A spatial network analysis of Da Lat City, Vietnam: Insights for sustainable urban growth

The General Master Plan for Da Lat City and its surrounding areas to 2030, with a vision to 2050, outlines a polycentric development strategy that seeks to balance heritage preservation, ecological protection, and urban expansion. However, the implementation of such strategies often encounters challenges, due to subjective evaluations and limited use of spatial evidence in planning processes. This study applies the Space Syntax theory to quantitatively assess Da Lat City’s urban spatial configuration, using four key metrics, namely connectivity, choice, integration, and depth. The results show that the central core demonstrates high levels of accessibility, whereas peripheral areas remain fragmented, due to steep terrain and disconnected street networks. The analysis suggests that enhancing internal connectivity provides a more sustainable approach to growth than outward expansion. The study also evaluates the alignment between the proposed Heritage and Landscape Axes and the existing street network. Findings indicate that both axes have the potential to structure movement and reinforce urban identity, although they require integration with traffic and land-use management, in order to be effective. By combining spatial network modelling with an assessment of statutory planning frameworks, this research supports evidence-based, heritage-sensitive, and topographically responsive planning strategies. It offers practical insights for medium-sized cities undergoing rapid urbanisation within culturally and ecologically sensitive landscapes.