The Role of Mental Models in Utilization of Urban Space

Abstract

The use of urban spaces and the ways in which users perceive these spaces is considered a sustainability concept. Users choose to
use the spaces and paths to cross in order to reach their goals with less effort and in a minimum time, that means users choose
their path according to their perception of the components. Patterns of urban space and the notion of the perception of space are key concepts for this orientation. In earlier research we showed through the techniques of Space Syntax, how the spatial configuration of the old historical city centers influences the use of urban space, and how much changing urban structure affects mastery of space. This influence is based on a set of factors related to urban ambiance and cognitive process of spatial perception. This paper is a complement to the earliest research by adopting conventional methods that consist of a field survey on land, looking for the difference in use of urban space between permanent occupants and visitors in order to show the Role of the mental map in this choice.