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Exploring the Spatial Distribution Mechanisms of Restaurants Across Different Urban Morphologies: A Macau Case Study Using Space Syntax and Big Data

Author

Listed:
  • Linglin Zhang

    (Faculty of Innovation and Design, City University of Macau, Macau 999078, China)

  • Pohsun Wang

    (Faculty of Innovation and Design, City University of Macau, Macau 999078, China)

  • Junling Zhou

    (Faculty of Innovation and Design, City University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
    College of Fine Arts, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Guangzhou 510640, China)

  • Yulin Zhao

    (Faculty of Innovation and Design, City University of Macau, Macau 999078, China)

Abstract

This study integrates space syntax and big data from the catering industry to explore the impact of grid and organic street patterns on the spatial distribution of restaurants from the perspective of urban morphology. Space syntax is a set of theories and techniques for the analysis of spatial configurations. Focusing on five areas of the Macau Peninsula, this study models urban forms using space syntax. Syntactic parameters and Dianping data are analyzed through geographic visualization, correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics. The results reveal that grid-patterned streets provide a relatively equitable commercial environment through a structured hierarchy, whereas organic-patterned streets foster commercial diversity via more complex accessibility patterns. Additionally, at the local network level, a “cultural layer network” mechanism is revealed in organically shaped streets, supporting the stable distribution of different types of restaurants within specific accessibility ranges. For the first time, this study employs high precision (street-level accuracy), multidimensional analysis (number of restaurants and number of reviews), and a systematic methodology (“form-function” research framework) within the same space syntax model to uncover the effects of different urban morphologies on restaurant distribution. Collectively, these findings highlight street morphology’s key role in shaping vibrant commercial street networks in rapidly urbanizing contexts, reveal the morphological–socioeconomic synergy underpinning local catering ecosystems, and offer robust empirical guidance for integrated urban renewal, planning, and design strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Linglin Zhang & Pohsun Wang & Junling Zhou & Yulin Zhao, 2025. "Exploring the Spatial Distribution Mechanisms of Restaurants Across Different Urban Morphologies: A Macau Case Study Using Space Syntax and Big Data," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-32, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:541-:d:1605699
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vikas Mehta & Binita Mahato, 2019. "Measuring the robustness of neighbourhood business districts," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(1), pages 99-118, January.
    2. Andrew J. Van Leuven, 2022. "The Impact of Main Street Revitalization on the Economic Vitality of Small-Town Business Districts," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 36(3), pages 193-207, August.
    3. Hanbing Yang & Li Wang & Feng Tang & Meichen Fu & Yuqing Xiong, 2024. "Differences in Urban Vibrancy Enhancement among Different Mixed Land Use Types: Evidence from Shenzhen, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-26, October.
    4. Kayvan Karimi, 2023. "The Configurational Structures of Social Spaces: Space Syntax and Urban Morphology in the Context of Analytical, Evidence-Based Design," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-23, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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