Estimation of the Efficiency of Spatial Design Techniques for E-Industrial Parks by Space Syntax Models: A Case Study of Alibaba Xixi EIP

The e-industrial park (EIP) has been designed and constructed to promote the economic developments, innovation and sustainability. Alibaba Xixi EIP is a typical newly built EIP with ecological engineered landscaping (EEL) in Hangzhou City. In this study, several space syntax models, i.e., angular segment analysis (ASA), visibility graph analysis (VGA) and agent-based analysis (ABA) models, are applied to make quantitative estimates of the efficiency of spatial design techniques in the spaces of the EIP. The ASA model is adopted to estimate and explain the ‘centrality of accessibility’ and ‘centrality of choice’ in the EIP. The high-level ‘intelligibility’ is found between the local and global spaces. Differences in spatial configuration between the eye level and the knee level are revealed by the VGA model for both stuffs and visitors of the EIP, while specific spatial characteristics of spaces are found to correspond to those of the ASA model. Furthermore, the ABA model is adapted to explain the dynamic impacts of entrances in different status on pedestrian’s circulation, especially for areas around the constructed wetlands. This research illustrates the relationship between local and global spaces of the EIP through quantitative estimation, which provides valuable guidance for the design of sustainable development of EIPs.