Comparative Analysis of Yas Island Master Plans between 2020 and 2030 using Space Syntax

Abstract

Using space syntax, this paper represents a possible move away from traditional characteristics of urban planning and toward a simulation-based, smart character for a given city, featuring effectiveness and better decision making. This helps in solving current problems and avoiding future issues related to walkability, for example. For this purpose, a comparative analysis between the 2020 and 2030 Master Plans of the study area of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is made through simulation of the street networks as well as spatial integration of different parts of the island in regard to it being an urban and dynamic system. Established on mathematical algorithms and geospatial computer technology using a program called ‘DepthmapX’, space syntax allows for interpretation of a variety of spatial configurations at different scales and is commonly used in the fields of architecture, urban design, planning, transportation, as well as interior design. The findings show a lack of walkable areas in the busiest areas of Yas Island and call for a revision of the currently vacant lands and rethinking of areas of high connectivity toward them being more public and social spaces. In addition, the street networks are spatially located deeply within the island which makes them difficult to reach by foot from other parts of the island. It was observed that the street network splits the island into two parts separated by the main highway, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, which is proposed for reconsideration in future development and planning. © This open access article is published under a Creative Commons [Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International] license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Keywords: 2030 Master Plan, Abu Dhabi, Axial Maps, DepthmapX, Space Syntax, Street Network, Walkability, Yas Island