Analysis of the Relationship Between the Spatial Structure of the Jolfa Tourism Axis and the Natural Movement of Tourists in it, with an Emphasis on the Space Syntax Theory Using AGRAPH Software

• Published in: Barnāmah/rīzī-i faz̤āyī (Online) Vol. 12; no. 4; pp. 101 - 124
• Main Authors: Masture Sadat Masoudian, Zahra Sadat SaeidehZarabadi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Persian
• Published: University of Isfahan 01.12.2022
• Subjects: agraph; jolfa tourism axis; natural movement; space syntax; spatial structure
• ISSN: 2228-7485; 2476-3357
• DOI: 10.22108/sppl.2023.134977.1669

AbstractUndoubtedly, the tourism industry is one of the most important sources of income, and paying attention to the tourists’ ‘movement’ as the pillars of the tourism system, has an undeniable role in the development of this industry because a path can be determined for tourist’s movement with any purpose and on any scale of tourism. Therefore, considering how tourists move is very important in determining and designing tourist routes, and it is obvious that the quality of these routes has a significant impact on tourism promotion. The present study aims to investigate tourists’ movement by analyzing the relationship between the spatial structure of these routes and the natural movement on them. For this purpose, the Jolfa tourism axis located in the historical context of District 5 of Isfahan Municipality was selected as the case study. Then, the justified graph and axial map of these routes are designed by the Space Syntax theory and its relative concepts and tourists’ movement on these routes are analyzed and compared using the AGRAPH software application and its indicators which include Total Depth, Mean Depth, Relative Asymmetry, Integration, and Control Value. The present study falls within the category of descriptive-analytical studies in terms of procedure (selected by the researcher) and applied studies in terms of objective. The data were collected using library and field study methods. The research results indicate that Khaqani Street, Kelisa Alley, and Khajeh Abed Alley with integration(i) indices 20.67, 14.95, 13.78, and the total depth(TDn) of 72,85,89, respectively, have the highest integration and the lowest total depth. Thus, naturally, the potential for movement and presence of tourists and pedestrians on this route is more than in other parts of the Jolfa axis. Although Jolfa Alley has less permeability and access than other spaces on this axis in terms of spatial structure, due to the presence of Vank Church, Jolfa Square, and other tourist attractions, it welcomes many tourists and pedestrians daily. Therefore, it can be concluded that in addition to the indicators studied in AGRAPH software, other factors are also effective in attracting pedestrians and their movement.Keywords: Jolfa Tourism Axis, Spatial Structure, Natural Movement, Space Syntax, AGRAPH. IntroductionTourism, as one of the biggest sources of income for countries, has attracted the attention of planners for many years because it can be considered a powerful tool for the development of different regions and improving the economic status of people. One of the most important actions in determining tourism spaces in cities is determining special tourism routes. Since walking is the oldest and most necessary form of human movement and the enjoyable walking experience can have an impact on tourists' better understanding of the environment, tourist routes with walking potential are one of the important factors for attracting tourists. Therefore, the quality of tourist routes in cities, especially in historical cities, is one of the necessities of spatial organization to attract tourists. Isfahan is one of the ten important tourist destination cities in Iran, and among its districts, District 5, and especially its historical neighborhoods, which are located south of the Zayandeh Rood River, have a lot of potentials to attract domestic and foreign tourists. But at present, it has not been successful in this matter as it should be; therefore, the purpose of this study is to answer this important question: What is the relationship between the spatial structure of Jolfa tourist routes and the movement of tourists in it? To answer this question, firstly, the subject of the tourism route is briefly discussed, and then the concepts of the theory of Space Syntax which is one of the most important theories in analyzing the structure of urban spaces are explained. Materials and MethodsThe present study falls within the category of descriptive-analytical studies in terms of procedure (selected by the researcher) and applied studies in terms of objective. The approach of this research is mixed and includes quantitative and qualitative methods. The theoretical foundations have been collected by documentary and library studies, and to examine the case study, available documents and survey studies have been used. AutoCAD and Photoshop software were used to draw the existing and axial maps. To analyze the data, the Space Syntax method, the justified graph, and AGRAPH software were used. In this way, first, based on Space Syntax theory, the axial map of the case study is drawn, then the justified graph of different spaces of the Jolfa tourism axis is created and the results are analyzed and compared according to the concepts of this theory. In the next step, the results of the axial map analysis in AGRAPJ software are analyzed and all the results are compared with each other.Research FindingsThe results obtained from justified graphs and AGRAPH software indicate that among the spaces located on this axis, Khagani Street (Integration =20.67), in terms of accessibility and permeability compared to other spaces on this axis is the best. After that, there are Khaje Abed Alley (Integration = 14.33), Kelisa Alley (Integration = 13.78), and Sang Tarashha and Tabriziha Alleys (Integration = 13.34), which indicates proper accessibility and high potential of these spaces for pedestrian movement. After these four spaces, Chaharsouqiha and Shekarchian Alleys (Integration = 11.33), Meydan-e-Bozorg, Bazarche, and Kelisaye Vank (Vank Church) Alley (Integration = 10.81) are placed in the next order in terms of accessibility. Namazkhane Maryam and Jolfa Alleys compared to other spaces on this axis have the lowest integration value and as a result, the lowest permeability and accessibility (integration = 9.63). Therefore, the larger value of integration leads to better access to the space. Discussion of Results and ConclusionsIn general, spatial configuration and structure is the first and most important factor guiding movement, and pedestrians naturally choose routes with higher integration and greater accessibility for walking. But the results of the research show that other factors are also effective in attracting and directing pedestrians in addition to the indicators investigated by AGRAPH software. The results obtained from the analysis of the spatial structure of the Jolfa axis represent the principle that this axis in terms of spatial structure has the necessary potential for pedestrian movement and attracting tourists, in addition to the existence of valuable historical buildings, and if the presence of tourists (urban, national, and international tourists) is less in some spaces, it indicates weakness in other infrastructures. By identifying these issues and trying to fix them, the Jolfa tourism axis can be one of the most powerful tourism hubs in Isfahan because this axis has many cultural heritages such as churches, historical houses, schools, historical baths, etc. and, on the other hand, due to its compatibility and cultural affinity with foreign tourists, it has many capabilities to attract domestic and foreign tourists. References- Abbaszadegan, M. (2002). Space syntax method in urban design process. 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