Integrated multiscalar approach based on space syntax analysis: Case study of a UNESCO candidate slow city in Mudurnu, Turkey

Abstract

Pedestrian accessibility is a key determinant of spatial experience, cultural heritage visibil ity, and urban integration in historical cities. This study analyzes pedestrian accessibility in Mudurnu—aUNESCOTentative List site and Cittaslow—using a multi-scale, integrated space syntax approach. By combining axial and segment analyses, statistical validations, and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), the research examines the relationship between urban morphology and pedestrian movement potential. Spatial data developed through open-access maps and field validations were analyzed via depthmapX 0.8 and QGIS 3.40.11 software. Syntactic indicators—integration, connectivity, choice, and intelligibility—were calculated at global and local scales, alongside synergy and points of interest (POI) correla tions. The results indicate that mobility is concentrated along the north–south Bolu–Yıldırım Beyazıt–Ankara axis, while secondary networks in traditional residential areas remain poorly integrated. Low intelligibility (R2 = 0.06) indicates local spatial configurations provide insufficient cognitive guidance, and moderate synergy (R2 = 0.33) suggests partial harmony between scales. Segment and KDE results highlight concentrated mobility, with secondary networks emerging after logarithmic transformation. Consequently, Mudurnu exhibits fragmented accessibility and low legibility. These findings demonstrate that multi scale space syntax analysis is an effective decision-support tool for pedestrian-oriented planning and sustainable urban design in historical cities.