Evaluation of and Reconnection to Open Space: The Chicago Strip

Urban open space evaluation is crucial for enhancing human well-being and ecological sustainability, yet existing frameworks often overlook visual connectivity. This study integrates vision as a primary factor in accessibility assessment, combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), user experience, and sustainable development frameworks. Focusing on the Chicago River corridor, we employed open data, spatial syntax, and Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) using DepthmapX software to quantify visual parameters such as clustering coefficient, control, entropy, and integration. Results revealed fragmented visual connectivity, with obstructed zones and highly integrated nodes. Inspired by the Las Vegas Strip’s linear connectivity, design interventions prioritized vision-led strategies: removing visual barriers, establishing viewing platforms, and enhancing waterborne transportation hubs. These interventions demonstrated that visual optimization significantly improves spatial continuity and user engagement. The findings underscore the necessity of incorporating visual metrics into open space evaluation systems, offering planners a replicable methodology to address fragmentation and foster cohesive urban environments.