Unraveling the Impact Mechanisms of Built Environment on Urban Vitality: Integrating Scale, Heterogeneity, and Interaction Effects

The impact of the built environment on urban vitality is multifaceted, yet a holistic understanding that simultaneously considers its scale dependence, spatial heterogeneity, and interactive mechanisms remains limited. To unravel these multi-scalar mechanisms, this study develops an integrated analytical framework. Taking Xi’an, China, as a case study, we first construct a multidimensional built environment indicator system grounded in Jane Jacobs’ theory of vitality. Empirically, we employ the Optimal Parameters-based GeoDetector (OPGD) to objectively identify the optimal spatial scale and detect non-linear and interaction effects. Meanwhile, the Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) model is used to delineate spatial heterogeneity. Our findings systematically unravel the complex mechanisms: (1) The optimal analysis scale is identified as a 2 km grid; (2) All elements significantly influence vitality, but through distinct linear or non-linear pathways; (3) The effects of attraction density, road network structure, and bus stop density exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity; and (4) Third place density and population density act as key catalysts, non-linearly enhancing the effects of other elements. This research presents a synthesized perspective and nuanced evidence for precision urban regeneration, demonstrating the necessity of integrating scale, heterogeneity, and interaction to understand the drivers of urban vitality.