Investigating space morphology in disaster: the role of spatial-syntactic and morphological elements in vulnerability of earthquake-prone historical urban areas

The urban spatial network plays a key role in the aftermath of an earthquake, potentially endangering its occupants, while also enabling evacuation. However, studies on vulnerability associated with the spatial network remain a fraction of the otherwise predominately building-centred work on urban disaster risk. Applications of space syntax modelling in disaster risk management to assess urban resilience in disaster scenarios are significant contributions towards understanding the spatiality of vulnerability. Although promising, the existing approaches are theoretically and methodologically disengaged from disaster theories. This shortcoming potentially leads to incorrect interpretations of urban disaster risk dynamics and leaves the fraction of risk associated with urban form poorly detected and unaddressed. To overcome this limitation, this paper applies a transdisciplinary approach and reinterprets selected space syntax measures and morphological concepts within the framework of disaster risk mnemonics, enabling the establishment of an integrated approach of benefit to a broader range of disciplines.