Integrating Space Syntax and Emotional Mapping to Assess Visual Pollution in Urban Environments

Urban environments with high accessibility and connectivity, such as parks and public spaces, exhibit low visual pollution index (VPI) scores and positive emotional responses, while fragmented areas show high VPI ratings due to visual clutter and poor maintenance. This study reveals a significant link between urban spatial configurations—measured through space syntax analysis—and visual pollution, which negatively impacts aesthetic quality and emotional well-being. By integrating spatial metrics like integration, connectivity, and visibility with emotional mapping, the research provides a genotype-based framework that assesses VPI in modernist neighborhoods, such as Kaunas' Dainava district. The findings underscore the need for targeted urban planning interventions to reduce visual clutter and enhance visual harmony, offering a predictive tool for creating inclusive and legible urban spaces.

Mihyawi, R. S. Z., Kamičaitytė, J., & Zaleckis, K. (2026). Integrating Space Syntax and Emotional Mapping to Assess Visual Pollution in Urban Environments. Buildings, 16(5), 988. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16050988