A cross-cultural study to identify social behaviours of pedestrians in urban public spaces: evidence from Iran, Spain, Italy, and Australia

Abstract

Abstract Despite the growing emphasis on social sustainability in urban design, limited research has examined how spatial configurations influence socio-behavioural patterns across culturally distinct urban squares. This study addresses this gap by investigating how the spatial configuration of public squares interacts with pedestrian social behaviours in four cities in Iran, Spain, Italy, and Australia. Guided by theories of space syntax and social behaviour frameworks, a unique mixed-method approach was adopted, combining spatial configuration analysis, behavioural mapping, and people-tracing, coupled with agent-based simulations. The findings revealed that the accessibility of urban squares is not necessarily determinative of their social vibrancy. Rather, stimulating sustained social life in these environments is governed by an intricate nexus of factors, including culturally specific behaviours, the purposeful allocation of functional amenities, and the critical amelioration of socio-economic challenges inherent to their shared public domain. Notably, this cross-cultural analysis highlights how socio-spatial dynamics differ across contexts, offering a richer lens for inclusive design. The originality of this study lies in its multi-scalar, comparative, and culture-sensitive approach to analysing public squares, advancing urban design strategies that are adaptable, equitable, and responsive to both spatial logic and cultural diversity.