Configurational Accessibility and Mobility Patterns in a Port-City Interface: A Space Syntax Analysis of Central Catania

Port-city interfaces represent complex urban environments where spatial accessibility, mobility patterns and functional constraints often interact in critical ways. This study investigates the relationship between the spatial configuration of the urban street network and observed movement dynamics within the historical center of Catania, specifically focusing on the port-city interface between Paolo Borsellino Square and Via Dusmet. By proposing an integrated methodology combining Space Syntax and empirical flow analysis, the research explores key configurational measures, i.e. connectivity, integration and choice, computed using an axial map; then, theoretical findings are cross-referenced with empirical data collected through gate counts, distinguishing between pedestrian and vehicular flows. The results reveal a significant correlation between pedestrian movement and configurational accessibility, suggesting that the spatial structure of the network effectively guides pedestrian flows towards the city’s monumental core. In contrast, vehicular traffic shows a weak relationship with the spatial hierarchy, being primarily influenced by external factors, such as port access and traffic regulation. These findings highlight a mismatch between the inherent spatial logic of the area and current traffic conditions, suggesting a high potential for pedestrian-oriented reorganization of the port- city interface.