Objective To enhance the inclusiveness and circulation efficiency of Guangzhou metro stations and to identify potential deficiencies in the spatial organization of existing barrier-free paths, it is necessary to conduct an accessibility study on the spatial layout and circulation organization of the above-mentioned stations.
Method Taking Xilang Station of Guangzhou Metro Line 1 as a case study, Space Syntax Theory and the Depthmap analysis tool are employed from three dimensions of integration, depth value, and visibility, to analyze the accessibility, centrality, and visual connectivity characteristics within the spatial network in terms of barrier-free paths and general circulation paths in the concourse and platform levels respectively. In consideration of spatial layout and information guidance, an optimized design scheme for barrier-free accessibility at Xilang Station is proposed.
Result & Conclusion The ordinary paths generally exhibit strong integration capability and accessibility, with relatively high integration between main passages and entrance/exit areas, capable of meeting daily passenger flow and transfer demands. In contrast, barrier-free paths show certain marginalized characteristics in terms of integration and depth value. Some nodes have weak accessibility and evident detours in paths, which adversely affect the circulation efficiency and emergency evacuation capability for barrier-free path users. Additionally, there are some visually obscured areas within the concourse and platform spaces, restricting passengers path recognition and transfer perception. The proposed targeted optimization strategies, including enhancing the accessibility of vertical transportation nodes and highly integrated areas, optimizing the visual guidance system within the station, and adding optimized information guidance designs, all can further improve the utilization efficiency and service equity of the overall metro station space.
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