Exploration of a New Method of Spatial Analysis to Predict the Pedestrian Pattern in the Circulation Spaces of Shopping Centers: The Case of Shenzhen

Abstract

Turner and Penn (1) from UCL have proved that Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) can be used as a more accurate method to predict the pedestrian distribution in building spaces. However, this methodology neglects certain elements that are of special influence on pedestrian distribution in buildings, especially the entrances and exits. Based on Space Syntax, this dissertation improves on the traditional method of Visibility Graph Analysis, using three shopping centers in Shenzhen as examples, attempts to explore a new parameter – "attenuation index of pedestrians at the entrances and exits" – using relevant data of the entrances and exits of the three cases, and combines it with traditional VGA analysis through weighted calculation, in order to provide more accurate predictions of pedestrian patterns in shopping centers.