Quantitative identification of urban streetscape morphology: utilizing Seoul spatial data to classify urban street skeleton properties

Abstract

Street is a dominant morphological element in urban space, which subconsciously influences the users' perception of appeal. This study attempts to comprehensively and objectively understand subjective quality using mesoscale variables. The study measured 11 streetscape skeleton variables to efficiently evaluate distribution patterns across four districts of Seoul – Gangnam-gu, Jongro-gu, Songpa-gu, and Dongdaemun-gu. The variables were classified into 6 distinct streetscape enclosure types, which depicted different distribution patterns by each district's planning background, roadway function, and land use. The comparable identities of 6 streetscape enclosure types throughout the districts confirmed the generalizable applicability that can be utilized as a framework for analyzing the more considerable spatial extent. Thus, the streetscape enclosure typology is expected to identify prevalent streetscape designs and patterns of multiple cities in an objective and time-efficient manner for future urban design and system research.