The role of spatial layout in revitalizing the inner shopping area of the city: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as a case study

摘要

This paper attempts to investigate the relationship between spatial configuration and shopping movement pattern in the inner shopping area of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the impact of this relationship on urban regeneration and revival of the area. The aim is to understand how spatial structure influences shopping activities and enhances liveliness and vitality in the central area. Data was collected by stalking a sample of 120 subjects from 6 different major entry/exit points to the area. Subjects were tracked for 30-45 minutes each; their shopping paths were traced on the base map of the area. Spatial analysis including axial syntax analysis and analysis of actual shopping paths are carried out on the study area. Results indicate that shopping paths are more dispersed and cover wider range of spaces in the eastern part of town (the old city) than in the western part (the contemporary CBD). Implications are discussed for shopping environment from the urban point of view (e.g., concentrated shopping centers versus traditional urban distributions) and how this may affect the potential richness and extendibility of the shopping experience, and also the potential viability of individual shops, which in turn support the tourist activities and revive the area.