, 1999) and can provide focal points, including the heart of the city (Chesterton, 1997). A renaissance of buildings, which defines a society, is highly important. This fact can be observed when symbolic buildings are identified by prominent positions. Squares and locating symbolic buildings in appropriate setting at the core can help realize this objective (Mattson, 1999). Context is necessary for significant or historic buildings, and squares can provide these contexts (Chesterton, 1997). Public spaces, such as squares and streets, are necessary to provide the context of symbolic buildings and to introduce culture and commercial activities (Mattson, 1999). The KLCC Park is selected as a square suggestion area because it has potential positive aspects that can be highlighted as a public square. The KLCC Park is tested and simulated in terms of space syntax and pedestrian observation. Thus, this study presents a demonstration of how a suggestion of public square can be designed by simulating various aspects. From the preceding discussion, the following hypotheses can be presented: H2 and H3: Perceived existing geometry will be improved with a square suggestion as a regular geometry based on the geometry of an urban space (e.g., the vicinity of KLCC).

2.4. Approach to sociability and accessibility in urban space Accessibility is defined as the behavior of people in an appropriate space within the local to global network as a configuration of urban pubic space (Mahdzar, 2008). Accessibility is the convenience of access for movement toward a destination (DOE, 1994). Sociability is defined as the appropriation of streets for people (Mahdzar, 2008). The presence of people in a particular urban space and the physical designs in an urban space for sociability can encourage other people. The physical designs within the local spatial configuration of an individual urban space, such as a street or a square, will intrinsically provide an opportunity for one urban space to be occupied more by static activities than other spaces. However, global spatial configuration must consider the social and socio-physical relations between static activities and the local spatial configuration of urban space (Mahdzar, 2008). Evidence shows that an individual urban space with low visibility and connectivity leads to low static activities (Mahdzar, 2008). This study also found that the design of the accessibility and sociability of the KLCC Park based on

Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005

Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center

Table 1

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Comparing gate observation and configuration of street in the vicinity of KLCC.

Ref No. Total density at gate during weekend

Total density at gate during weekday

Integration HH (RN)

Integration HH (R2)

Integration HH (R3)

Connectivity Choice

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

52 7 39 12 14 2 25 11 13 3 14 14 2 5 2 55 7 15 6 5 10 40

0.76497 0.743529 0.725378 0.690771 0.693465 0.693761 0.697289 0.6893o7 0.691275 0.708136 0.696393 0.730641 0.762254 0.740529 0.760167 0.715482 0.760167 0.760167 0.693803 0.637061 0.637061 0.674118

2.78071 2.48195 2.31228 2.63594 2.35375 3.20851 2.74924 3.49903 2.19662 2.35375 2.8125 2.63594 3.23572 2.56596 2.93322 1.74097 2.93322 2.93322 1.47837 1.05598 1.16341 1.83333

2.14027 1.99994 1.84968 1.93733 1.88824 2.23414 2.0981 2.22145 1.86282 1.93056 2.18761 1.96353 2.30699 2.10854 2.06823 1.6101 2.06823 2.06823 1.37462 0.979294 1.04458 1.51108

5 4 4 5 4 7 5 8 3 4 5 5 7 4 6 2 6 6 2 2 2 3

67 12 56 20 28 1 34 18 18 1 16 17 3 4 4 68 9 16 10 3 12 35

93,684 58,660 18,384 14,313 6032 19,647 13,043 9073 9472 11,032 844 1751 30,881 21,543 30,983 40 30,983 30,983 3189 706 706 2569

Figure 3 (a) Gate observation map of the vicinity of KLCC; (b) axial line analysis, integration (HH).

static activities had been explored and understood in urban design practice.

is divided into eight different zones based on the determination of usability for pedestrians in the vicinity of the park.

3.

3.1. Empirical observation of static and dynamic pedestrian activities

Materials and method

The method combines the empirical axial line by the space syntax technique and the empirical observation of pedestrian activities (static and dynamic). To compare and understand the differences in the frequency of pedestrian activities in the vicinity of KLCC, observations were made during weekdays and weekends. In addition, the KLCC Park

To find patterns of visitor behavior and to obtain a detailed picture and understanding of activities in the vicinity of KLCC, four types of observations on pedestrian static and dynamic activities, namely, gate, people following, directional splits, and snap shot as an “activity mapping” technique, were conducted. The study also observed visitors

Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005

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H. Safari, F.F. Moridani

of different races (local and foreign), gender (male and female), and ages (adult, teenager, and child). The total number of people was also considered. The investigation was suggested to be conducted based on gender and age segregation.

 Gate observation – the frequency of the flow of pedes-







trians was observed for 3 min in each gate on respective streets in the vicinity of the KLCC Park (Table 1, Figures 3 and 4). People following – visitors walking from an origin to a destination were observed and followed continuously from the entrance to the exit of the KLCC Park. The walking pattern or the particular movement of an individual was then traced onto respective locations on the map (Table 2 and Figure 6). Static snap shot – the static and dynamic activities of visitors in the KLCC Park were observed and recorded in a single round of observation for two periods (Table 3 and Figure 7). Directional splits – the absolute percentages of pedestrian flows in three junctions, which can be linked to the KLCC Park, were observed (Figure 8).

3.2.

method (Hillier, 1996; Karimi, 2012; Önder and Gigi, 2010; Mahdzar, 2008). The environment affects wayfinding behavior. Environmental variables for navigation involve space syntax techniques, which measure spatial configuration (Emo, 2013). Despite the debate on inconsistencies in space syntax (Ratti, 2004), numerous pieces of evidence on the superiority of space syntax over other analysis methods are available (Karimi, 2012).

4.

Results

This section presents and discusses the data on gate, people following, directional splits, and snap shot static activity observations and axial map analysis of the vicinity of KLCC that have been identified within a 10 km radius from the KLCC Park as shown in Figure 2. This section focuses

Empirical axial line by space syntax

Space syntax is a method used for reading urban spaces (Hillier et al., 1983) that is characterized by an association between physical structure and social structure. This method determines the operation of an urban system in relation to characteristics, such as distribution, integration (local and global), connectivity, synergy (Hillier and Hanson, 1984), and intelligibility (Hillier, 1989, 1996; Hillier et al., 1983). Numerous studies on urban design have validated this

Figure 4 Total density of movements for gate observation during weekdays and weekends at Gates 1–22.

Table 2

Figure 5 Comparing local (R2 and R3) and global (Rn) integration (HH) in the vicinity of KLCC.

Figure 6

Simulation of pedestrian movements in the KLCC Park.

Sociodemographic profile of participants observed via people following.

Date

Weekend (N = 110)

Gender

Male

Weekdays (N = 105) Female

Male

Total Female

Race Age

Local

Foreign

Local

Foreign

Local

Foreign

Local

Foreign

Teenager Adult

11 9

17 22

7 11

12 21

6 14

19 21

8 9

11 17

91 124

Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005

Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center

Table 3

Static activities in the KLCC Park.

Zone

Race

Age

Activity

Land use

Total number of people observed

A B C D E F G H

Local/foreign Local Local/foreign Foreign Foreign Local/foreign Local/foreign Local/foreign

Adult Children/teenager Children/teenager Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult

Talk/sit/stand Talk/sit Sit/stand Talk/walk Sit/talk/walk Stand/talk/walk Talk/walk Stand/talk/walk

Pool/open space Pool/swimming Playground Route Route Route Route Route

97 43 35 9 3 12 4 15

Figure 7 Close-up view of the map with Zones A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H.

extensively on the vicinity of KLCC. Afterward, a general comparison was made between the vicinity of KLCC and the global area (R = 10 km). Various studies have proven that the 3 km radius is a comfortable traveling distance that most people can walk within 15 min (Ben-Joseph, 1997; Jacobs, 1993; Mahdzar, 2013). Thus, a 10 km radius was set as a sample for analysis on the pedestrian route network due to the normal behavior of the movement pattern of people.

4.1.

7

Gate observations

This section presents the findings and a brief discussion based on the data collected for gate observation during weekdays and weekends in the vicinity of KLCC. The figures and table in this section show the density (total number) and frequency of pedestrian movement patterns in the area. Table 1 lists the total number of pedestrians in the vicinity of KLCC. The data are also presented in the form of graphs for easy reference (Figures 3 and 4). Gate counts were conducted in the vicinity of KLCC during weekdays and weekends every 3 min for more than 2 h at midday. In addition, a pilot study on tracing helped the researchers defined the 22 gates in the vicinity of KLCC

for the gate count observations (Figure 3). Gate counts were conducted only in the vicinity of KLCC due to the focus area. From the calculated average number of moving people, Gate 1 of Jalan Ampang and Gate 16 of Lorong Kuda are the most frequently used gates during the day and have higher pedestrian flow toward the KLCC Park. Gates 1 and 16, which are the main entrances of the shopping complex from the main road (67 and 68 pedestrians, respectively) and the most important street connected to the KLCC Park, have the highest pedestrian rates. The lowest pedestrian rate is recorded at Gates 6 and 10 (1 pedestrian each). From the observation, streets such as Jalan Ampang are highly used for traffic but not by pedestrians. The infrastructure of some streets is in poor condition for pedestrians. Hence, to encourage pedestrians to walk through the KLCC Park, a square can be added to improve physical accessibility. Moreover, providing visual connectivity in the KLCC Park through a square may attract more people and promote walkability. Figure 4 shows the frequency of use of pedestrians of the 22 gates. Gates 1 and 16 have the highest pedestrian traffic, followed by Gate 3. By contrast, Gates 6 and 10 have the lowest frequency of use among pedestrians. Gate 1 is located in the cultural and commercial street (Ampang Street). Gate 16 is located in Lorong Kuda, which is connected to Jalan Tun Razak (one of the major streets in KL). The findings show that these streets are used frequently by pedestrians because they are located in a major street connected to the KLCC Park. The collected data indicated that many visitors occupy the KLCC Park because the downtown area of the city center is close to the Petronas Twin Towers in Jalan Ampang. With reference to the axial map (Figures 3B and 5), an opportunity for pedestrians to make easy movements is available in high-integrated streets, such as Jalan Ramlee. However, visitors use secondary streets, which are low integrated.

4.2.

People following observation

In this section, patterns of movement from specific locations and their relationships to other routes in the area are observed. Moreover, the trace of activity for pedestrian (visitor) catchment in public space (KLCC Park) is determined as shown in Table 2 and Figure 6. In general, visitor activities in the KLCC Park were observed during weekdays and weekends based on race,

Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005

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H. Safari, F.F. Moridani

Figure 8 Numbers and percentages of movement flows at Junctions 1, 2, and 3.

gender, and age. All visitors were observed one after the other. Several rounds of observation were undertaken to cover different times of the day (8–10 a.m., 12–2 p.m., and 4–6 p.m.) as shown in Figure 6.

4.3.

Static activity observation

This section presents the data collected from the observation of the static patterns of activities. The observation was performed after dividing the KLCC Park into eight zones (A– H) as shown in Figure 7. Snapshots were taken on Sunday and Monday afternoon. Then, afternoon observations were conducted every hour between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The boundary of the area set in the KLCC Park was between the Petronas Twin Towers at the west side, Jalan Binjai at the east side, Jalan Ampang and Jalan Lumba Kuda at the north side, and Jalan Pinang at the south side. The area was divided into eight zones. The front of the Petronas Twin Towers, the swimming area, and the playground area were designated as Zones A–C, whereas the walking route was designated as Zones E–H. Stationary activities were observed as sitting, standing, walking, and talking. However, the appropriation of space between the four parts of the KLCC Park is different. The most crowded stationary activities were observed around Zone A due to physical and social aspects of a public space, such as the presence of a landmark (Petronas Twin Towers) on one side of the KLCC Park and easy access to the KLCC Park from Jalan Ampang. Table 3 shows the total number of snapshots from Sunday, March 23, 2014, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. As indicated in Figure 7 and Table 3, people are gathered in front of the Petronas Twin Towers, in the swimming area, under a tree, or beside the pool where they can sit comfortably. All streets with access to the KLCC Park, including Jalan Ampang, Jalan Pinang, and Jalan Tun Razak, are not appropriately integrated into the remaining vicinity of KLCC. Jalan Lumba Kuda and Jalan Ampang are busy streets, whereas Jalan Pinang is mostly occupied at the south side and near Traders Hotel, where the area behind the swimming area is not directly visible from the street. People walk from Lorong Kuda toward the KLCC Park.

Figure 7 and Table 3 show that Zones D–H are typically empty given that visibility is lacking and no encouraging space is available for visitors. Although designers and their consultants have stressed that the environment of the KLCC Park should be allocated as a green and organic area, the possibility of diversity and density within the space is anticipated. A green landscape is designed to create a background of visual calmness or to aid in pedestrian movement. However, hills and tall trees have an organic effect on the complexity of the park. Without clarity and unity, some parts of the park are empty. Occasionally, the difficulty of wayfinding causes stress among visitors who are unfamiliar with an area. The current study appropriates the public space and suggests a square and connections to the surrounding streets to improve the integration of this area, thereby making wayfinding easier for visitors and giving them more leisure time to hang out, have picnics, and socialize. This study discusses how neglecting access to the KLCC Park and the visibility of empty sections of this area causes stress among visitors. These proposals are explained in detail as follows.

4.4.

Directional splits

This method aims to record the split (in absolute numbers and percentages) of movement flows at a junction. The possible destinations from Street X are A, B, and C as shown in Figure 8.

4.5. Result of the empirical axial line by space syntax Space syntax theory is based on society and urban form. Spatial configuration, as a result of space syntax, shows internally logical morphological patterns related to social factors (Hillier and Hanson, 1984). In this method, the simulation of movements in a definite location and situation is used to determine different levels of topological accessibility of a spatial structure (Hillier et al., 1987). Space syntax is a method that measures spatial configuration. In this section, the analysis includes spaces of

Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005

Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center

Figure 9

Table 4

Syntactic analysis of existing and square suggestion models.

Syntactic measures of streets connected to the KLCC Park in the existing and suggested models. Existing model

Suggested model

Mean

Jalan Ampang

Jalan Pinang

Jalan Binjai

Jalan Ampang

Jalan Pinang

Jalan Binjai

RN R3 Connectivity Intelligibility (Con/RN) Synergy (R3/RN)

0.725378 1.84968 4 5.5144 2.5500

0.760167 1.93056 4 5.2620 2.5397

0.708136 2.06823 6 8.4729 2.9207

0.727391 1.902 4 5.4991 2.6148

0.762258 1.97774 4 5.2476 2.5946

0.71011 2.1088 6 8.4494 2.9697

movements, the axial line map, and reading topological accessibility. Analysis is translated visually into a chromatic scale. Integrated spaces are presented in red, whereas segregated spaces are presented in blue. In the axial analysis of the existing model, Jalan Pinang has the highest global integration value (Rn: 0.760167, R3: 1.93056). When the R3 axial analysis is compared with the global analysis in the existing model, this street is locally less integrated as shown in Figure 9 and Table 4. This finding can depend on the organic pattern of the street's vicinity. Figure 9 shows the urban morphology of the vicinity of KLCC. When the syntactic measures of the square suggestion model are compared with the existing model, the vicinity of KLCC has the highest Rn value. However, it is the least integrated square locally as shown in Figure 9 and Table 4.

5.

9

Discussion

This study investigated the relationship between spatial syntactical variables and the accessibility of a street as an urban public space by a square and assessed the behavioral pattern of visitors in the KLCC Park. This research contributes to tourism managers, urban designers, and architects by demonstrating the importance

of affective factors in the context of sustaining accessible and sociable space, such as a square. In previous studies, the effects of landmarks were developed and tested for accessibility and wayfinding (Bruce and Herman, 1983; Caduff and Timpf, 2008; Wilkniss et al., 1997; Zakzanis et al., 2009), whereas the current study measures the covered configuration of urban space and assesses significant differences between the existing configuration and square suggestion as a regular geometric configuration. Consistent with recent research that advocates the importance of sustaining accessible and sociable space (Allen, 1999; Golledge, 1999; Hashim and Said, 2013; Karimi, 2012; Mahdzar, 2008, 2013), the findings of this study indicate that the advantage and improvement aspects of visitors are strongly linked to a square as a regular geometry. Increasing the accessibility and sociability of a space is unsurprising given that a square has benefits in the economic, social, and environmental spheres (Chesterton, 1997; Giddings et al., 2011; Mattson, 1999; Pugalis, 2009). Moreover, square suggestion can provide context for the Petronas Twin Tower as a landmark and symbolic building. This results are congruent with those of Mattson (1999) and Giddings et al. (2011). The impact of a square as a regular geometry on viable cognitive map and decision-making is consistent with the

Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005

10 results of previous works on various wayfinding settings (Asselena et al., 2005; Dalton, 2003; Gärling et al., 1986; O’Neill, 1991a, 1991b; Passini, 1981). The results of this study also highlight the crucial role of a square in accessibility and sociability (Alexander, 1987; French, 1983; Giddings, 1996; Giddings et al., 2011). However, the findings indicate that affective factors have varying impacts on accessibility and sociability. Square suggestion, as a regular geometry, is positively related to sustaining accessibility and sociability, whereas existing geometry has a negative impact on a cognitive map. The inconsistencies in observation and simulation may be attributed to the differential nature of the existing geometry. Visitors are likely to induce positive emotions with the Petronas Twin Towers as the landmark, thereby enhancing accessibility and sociability in front of the landmark in the KLCC Park. Simultaneously, the impact of space configuration, particularly the KLCC Park, may become negative with increased cognitive map evaluation, such as people following and snapshot for activity and behavior in space. Prior work on the significance of a square has shown that it has a positive impact on social behavior, such as meetings, wellmanaged festivals, and a form of civil society (Pugalis, 2009; Woolley et al., 2004), whereas the relationship to the configuration of a vicinity of sustaining accessible and sociable space remains untested. In addition, the nature of the sample may shed light on the negative relationship between existing configurations and accessibility and sociability. Approximately 42% of the visitors in this study (based on one round of static activity observation) were in front of the Petronas Twin Towers (Zone A). Thus, square suggestion in terms of a result may increase synergy and intelligibility. These suggestions follow the needs of visitors rather than the existing configuration, as shown in Figure 8. In a separate analysis, the results of the configuration of the vicinity of KLCC were compared. A significant difference with respect to Gates 1–22 was observed based on the axial line analysis and gate observation. These findings suggest that Jalan Ampang and Lorong Kuda, which are connected to Jalan Tun Razak, have higher “total density” (Table 1) because their connection to a square suggestion can improve the accessibility and sociability of the KLCC Park. The people following observation showed that accessibility and sociability are defined by the Petronas Twin Towers as a landmark in the vicinity of KLCC. These results are consistent with previous studies (Bruce and Herman, 1983; Caduff and Timpf, 2008; Wilkniss et al., 1997; Zakzanis et al., 2009). Furthermore, in terms of “static activity observation,” the results indicate that route knowledge is defined only by the Petronas Twin Towers as a landmark. Visitors in Zone A are more interactive than those in other zones. This finding is consistent with previous studies on wayfinding (Cornell et al., 2003; Cubukcu and Nasar, 2005; Suzuki et al., 1998). Sociability and accessibility due to interaction through physical configuration with square suggestion may increase, whereas the effects must be considered to sustain the increase. As expected, the possible destination from Jalan Ampang, Jalan Pinang, and Jalan Binjai is the KLCC Park in terms of “directional split observation.” The findings show that the trend of visitors to the KLCC Park supports previous

H. Safari, F.F. Moridani findings in decision-making and route knowledge (Cornell et al., 2003; Cubukcu and Nasar, 2005; Golledge, 1999; Ishikawa and Montello, 2006; Mallot and Basten, 2009; Siegel and White, 1975; Thorndyke and Hayes-Roth, 1982; Trullier et al., 1997; Wiener et al., 2009). Furthermore, increased configuration of the vicinity of KLCC (integration, synergy by square suggestion) is another important predictor of behavioral intentions. The role of a square in predicting behavioral intentions, along with a viable cognitive map and ease in wayfinding, appears to be a result of the regular geometry of space configuration. That is, the amounts of integration and synergy obtained through regular geometry may be good indicators of the future behavior of a visitor. At present, urban managers, urban designers, and architects recognize the importance of configuration in the use of cognitive map and ease of wayfinding of a visitor (Conroy, 2001; Emo, 2013; Giuliani, 2001; Passini, 1984; Passini and Shiels, 1987). To meet the demand of increasing square suggestions, managers should understand what defines a square from the perspectives of visitors. This study sheds light on visitor perception of square suggestion, such as accessibility and sociability. In this study, the landmark and configuration of an urban plan are the most important factors in determining a viable cognitive map and ease of wayfinding, thereby sustaining accessibility and sociability. The creation of a square in the KLCC Park may improve visibility, and coherence to social interactions is likely to induce positive visitor reactions and social behavior, such as meetings, community gatherings, well-managed festivals, and a form of civil society. These results are congruent with previous studies (Alexander, 1987; French, 1983; Pugalis, 2009; Woolley et al., 2004). Finally, in terms of observation and simulation, the impact of a square as a regular geometry can help improve the configuration of the vicinity of KLCC. For example, integration and synergy increase more than the existing geometry of a configuration of an urban plan. Apart from the KLCC Park, which features an organic plan and limited visibility, a square can be suggested for different reasons. A square, as a regular geometry, is a good way to increase the viability of a cognitive map, where wayfinding is strongly believed to attract visitors along with sociability and accessibility interaction. Sustained environment issues present one of the main limitations of this study. Causal (weekday and weekend) relationships were evaluated with an observation and simulation study, whereas a true test of causality would consider constructs in different areas, such as a healthy environment and safety requirements. Furthermore, this study did not test the functions of a square. Squares are acceptable among visitors and managers; however, some researchers believe that these spaces are outdated and will be empty space in the future due to dangers and the youth culture (Chatterton and Hollands, 2002; Woolley et al., 2004; Worpole and Knox, 2007). Although the sample size was deemed acceptable, adding another sample would have allowed a study to run a more powerful analysis. Moreover, the study failed to measure the need for squares of government and urban managers. The traits of government and urban manager may interfere with accessibility and sociability in the vicinity of KLCC.

Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005

Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center Therefore, future studies should incorporate this decision level factor in the study design. Furthermore, future work should control for weather, environment sustainability, and other factors that may influence local and foreign visitors and managerial concerns. The current research is limited to three aspects of affective wayfinding (i.e., configuration of urban plan, geometry, and effective wayfinding). Future work should examine other potential factors that may influence ease of wayfinding and sustaining accessibility and sociability. In particular, the relationship between effective and easy wayfinding and urban stress offers interesting venues for future research.

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Please cite this article as: Safari, H., Moridani, F.F., Syntactical analysis of the accessibility and sociability of a square in the Kuala Lumpur City Center. Frontiers of Architectural Research (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.06.005