IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section B

Abstract

Urban segregation is a global challenge shaped by local social, economic, and spatial dynamics. The spatial separation of social and economic groups can deepen existing inequalities and limit social mobility. Spatial planning plays a crucial role in this process through regulatory instruments, the allocation of public investment, and the provision of services and transport infrastructure, significantly influencing the emergence and extent of spatial exclusion. This paper presents an interdisciplinary analytical framework for examining residential segregation in Czech cities, with a particular focus on spatial connectivity and accessibility. The central research question investigates how the configuration of street networks, access to amenities, and public transportation affect the spatial concentration of socioeconomically excluded populations in three Czech cities in structurally disadvantaged regions. The analysis evaluates local amenities, transport accessibility, and the built environment using spatial configuration techniques and network-based metrics. The goal is to determine whether a relationship exists between urban form, infrastructure coverage, and the emergence or persistence of spatial exclusion. Specifically, it explores whether socioeconomically marginalised populations tend to live in areas with poorer accessibility and connectivity compared to other residents. The findings aim to inform inclusive spatial planning policies and strategies that promote spatial justice and help prevent urban segregation in the Czech Republic.