A systematic review of urban configuration and sustainability in commercial districts

This study investigates the significance of spatial configuration on the socioeconomic vibrancy and sustainability of urban commercial districts through a comprehensive review of recent space syntax applications. This study synthesizes tools and strategies that break down the map into segment maps, apply visibility graph analysis, and use agent-based modelling to investigate street networks, pedestrian zones, and urban structure. A case example of San Francisco's Chinatown reveals that high spatial integration can lead to a dramatic increase in economic activity, as evidenced by the 500 businesses found within its 19.8 km^² walkable catchment area, reflecting a significant clustering effect. Similarly, Yokohama's Chinatown recorded the highest business density of 4.8 businesses per hectare, highlighting the importance of compact pedestrian-oriented morphologies. Despite methodological advances, a persistent gap exists in connecting spatial metrics to human experiences and sustainability outcomes. This study emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research that combines spatial analytics with socioeconomic and observational studies. These findings suggest that designing highly integrated spaces and legible spatial structures can enhance walkability, support commercial clustering, and strengthen community cohesion, thereby contributing to sustainable urban development. Future research could focus on developing new spatial metrics, longitudinal analysis capturing temporal evolution, and incorporating socioeconomic dimensions to provide a scientific reference to support evidence-based urban planning.