Climate-driven differences on urban configuration: A space syntax analysis comparing Mediterranean and Saharan urban settlements in Algeria.

Altafini, Diego ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6559-2372, Benameur, Okba and Mahfoud, Safia 2024. Climate-driven differences on urban configuration: A space syntax analysis comparing Mediterranean and Saharan urban settlements in Algeria. Presented at: 14th Space Syntax Symposium, Nicosia, Cyprus, 24-28 June 2024. Published in: Charalambous, Nadia, Psathiti, Chrystala and Geddes, Ilaria eds. Space Syntax Symposium 14. Tab Edizioni, pp. 2085-2111.

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Abstract

The climate and environmental context in which an urban settlement is located has a crucial role in shaping its configuration, urban form, and socio-spatial life. Places with mild climates tend to develop traditional urban layouts where built spaces are intertwined with open spaces, often with water and vegetation presence. These, tend to be centres of social interaction and co-presence within cities. In contrast, cities located in arid climates, face unique challenges in urban development. The scarce access to water allows for limited vegetation and fewer open spaces, as high exposure to the sun requires a more compact urban organization, where clusters of buildings or the presence of architectural elements are incorporated to provide shade. Considering the few configurational studies in the matter and increase in the heatwaves’ frequency that might come forth with climate changes in other parts of the world, this research provides initial insights in how climate characteristics can influence configuration in cities. Using Space Syntax angular analysis, six Algerian cities: Algiers, Béjaïa, and Mostaganem (Mediterranean cities), Biskra, Béchar, and Laghouat (Saharan cities) are compared. Focus is on describing patterns of relative accessibility, preferential routes, connectivity, and sprawl to unveil differences regarding mobility and morphology that emerge within these distinct kinds of settlements due to the climate in which they are placed. In that way, urban planners and policymakers can develop context-specific strategies to mitigate issues and address the unique challenges posed by the cities’ environmental setting, promoting sustainable, adaptable, and comfortable urban spaces, and their socio-spatial life.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Architecture
Publisher:	Tab Edizioni
ISBN:	9791256690329
Funders:	United Kingdom Research and Innovation
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	8 May 2024
Date of Acceptance:	9 April 2024
Last Modified:	07 Jan 2025 14:19
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/168753

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