The Digital Press

This article introduces an economic approach to understanding spatial organization, focusing on how spatial depth influences value creation through local monopolies. It proposes a new measure called the d-value to analyze space integration and applies it to a housing estate, revealing patterns in economic activity locations.

Why it matters: The d-value links spatial configuration with economic potential, aiding urban planning and service placement.

The big picture: Depth in spatial layouts can generate local monopolies, impacting where businesses and services thrive.

Quick takeaway: Economic activities tend to cluster in spaces with a d-value near one, balancing accessibility and depth.

The other side: The model's reliance on spatial syntax may overlook social and cultural factors influencing economic behavior.