Configurational Accessibility in Practice: Integration, Choice, and the Clustering of Activity Spaces in Beşiktaş, Istanbul

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between urban spatial configuration and the distribution of activity spaces in Beşiktaş, Istanbul, by integrating location-based social network data with Space Syntax analysis. The research combines Foursquare venue data comprising 1,320 venues with OpenStreetMap street network data to explore how social activity patterns relate to measures of configurational accessibility. Kernel Density Estimation was applied to identify clusters of dining, drinking, recreation, entertainment, and retail venues, while Space Syntax analyses generated global integration and choice values representing accessibility and movement potential within the street network. The results reveal significant concentrations of activity around Beşiktaş Square, Sinan Paşa Mosque, Akaretler, and surrounding districts. Streets with high integration values, including Barbaros Boulevard, Beşiktaş Street, and Ortabahçe Street, correspond closely with areas of high venue density, supporting the proposition that spatial accessibility influences the concentration of social and commercial activities. However, the study also identifies locations where venue density remains high despite lower integration and choice values, indicating that cultural significance, local identity, and community-oriented functions can shape activity patterns independently of network accessibility. The paper concludes that combining crowdsourced social media data with configurational analysis provides a more comprehensive understanding of urban socio-spatial dynamics and offers valuable insights for designing pedestrian-friendly, accessible, and liveable urban environments.