Explanation of Optimal Functional Deployment Patterns in Multi-Purpose Pedestrian-Oriented Bridges Using Space Syntax in Iran
Keywords:
optimization of spatial patterns, generative design , spatial syntax , Multipurpose pedestrian bridge , spatial configurationAbstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of formulating a scientific framework for the optimal organization of functional spaces in multi-purpose pedestrian-oriented bridges in Iran. The main research problem concerns how a spatial model can be proposed that not only meets the functional requirements of the bridge, but also enhances user experience and facilitates the emergence of social interactions within these environments. Pedestrian bridges in urban contexts containing rivers and waterways have the potential to operate beyond the role of a mere passageway and to transform into spaces for pause and events. Research indicates that most studies worldwide—and especially in Iran—have been concentrated on the structural and physical aspects of bridges, while functional dimensions and spatial configuration analyses in multi-purpose bridges have been comparatively underexplored. Meanwhile, the design of such multi-functional spaces requires a generative approach capable of objectively and measurably representing configurational relationships. Accordingly, the present study employs the quantitative method of Space Syntax as its theoretical framework and analytical tool—a methodology that, through modeling and evaluating spatial configuration relationships, enables the prediction of areas suitable for events, interaction, and retreat. Within this framework, the functional spaces of the bridge are modeled as nodes within a spatial network, together with their connections, in the Grasshopper–Rhino environment, and various configuration scenarios are developed based on common spatial organization patterns. The key Space Syntax indices are then extracted using computational simulation and serve as the basis for a comparative evaluation of the scenarios. By integrating theoretical analysis and generative design, this process establishes the groundwork for presenting a data-driven and locally adaptable model for the optimal organization of pedestrian-oriented bridges in various Iranian contexts.
Downloads
References
1. Hillier B, Hanson J. The Social Logic of Space. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 1984.
2. Abdī M. An Inquiry into the Role of the Bridge as a Type of Urban Space (Case Study: Tabiat Bridge, Tehran). Me'mārī Shenāsī (Architectural Studies). 2020(10):1-8.
3. Ehteshami M. Bridges of Iran. Tehran: Office of Cultural Research Publications; 2007.
4. Nāẓemī E, Ḥabīb F, Mājedī H. The Function of the Bridge as an Urban Space. Geography and Environmental Studies. 2016(16):23-34.
5. Nezhadebrahimi A, Nazarzadeh Unsroudi E, Nazarzadeh Unsroudi F. Factors Influencing the Formation of the Architecture of Historical Bridges in the Uneven Regions of Iran. 2020.
6. Gehl J. Cities for People. Tehran: Elm-e Me'mār; 2015.
7. Engelsmann S, Casucci S. The Neglected Aspect of Urban Bridges as Public Spaces. IABSE Congress Report, International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering. 2000;16(24):64-72.
8. Salamak M, Fross K. Bridges in Urban Planning and Architectural Culture. Procedia Engineering. 2016;161:207-12.
9. Chang S-P, Choo JF. Values of Bridge in the Formation of Cities. IABSE Symposium Report, International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering. 2009;95(1):25-46.
10. Wells M, Clash P. Footbridges. ICE Manual of Bridge Engineering: Second Edition: ICE Publishing; 2008. p. 459-84.
11. Pourmohammadi P, Mafakher F, Saedsamimi A, Matin M. Typology of "Internal Structure of Form" with an Argand Formal Approach (Case Study: Bridges of Historical Settlements of Iran). 2020.
12. Sharmin S, Kamruzzaman M. Meta-analysis of the relationships between space syntax measures and pedestrian movement. Transport Reviews. 2018;38(4):524-50.
13. Can I, Heath T. In-between spaces and social interaction: a morphological analysis of Izmir using space syntax. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment. 2016;31(1):31-49.
14. Teklenburg JA, Timmermans HJ, van Wagenberg AF. Space syntax: standardised integration measures and some simulations. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design. 1993;20(3):347-57.
15. Zhai Y, Baran P, editors. Application of space syntax theory in study of urban parks and walking. Proceedings of the ninth international space syntax symposium; 2013: Sejong University Press.
16. Penn A, Turner A. Space syntax based agent simulation. Springer‑Verlag2002. p. 99-114.
17. Wang W. The Pedestrian Bridge as Everyday Place: An Urban Reference of Placemaking in High-Density Cities 2017.
18. Dursun P, editor Space syntax in architectural design. 6th international space syntax symposium; 2007; Istanbul: ITU Faculty of Architecture.
19. Maina JJ. Discovering hidden patterns: An overview of space syntax methods in architecture and housing research. 2014.
20. Hillier B, Hanson J, Graham H. Ideas are in things: an application of the space syntax method to discovering house genotypes. Environment and Planning B: planning and design. 1987;14(4):363-85.
21. Hamadānī Golshan H. Re-thinking the Theory of "Space Syntax," an Approach in Architecture and Urban Design; Case Study: The Boroujerdi House, Kashan. Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning. 2015;20(2):85-92.
22. Farshīdī M, Manṣūrī SA, Mīrshāhzādeh S. The Impact of Mental Components on Space Syntax Analysis Using a Weighted Graph (Case Study: The Artists' House of Tehran). Bāgh-e Naẓar (View Garden). 2022;19(113):105-22.
23. Hillier B, Vaughan L. The city as one thing. Progress in planning. 2007;67(3):205-30.
24. Rīsmānchīān O, Bell S. Practical Understanding of the Space Syntax Method in Comprehending the Spatial Configuration of Cities. Journal of Fine Arts: Architecture and Urban Planning. 2010;2(43):49-56.
25. Dettlaff W. Space syntax analysis-methodology of understanding the space. PhD Interdisciplinary Journal. 2014;1:283-91.
26. Czerkauer-Yamu C, Voigt A, editors. Strategic planning and design with space syntax. City Modelling, eCAADe; 2011.
27. Nourian P, Rezvani S, Sariyildiz S, editors. A syntactic architectural design methodology. Proceedings of the Ninth International Space Syntax Symposium; 2013; Seoul, South Korea.
28. Nourian P, Rezvani S, Sariyildiz S, editors. Designing with Space Syntax: A configurative approach to architectural layout, proposing a computational methodology. 31st International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe 2013); 2013.
29. Lynch K. The Image of the City. Tehran: University of Tehran; 2016.
Downloads
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Artin Samani; Mohammad Reza Matini (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
