Evaluation of spatial legibility of Ordu city center with space syntax and cognitive mappings

Cities, which are the typical residential areas of high population density, are experiencing significant changes and transformations as a result of human activities. These changes have a considerable impact on the physical structure of urban spaces and social life. The concept of spatial legibility, in relation to the features that arise from the physical structure of a given space and the perception of that space by the user, is of significant importance within the context of urban design and planning processes. The objective of this study is to ascertain the perceptions of individuals residing in the Ordu city centre, a region characterised by a rapid increase in population density and construction activity, regarding their physical environment. Furthermore, the study seeks to examine the way these perceptions influence spatial representations and to investigate the relationship between the physical characteristics of the city centre and the mental representations held by the local population. To evaluate the legibility of the city centre, the space sequence method and cognitive mapping methods were employed. Space syntax is an analytical method that has been developed with the objective of describing the interaction between the formal characteristics of space and social structure. In order to apply the aforementioned method, a series of calculations were performed utilising the depthmapX 0.8.0 software. These calculations encompassed the determination of connectivity, global and local integration, and intelligibility values. The cognitive mapping method represents a valuable instrument for the assessment of spatial cognition, encompassing the ways in which individuals conceptualise and perceive space, their associated emotional responses, experiences and knowledge. In order to obtain the data, the mental maps drawn by the participants were subjected to individual analysis in accordance with the elements of urban image proposed by Lynch. The syntactic analysis yielded the result that other streets and avenues with high values are located in the Düz and Şarkiye neighborhoods, where human activities in the city are intense. These activities are largely concentrated in cafes and restaurants, hotels, and high-density commercial enterprises. Concurrently, these neighborhoods have been identified as the location where the most frequently represented urban elements are depicted in cognitive maps. It is crucial to devise a comprehensive plan for the enhancement of this section of the city centre, with a view to optimising legibility and reinforcing the urban identity.