Vanegas, C;
Karimi, K;
(2022)
River corridors. A study of spatial configuration along two small rivers in London.
In: van Nes, A and de Koning, RE, (eds.)
Proceedings 13th International Space Syntax Symposium, SSS 2022.
(pp. p. 403).
Department of Civil Engineering Western Norway University of Applied sciences: Bergen, Norway.
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Abstract
Increasing urbanisation puts more pressure on urban river banks in terms of their use as recreational areas as well as their potential for development. Usually, interventions on rivers and riversides are focused on improving their ecological and hydrological aspects. However, to better define objectives for interventions and conservation of urban rivers we need a better understanding of how cities have shaped around rivers and the relationship between these elements and the whole city system. This paper argues that the current interaction between small rivers, urban form and socio-economic outcomes can be investigated through the analysis of the spatial network and land use patterns surrounding them. Using a statistical comparison of the spatial network, land use, demographic data and movement along with an assessment of historic maps, this study analysed the areas surrounding two small London rivers as well as four case studies. The study of the river corridors suggests that their urban form and function are strongly shaped by the connections with the city centre and historical land uses. At the same time, river areas are spatially segregated in comparison with their surrounding areas and they are crossed by routes that are important at city scale while local scale connections are more limited. In addition, the study found that spaces that were better utilised on riversides have a relationship with local centralities in their urban context providing more potential benefits for their communities. A better understanding of the characteristics of river areas and their relationship with the urban environment, particularly the level of accessibility of these natural areas, is relevant to improve policymaking and design interventions that can foster a better relationship between natural resources and the city.
| Type: | Proceedings paper |
|---|---|
| Title: | River corridors. A study of spatial configuration along two small rivers in London |
| Event: | 13th International Space Syntax Symposium, SSS 2022 |
| ISBN-13: | 9788293677673 |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Publisher version: | https://www.hvl.no/en/research/conference/13sss/ |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the version of record. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Urban rivers, London rivers, Space syntax, River corridors. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment > The Bartlett School of Architecture |
| URI: | https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10163408 |
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