The Effect of Spatial Accessibility and Visibility on the Spatial Configuration and Users in Shopping Center Design: The Case of Van Shopping Center

Abstract

Spaces today are designed and expanded to meet human needs, with various methods employed by architectural disciplines during the planning and design process. One such method, Space Syntax, uses mapping to numerically analyze spatial orientation, formation, and accessibility on a human scale. This approach is particularly beneficial for complex buildings like museums, airports, and hospitals, where wayfinding and space alignment are crucial. Testing designs with Space Syntax before construction ensures more user-friendly interiors. Shopping centers, as examples of complex structures, often feature standardized designs. The Space Syntax method can map current usage patterns to optimize navigation, store layouts, sizes, and visibility. This study, conducted in Van, eastern Turkiye, used Space Syntax to analyze accessibility and visibility at the Van Shopping Center, a site with high user density. © 2025 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.