Heraklion-Chania: a study of its spatial and functional patterns

This thesis is a comparable approach to the evolution of spatial and functional patterns of two Cretan cities: Heraklion and Chania. The starting point of this research is the different functional patterns of their contemporary old historial cores. This thesis aims at investigating the reasons that led to this difference. The research is based on the conjecture that it is the morphology of their grid that differs and this aspect is reflected on their different functional pattern. The analytical method employed is 'space syntax'. Through this spatio-analytical method the research investigates the spatial organisation of these two Cretan cities in their stages of development and the evolution of their functional patterns. The study is based on the concept of 'live centrality' as a spatio-functional process, which every urban system reinforces. In the light of this theoretical framework and through its analytical methodology this thesis explores the relation between the spatial and functional patterns of both cities

The impact of minority ethnic businesses on the spatial character of London’s high streets

Research shows that a variety of building types, sizes and street morphologies can support a diversified mix of uses and thus contribute to the vitality of town centres. Other studies have highlighted the special role of minority ethnic businesses in this context. This study set out to examine the relationship between spatial accessibility, commercial diversity (as a measure of land use mixing) and minority ethnic business (MEB) diversity in ten of London’s high streets. We found that streets with a significant MEB presence were more likely to benefit from commercial diversity and that the sampled MEB units were measurably smaller in size. We also found the location of larger clusters of MEB businesses to be more accessible, both locally and across the city. The study also found three distinct types of MEB centres: ranging from high streets with a small MEB presence, others with a high rate of MEB mixing, and a third type: the ‘ethnic marketplace’, with a singular ethnic character. We conclude that greater attention should be given to designing street accessibility, lot configuration, mixed building sizes, and land use mixing, so as to serve the long-term economic and social vitality of local town centres