VIRTUAL Lisbon Livable Cities

Abstract

Social and environmental equity are key components for achieving sustainable development. However, the increased urban density and decreased greenery in cities pose a serious challenge in providing adequate and equal accessibility to urban green spaces (UGS). Despite the growing interest in studies on urban green spaces accessibility, studies focusing on dense urban settings within the Japanese context are scarce. To narrow the gap, this study investigates the spatial equity in accessibility to UGS from residential buildings in Osaka City, focusing on spatial clustering and household income. The study follows multiple approaches, including spatial and statistical analysis. First, accessibility was measured at different walking distances, 400m, 800m, 1200m, and 1600m, using the Place Syntax Tool developed by KTH School of Architecture and Chalmers School of Architecture (SMoG). Then, the local Moran’s I test is applied to identify spatial clusters of high and low accessibility. Finally, equity is assessed through the Mann-Whitney U test by comparing the household Income variables within the aforementioned clusters. The results show higher spatial clustering with longer distances: low accessibility areas are concentrated in cities’ northern eastern parts, while high accessibility areas cluster in multiple central parts. Moreover, a statistically significant relationship appears between the household income variables and accessibility clusters. This is particularly evident at 800m and 1600m walking distances. These patterns highlight accessibility inequity and call for tailored urban policies that target areas with low accessibility and vulnerable groups to enhance their spatial accessibility to UGS.