The contribution of spatial configuration analysis to the perception of safety in residential spaces

Spatial configuration plays a decisive role in shaping how residents experience accessibility, visibility, and safety within residential environments. This study investigates the spatial determinants of perceived safety in the Azadegan Residential Complex in Rasht, Iran one of the earliest modern collective housing developments in northern Iran, yet previously unexamined through a configurational lens. Using the Space Syntax methodology, an axial model of the complex was constructed and analyzed in Depthmap 10.14.00b, focusing on four key indicators: Integration [HH], choice, connectivity, and control. The results reveal a moderately integrated spatial system, where highly integrated corridors along the northern and western internal streets function as primary movement channels, reinforcing natural surveillance and social visibility. In contrast, peripheral and recessed segments exhibit low syntactic values, indicating vulnerability due to reduced co-presence and limited visual exposure. Correlation analysis indicates moderate intelligibility (integration–connectivity; R² ≈ 0.50), suggesting that globally accessible segments tend to be locally well-linked, which supports passive oversight. Depthmap outputs are treated here as configurational proxies for surveillance tendencies; they identify morphological patterns that may relate to perceived safety but do not substitute for behavioral or perceptual validation. These findings suggest that spatial geometry may indicate safety‑related tendencies in residential settings, although behavioral or perceptual data are recommended to confirm these relationships. The study introduces a novel application of Space Syntax at the meso‑scale of Iranian residential complexes and offers practical implications for enhancing safety through configurational design improvements in existing and future housing developments.