Influence of Spatial Configuration on the Cultural Cognition of Urban Heritage: The Case of Shanghai

Urban heritage revitalization relies on public cultural cognition, yet the psychological impact of spatial morphology remains under-quantified. This study integrates space syntax with survey data to evaluate the relationship between five spatial metrics and six cultural dimensions, including authenticity, integrity, vitality, involvement, diversity, and identity, across three heritage cases. Correlation and clustering analyses reveal that spatial configuration dictates distinct cultural cognitions rather than universally positive effects. This study identified three spatial–cultural typologies: an authentic traditional revitalized area, where high visual entropy preserves authenticity but limits involvement; a high-quality hub, which utilizes high integration and connectivity to holistically enhance all cultural cognitions; and a functional and vital art area, where spatial control for modern vitality is maximized at the expense of historical identity. These findings demonstrate that morphological variables serve as active, quantifiable predictors of cultural impact, moving the discourse of space and culture from a metaphor to an empirical framework. This study provides actionable design strategies for balancing functional efficiency with historical preservation in sustainable urban (re)development.