Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs

2024, Volume 8, Number 1, pages 197–211

Original scientific paper
Assessing Urban Green Space Accessibility for Sustainable
Development in Mostaganem, Algeria: A Space Syntax
Approach
*1 Dr. Okba Benameur , 2 Fouad Leghrib , 3 Abdelbasset Laroui
Department of Architecture, Faculty Of Sciences and Technology, University of Mostaganem, Algeria
1
2 Architecture Urban Design and Environment Laboratory (LaCoMoFA), University of Biskra, Algeria
3 Department of hydraulics and civil engineering, Faculty Of Sciences and Technology, University of Ghardaia, Algeria
1 E-mail: [email protected] , 2 E-mail: [email protected] , 3 E-mail: [email protected]

ARTICLE INFO:
ABSTRACT
Article History: The rapid urbanization of Mostaganem, Algeria, has led to significant challenges in the
Received: 23 January 2024
Revised: 18 June 2024 accessibility of urban green spaces (UGS), crucial for promoting environmental sustainability
Accepted: 25 June 2024 and public health. This study uses a space syntax approach, specifically angular segment
Available online: 30 June 2024 analysis (ASA), to assess UGS accessibility at city-wide and local scales. By integrating
quantitative measures like "Choice" and "Integration" with Geographic Information Systems
Keywords: (GIS), the research identifies spatial disparities in green space distribution and accessibility,
Accessibility,
Sustainability, with global integration values ranging from 0.469 to 0.801. Results reveal unequal
Space Syntax, distribution, infrastructure inadequacies, and safety issues affecting accessibility. The study
Urban Green Spaces, highlights areas like Boudjemaa and Emir Abd El Kader, which offer high connectivity, while
Geographic Information Systems others like Jannat El Aarif suffer from limited accessibility. Recommendations include
(GIS).
enhancing transportation infrastructure, prioritizing green spaces in urban planning, and
diversifying facilities to improve accessibility and promote social inclusion. This research
provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers and urban planners, aiming to
optimize urban green space accessibility and contribute to sustainable urban development in
This article is an open-access article Mostaganem, aligning with global efforts towards equitable urban environments.
distributed under the terms and conditions of
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International (CC BY 4.0) JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY URBAN AFFAIRS (2024), 8(1), 197-211.
https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2024.v8n1-11
www.ijcua.com
Publisher’s Note: Copyright © 2024 by the author(s).
Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs stays
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Highlights: Contribution to the field statement:
- Urban green spaces in Mostaganem, Algeria, face significant accessibility This study advances urban planning methodologies by integrating
challenges due to rapid urbanization. Angular Segment Analysis (ASA) with Geographic Information
- The integration of Angular Segment Analysis (ASA) with Geographic System (GIS) to assess urban green space accessibility in Mostaganem,
Information System (GIS) methodologies reveals spatial disparities in green Algeria. By identifying spatial disparities and proposing targeted
space distribution. improvements, it provides actionable insights for policymakers and
- Inequitable distribution of green spaces negatively impacts accessibility and urban planners, enhancing urban development strategies and
urban quality of life. contributing to equitable and sustainable urban environments.
* Okba Benameur:
Department of Architecture, Faculty Of Sciences and Technology, University of Mostaganem, Algeria
Email address: [email protected]
How to cite this article:
Benameur, O., Leghrib, F., & Laroui, A. (2024). Assessing Urban Green Space Accessibility for Sustainable Development in Mostaganem,
Algeria: A Space Syntax Approach. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 8(1), 197-211. https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2024.v8n1-11
JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY URBAN AFFAIRS, 8(1), 197-211 / 2024

1. Introduction
Since 2008, there has been a notable transition towards urbanization globally, marked by the urban
population exceeding the rural population for the first time in the annals of humanity (United Nations,
2022). This shift underscored the consistent pattern of urbanization, especially in regions with lower
levels of development, where Asia and Africa emerge as the primary focal points (van Maarseveen et
al., 2018).
Algeria, the largest African country, has encountered a significant challenge of rapid population
growth following the attainment of independence in 1962. This urban population rate has witnessed a
notable increase from 33.2% in 1962 to 73.7% in 2020, with projections indicating a further rise to
85% by the year 2050, as reported by the United Nations in 2018 (United Nations, 2019). Throughout
the past three decades, the predominant approach to urban planning has involved a simultaneous
expansion of urban areas, and increased land consumption (Leghrib et al., 2021). This particular
strategy has discernible implications for the availability and accessibility of public parks and other
green spaces within the Algerian context.
The process of rapid urbanization has been accompanied by a multitude of challenges, encompassing
environmental concerns, health hazards, and social inequalities (Anwar et al., 2023), thus underscoring
the need for a concentrated effort toward sustainable urban development. The dearth of green spaces
within urban areas stands out as a prominent ramification of swift urbanization witnessed in numerous
global cities (Li et al., 2022). Algerian authorities, through urban and territorial planning documents
such as SNAT 2025 and SNAT 2030, are promoting sustainable development by providing long-term
guidelines and perspectives. This policy has notably enhanced various aspects of urban quality of life,
including public transportation, public spaces, and urban green spaces. For example, the
implementation of Law No. 07-06 of May 13th, 2007, outlines specifications for the management,
protection, and development of green spaces, resulting in significant improvements. According to the
Ministry of Environment (2021), the area of urban green spaces increased from 80 million square
metres in 2014, with a ratio of 2.06 m² per capita, to 174 million square metres, or a ratio of 4.01 m²
per person, in 2021. However, this ratio still falls short of the World Health Organization's international
minimum standard of 9 m² per person.
Despite these advancements, the policy lacks detailed specifications regarding the distribution of urban
green spaces within urban areas and their usability. This includes aspects such as adaptability for
different uses and groups of users, as well as their accessibility. This gap hinders the full realization of
the potential benefits of urban green spaces, limiting their contribution to enhancing the quality of
urban life and sustainable development. Much like other regions, Mostaganem in Algeria is grappling
with the repercussions of accelerated urban growth, particularly in terms of the quality and quantity of
available green areas. Algeria ranks 4th in the Arab region with a Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) index score of 67 out of 100. However, it faces significant challenges related to target 11.7,
which focuses on urban green and public spaces as part of sustainable cities and communities’ goals,
as highlighted by the recent Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboard Report (Bayoumi et al., 2022).
UGS play a crucial role in offering a diverse array of advantages, which span across various
dimensions. These advantages encompass environmental benefits such as the enhancement of air
quality (Lee et al., 2015), the mitigation of water pollution, protection against soil erosion, and the
improvement of the aesthetic appeal of urban areas. Moreover, UGS contribute to social benefits by
enhancing the overall well-being and health of residents (Addas, 2023; Festa et al., 2022; Vilcins et
al., 2022), generating employment opportunities, boosting tourism, and addressing issues related to
climate change adaptation and biodiversity preservation. Consequently, it is imperative to ensure the
appropriate design of green spaces to materialize these benefits effectively, along with implementing
accessibility measures in alignment with the idea that green spaces play a role in fostering positive
outcomes.

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The issue of providing equal access to green areas in urban settings persists, especially in rapidly
expanding metropolitan regions such as Mostaganem, Algeria. Consequently, the quantification and
comprehension of the availability of UGS using the configurational metrics of Space Syntax theory
could positively impact the physical and social performance of UGS within a city.
Given the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, the lack of prioritization for green spaces, and the
absence of comprehensive studies within the Algerian context, this research aims to investigate the
intersection of accessibility and sustainability of urban green spaces (UGS) in Mostaganem. By
reviewing the current availability of green spaces and analysing the characteristics of 12 existing green
spaces within the urban spatial network, the study focuses on the role of space syntax angular segment
analysis in assessing spatial configuration and accessibility. This research aims to provide a novel
understanding of the role and importance of green spaces within the urban planning framework of
Mostaganem, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable urban development in
Algeria.

1.1 Urban Green Spaces Accessibility Assessment

Beyond the space syntax community, several studies have investigated urban green spaces (UGS) from
diverse perspectives using different methods. In particular, remote sensing (RS) and geographic
information systems (GIS) have been utilized to analyze and quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics
and changes of UGS (Chen et al., 2017; Wang et al., 2018) and evaluate their characteristics, such as
abundance, spatial distribution, and species composition (Shahtahmassebi et al., 2021). Furthermore,
RS and GIS-based suitability analyses are used to strategically identify suitable locations for UGS
development (Moisa et al., 2023). Further research has focused on other localized concerns, such as
the concept of human thermal comfort (Ahmadi Venhari et al., 2019), as well as strategies to mitigate
urban heat island (UHI) effects and land surface temperature (LST) (Du et al., 2017; Gherraz et al.,
2020; Yu et al., 2018).
By definition, accessibility refers to the convenience of accessing numerous destinations from various
origins within the urban network across different spatial scales. It holds significant importance in
determining the placement of public amenities to enhance usability for a broad population or restrict
usage to a smaller community (Huang et al., 2023).
The unequal distribution of urban green spaces within cities poses significant challenges, in front of
them those related to "Accessibility", necessitating thorough spatial assessments to guarantee social
and environmental equity for the urban residents. Choosing unsuitable locations for UGS can result in
reduced accessibility for the intended populations they are meant to serve, potentially leading to
inefficiently utilized or neglected spaces, and, at the extreme, misused spaces that could be exploited
for illegal and criminal activities (Hillier, 2007).
Diverse methods are used to quantify and understand the accessibility of UGS, such as GIS-based
network analysis (Buckland & Pojani, 2023), and location-based methods that consider the traditional
definition of accessibility in terms of the ease of reaching different land uses through available modes
of transportation (Morales et al., 2019).
On the other hand, Space Syntax offers quantitative assessments of different levels of accessibility
within the urban spatial network since it examines accessibility through network centrality, focusing
solely on the topological and geometric characteristics of urban layouts.
Studies highlight the significance of spatial syntax methods in assessing the accessibility of UGS to
enhance their physical and social functionality within a city (Long et al., 2023; Tannous et al., 2021).
The advantage of space syntax lies in its ability to describe how the overall spatial structure or
morphology influences the accessibility of UGS from a spatial relations perspective.

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1.2 Urban Green Spaces as a Key to Sustainable Cities

UGS are increasingly acknowledged as key elements of sustainable urban development, contributing
to environmental quality, social well-being, and economic prosperity. They play a pivotal role in
fulfilling various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically, they contribute
to the achievement of the eleventh goal concerning sustainable cities and communities, and its seventh
target that emphasizes "ensuring universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public
spaces, particularly for women, children, older individuals, and those with disabilities" (Bayoumi et
al., 2022).

Figure 1. The interconnectivity between SDG 11 targets and the other SDGs and their respective
targets (Source: Orsetti et al., 2022).

In this context, UGS serve a purpose beyond mere ornamentation, constituting a crucial component of
an ecosystem that fulfils a diverse array of physical and social roles and functions (Tannous et al.,
2021). The significance of UGS to the urban environment can be seen through many lenses. These
spaces offer a wide spectrum of advantages, encompassing various aspects, ranging from
environmental to social and economic dimensions (Belmeziti et al., 2018; Dipeolu et al., 2020; Lee et
al., 2015).
The importance of UGS lies in the environmental advantages it offers, such as mitigating the urban
heat island (UHI) effect and decreasing the energy expenses associated with cooling structures. The
presence of green areas in urban settings helps in reducing air, water, and noise pollution, while also
potentially compensating for greenhouse gas emissions by absorbing CO2 (Haq, 2011; Strohbach et
al., 2012). Additionally, urban greenery contributes to stormwater attenuation by serving as a flood
mitigation strategy (Pataki et al., 2011). Other ecological benefits encompass the conservation of
biodiversity and natural habitats (Roy et al., 2012).
From a health perspective, UGS permit health-promoting activities, such as encouraging physical
exercise, enhancing overall public health, and improving the psychological well-being of urban
residents (Tok et al., 2020). Another significant aspect of UGS lies in its social advantages. Research
indicates that incorporating UGS can lead to a decrease in crime rates and vandalism, a reduction in

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stress levels, and an encouragement of physical activity through the creation of a greener and safer
environment (Branas et al., 2011). Furthermore, UGS offer opportunities for social engagements to
take place, potentially aiding in the mitigation of social isolation (Haq, 2011), fostering the
development of social capital, promoting social unity, and reinforcing connections within communities
(Mears & Brindley, 2019; Wolch et al., 2014).

2. Case Study Presentation

Mostaganem is a coastal city in the northwest of Algeria, located approximately 350km away from the
capital Algiers (Figure 2). The littoral and touristic municipality of Mostaganem covers an area of
50km square and offers a rich canvas for studying the spatial dynamics of urban green spaces. It
provides an array of urban green space amenities, including lively parks, gardens, and open public
spaces.

Figure 2. Location map.

Table 1: Urban Green Spaces physical features.

ID UGS name Type Area (ha) Scale Location

1 Mostaland Park 43.497 National North-east
2 Emir Abd El Kader Garden 2.352 Community Downtown
3 Jannat El-Aarif Garden 2.015 South
4 Houria Park 1.887 East
5 Foussha Garden 1.446 South-west
6 Matrba Plaza 1.220 North-east
7 El Arsa Park 1.170 East
8 Es-salam Garden 0.342 Neighborhood South
9 1st November Plaza 0.272 Downtown
10 Salamandre Plaza 0.213 South-west
11 Boudjemaa Garden 0.132 Downtown
12 Barail Square 0.107 Downtown

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Therefore, our case study comprises twelve UGS and recreational parks of various sizes operating at
multiple scales—national, community, and neighbourhood levels (Table 1). The spatial arrangement
of the examined UGS is illustrated in Figure 3.

9 7
12 11

2
5

10
3

Figure 3. Urban green spaces geographical distribution.

3. Material and Methods

The assessment of the accessibility and connectivity of UGS is conducted through two key phases:
data collection and data analysis (Figure 4). For the initial phase, OpenStreetMap (OSM) provides
basic data on the road centrelines network, while UGS are digitized using GIS tools in addition to
high-resolution images captured for detailed examination.
Thereafter, the analysis phase comprises a multidimensional approach implemented via two datasets,
physical properties and syntactic measures. The first dataset includes physical characteristics such as
size, operating scale, and spatial distributions. Thus, the second dataset encompasses the syntactic
measures of the Angular Segment Analysis of Space Syntax theory.
Space Syntax theory provides a framework for exploring spatial patterns within a particular
environment and their impact on social behaviour, human movement and urban accessibility.
Originally developed in the 1970s by “Bill Hillier” and “Julienne Hanson” at University College
London, the theory investigates how the layout and connectivity of spaces in a built environment
influence human activities and relationships (Hillier & Hanson, 1984). Examining the spatial
interactions between different areas, the theory sheds light on how people navigate and use
environments, thus providing an understanding of how spatial design can affect movement patterns
and the quality of social interactions within a community (Hillier, 2007). Angular segment analysis
provides a more precise understanding of spatial relationships and connectivity within urban
environments, it refines integration analysis by incorporating angular weights into street segment
connections. Unlike Axial analysis, ASA models curved streets using multiple street segments that
connect at their ends. These segments are then processed and analysed as a single spatial entity. In
addition, ASA has opened up new perspectives for further research into urban planning, architecture
and transportation, and is helping to design more efficient, inclusive and sustainable environments
(Turner, 2007; van Nes & Yamu, 2021).

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The ASA employs integration and choice to measure accessibility and compare the configurational
properties of the urban fabric under scrutiny (Turner, 2007, 2009). Moreover, the normalization of
these measures remains useful in investigating the inner structure of an urban fabric since it
incorporates angular, topological, and metric distances (Hillier et al., 2012; Serra & Hillier, 2019).
Accordingly, the syntactic outcomes of the road network of Mostaganem municipality are extracted
from “DepthmapX” software and then exported to “QGIS”.

Data analysis

UGS Features

Type

Area
Data collection
Scale
OSM Road Network
Location

UGS Digitizing
Syntactic Variables

Image capture
DepthmapX

Global measures

Local measures
UGS Accessibility and
Sustainability Assessment
Angular Connectivity

QGIS

Figure 4. Flowchart of the methodological approach.

Therefore, the accessibility assessment involves several measures such as angular connectivity,
normalized angular choice (NACH), and normalized angular integration (NAIN) on a global scale
(Rn), and local metric scale within various radii comprising R200, R400, and R800 meters.
Angular Connectivity characterizes the structure of the local urban network by representing it as a
graph composed of nodes and edges. This metric effectively captures the extent to which different
parts of the urban network are interconnected. Analysing the nodes and edges, provides a
comprehensive view of how well-integrated the various segments of the urban landscape are, revealing
critical insights into the network's overall connectivity and coherence.
Normalized Angular Integration (NAIN) highlights the relative accessibility or movement potential of
a road element within the network, indicating the topological closeness of a road element to all other
elements. At specific metric radii, NAIN reveals spatial hierarchies for local sub-centres by assessing
movement potentials and relative accessibility. This enhanced understanding of NAIN illuminates the
density of road elements and the distribution of sub-centres within a region. By emphasizing their
location and connectivity, NAIN provides valuable insights into the overall spatial structure and
dynamics of the urban network.
Furthermore, employing GIS enhances the thorough assessment of accessibility and enables accurate
digitization and analysis of the extracted syntactic measures, thereby improving visualization and
guiding strategic decisions in urban planning.

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4. Results and Discussions

The angular segment analysis provides a refined insight into urban spatial patterns of Mostaganem
city, through the prism of Space Syntax theory, specifically via the two key measures of normalized
angular choice and normalized angular integration (Hillier et al., 2012). The highest values appearing
on the global NACH metrics reveal the major urban arteries within the urban layout, highlighting
highways such as RN 90, RN 11 and the main thoroughfares, namely avenues Benyahia Belkacem,
Ould Aissa Belkacem, Khattab Abdelkader, Mohamed Khemisti, and boulevards Benkara Mostafa and
Dahra, being the main arteries of movement, distinguished by high NACH values around 1.487 (Figure
5. A). They constitute the backbone of urban connectivity, guiding the flow of people and resources.
Besides, the NAIN map reveals a no-edge effect, where segregated urban structures appear on the
periphery and the most integrated layouts are clustered around the city centre core. This concentration
signifies the centrality and urban vitality of downtown areas (Figure 5.B). The juxtaposition of high
NACH and NAIN values on main roads and in downtown highlights the interaction between vehicular
traffic efficiency and urban centrality. The values of NACH and NAIN also enable us to distinguish
the disparities in use and accessibility among these urban spaces according to their locations.

A B

Figure 5. Visual representation of the global measures of NACH Rn and NAIN Rn.

The subsequent table presents the derived findings of the syntactic measures of the Angular Segment
Analysis, providing insights into Angular connectivity, global and local normalized angular Choice
and Integration (Table 2).

Table 2: Syntactic measures of the Angular Segment Analysis:

ID UGS name Angular NAIN Rn NAIN NAIN NAIN NACH Rn NACH NACH NACH
connectivity R200 R400 R800 R200 R400 R800
1 Mostaland 1.815 0.524 1.399 1.674 2.116 1.013 1.605 2.472 3.404
2 Emir Abd El Kader 2.445 0.781 2.003 2.361 2.690 1.255 3.143 4.190 4.940
3 Jannat El-Aarif 1.567 0.518 1.228 1.388 1.784 0.793 1.240 1.959 2.842
4 Houria 1.738 0.731 1.604 1.942 2.298 1.295 1.987 2.999 4.163
5 Foussha 1.885 0.551 1.275 1.736 2.203 0.571 1.479 2.037 2.422
6 Matrba 1.820 0.552 1.386 1.670 2.130 1.155 2.039 2.806 3.743
7 El Arsa 1.247 0.606 1.309 1.670 2.249 1.078 2.080 3.121 4.256
8 Es-salam 1.549 0.621 1.242 1.823 2.335 0.974 1.913 3.149 4.456
9 1st November 2.626 0.736 1.903 2.220 2.560 0.873 2.729 3.289 3.791
10 Salamandre 3.482 0.469 1.781 2.021 2.150 0.810 2.746 3.261 3.332
11 Boudjemaa 4.008 0.801 2.101 2.365 2.698 1.157 3.015 3.764 4.410
12 Barail 3.425 0.720 1.982 2.270 2.593 0.742 2.556 2.892 3.200

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On the global scale, Boudjemaa, Emir Abd El Kader, 1st November, and Barail exhibit high
connectivity and accessibility within their immediate environment (Figure 6). Located in the city
center core areas and surrounded by economic and social functions, these spaces serve as central hubs
for social interactions, recreational activities, and cultural events. Boudjemaa and Barail, situated in a
bustling commercial district, attract numerous visitors seeking recreational opportunities within the
historical urban fabric. The second city’s largest park “Emir Abd El Kader” serves as a verdant oasis
amidst the urban setting, offering playgrounds and relaxation amenities.
Despite having relatively lower NACH values compared to others, the 1st November Plaza in front of
the Badr Mosque exhibits high NAIN values, indicating an optimal ease of access. This accessibility
enhances its role as a central urban place with cultural and symbolic significance, fostering community
cohesion and spiritual contemplation. These high integration and accessibility metrics extend to the
local scale of the various radii (Figure 7), indicating that their location and proximity have a direct
impact on accessibility despite the differences in terms of size and functions.
Likewise, Houria Park displays notable accessibility metrics on a city-wide scale, owing to its
proximity to the national road 90 (Figure 6). However, varying centrality levels appear within local
radii of 200m and 400m, scoring 1.608 and 1.942 respectively. The extensive green spaces of Houria
Park blend smoothly with the neighbouring urban forest, creating an outstanding recreational
destination for downtime. Nevertheless, there is restricted access to the park from adjacent residential
areas, alongside a potential concern for vehicular air and noise pollution (Benameur et al., 2021).

Figure 6. Global syntactic measures NAIN Rn, and NACH Rn attributed for the scrutinized UGSs.

The findings further demonstrate moderate integration and accessibility for Es-salam, El Arsa, Matrba,
and Mostaland, on both global and local scales. The remoteness of Es-salam Square and El Arsa Park
from residential areas may limit their accessibility at both global and local scales. Yet ongoing attempts
to address safety issues may improve their usage as neighbourhood green spaces. Within the last two
years, these spaces have benefited markedly from their proximity to the Khemisti and El Arsa tramway
stations, respectively. Such alternatives potentially address crime and vandalism issues (Ogletree et
al., 2022) and enable community revitalization and engagement opportunities.

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Similarly, despite the segregation of the northern urban network, Matrba Plaza strikes a balance
between global and local priorities, emphasizing moderate accessibility on both scales. Conveniently
situated alongside the road leading to the swimming beaches, it offers numerous entertaining
opportunities for families and their children. In addition, the promenade and playground areas enhance
its appeal as a verdant and scenic place offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean, attracting
residents and visitors alike.

a b c

d e f

Figure 7. Visual representation of the local measures of NACH Rn and NAIN Rn (a: NACH R200,
b: NACH R400, c: NACH R800, d: NAIN R200, e: NAIN R400, f: NAIN R800).

Located in the north-east of Mostaganem city, Mostaland Park is a comprehensive entertainment venue
suitable for visitors and tourists of all ages. It features a variety of high-quality recreational and
attraction facilities, including a zoo, indoor and outdoor play structures, a swimming pool, a go-kart
track, quad biking trails, a central esplanade with a musical fountain, an artificial lake, picnic areas, a
luxury hotel complex, retail outlets and a wide range of catering options. However, the configurational
analysis shows a moderate global integration of 0.524, notwithstanding its extensive size and
outstanding infrastructure. This highlights several accessibility issues brought on by the location of
this national park, which limit its attractiveness and usage.
In addition, the Foussha garden displays a severe concern about accessibility, explained by the
moderate integration Rn of 0.551, and the low measures of 1.479, 2.037, and 2.422 for the respective
hierarchical radii, despite its ideal location within a residential area of 400 dwellings and its proximity
to the main facilities, including the old central station. Consequently, recent redevelopment strategies
have been implemented to improve the quality of the garden's interior spaces. Such endeavours sought
to provide alternatives to address the current accessibility issue.

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0 1 2 3 0 2 4 6

Mostaland Mostaland
Emir Abd El… Emir Abd…
Jannat El-Aarif Jannat El-…
Houria Houria
Foussha NAIN R200 Foussha NACH R200
Matrba NAIN R400 Matrba NACH R400
El Arsa NAIN R800 El Arsa NACH R800
Es-salam Es-salam
1st November 1st November
Salamandre Salamandre
Boudjemaa Boudjemaa
Barail Barail

Figure 8. Local Normalized Angular Integration and Choice.

Moreover, the location of Salamandre Square on the western outskirts of the municipality illustrates
desegregation and difficulty in achieving strong connectivity within the urban fabric. Despite these
limitations, this UGS plays a vital local role, illustrated by its ranking in the Pareto diagram, which
shows a high degree of integration on different radii, specifically for the 400m radius which
corresponds to 5 minutes-walk where the NAIN values reach 2.021 (Figure 9). Salamandre Plaza, also
known as Palestine Square, represents a key element of the attractive continuity of the Salamandre
Corniche, contributing to the district's appeal as a recreational asset and capturing visitors keen for a
convivial family gathering space. Conversely, “Jannat El Aarif” or the connoisseur's paradise, as
translated into Arabic, ranked last among the UGS analysed (Figure 9), scoring the least syntactic
metrics such as angular connectivity, integration and choice at all levels. This signifies an alarming
accessibility problem that requires immediate consideration and improvement to reinforce its socio-
cultural functions.

Figure 9. Pareto charts of NAIN Rn and NAIN R400.

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5. Conclusion
This research provides a framework that bridges the relationship between accessibility and
sustainability of urban green spaces. The angular segment Analysis enables the assessment of this
factor on a global and local scale and provides an insightful comprehension of users' priorities and how
these spaces operate and function across various scales. It further highlights the pivotal role of
accessibility as a key factor in shaping urban development strategies in Mostaganem City. The analysis
of exemplary urban green spaces demonstrates significant disparities in accessibility, highlighting
three interrelated challenges:
1. Unequal Distribution of Green Spaces: The limited availability of land results in spatial
inequality. Urban green spaces in downtown Mostaganem, characterized by high connectivity and
accessibility, serve as key hubs for social interaction, recreation, and cultural activities. In contrast,
spaces on the city’s outskirts, such as Jannat El Aarif, face significant accessibility challenges at
both global and local levels. The large size and diverse amenities of Mostaland help mitigate some
accessibility issues despite its segregated network, emphasizing the impact of physical attributes
like size, location, and spatial quality on user experience and community engagement. While
distribution, dimensions, and quality enhance user satisfaction, ease of access ultimately dictates
usage.
2. Lack of Priority in Urban Planning: Green spaces often receive inadequate development and
maintenance due to their low priority in urban planning. This deficiency impacts accessibility for
nearby residents and may lead to security and vandalism concerns, as observed in El Arsa and Es-
Salam parks.
3. Insufficient Variety of Facilities: Many green spaces suffer from a lack of diverse facilities and
amenities, negatively affecting their overall quality and functionality. However, recent strategies
by authorities to revitalize and restructure these spaces, including Foussha Garden, show promise.
To address these challenges effectively, enhancing infrastructure and transportation networks in
peripheral and segregated areas can improve accessibility, promoting sustainable urban mobility.
Prioritizing the development and maintenance of green spaces, especially those with high
connectivity, can enhance the quality of life and contribute to environmental sustainability. Efforts
to improve accessibility to parks and public spaces in peripheral areas can boost community well-
being and promote social cohesion. Implementing strategies to improve safety and engage
communities can maximize the potential of these spaces, enhancing their sustainability and
usability. Moreover, designing urban spaces with mixed land uses and interconnected networks can
reduce reliance on private vehicles, promote active transportation, and support a more sustainable
urban lifestyle.
This research acknowledges several limitations. There are literature gaps related to the topic within the
Algerian context, particularly concerning the application of regulations and laws, which is where the
novelty of our research lies. These gaps highlight the need for further detailed studies specific to
Algeria's unique urban landscape. Future research should aim to combine the methods used and the
findings with surveys and subjective assessments to better understand accessibility and sustainability.
Additionally, generalizing the applicability of this approach to other Algerian cities, which share
similar issues regarding urban green spaces' accessibility, can provide broader insights and solutions.
By implementing these recommendations and addressing the identified limitations, Mostaganem can
overcome current obstacles and ensure equitable access to high-quality urban green spaces for all
residents. This research not only contributes to the academic understanding of urban green spaces but
also offers practical strategies for urban planners and policymakers in Algeria.

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Acknowledgement
The authors would like to acknowledge the journal editor and the anonymous reviewers for their
insights and critical reviews that helped enhance the manuscript.

Funding
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or
not-for-profit sectors.

Conflict of Interests
The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [Dr. Okba
Benameur], upon reasonable request.

CRediT author statement:

Conceptualization: O.B., F.L. Data curation: O.B. Formal analysis: F.L., A.L. Investigation: O.B.,
F.L., A.L. Methodology: O.B., F.L. Project administration: O.B. Writing—original draft: O.B., F.L.,
A.L. Writing—review and editing: O.B., F.L., A.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published
version of the manuscript.

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How to cite this article:

Benameur, O., Leghrib, F., & Laroui, A. (2024). Assessing Urban Green Space Accessibility for
Sustainable Development in Mostaganem, Algeria: A Space Syntax Approach. Journal of
Contemporary Urban Affairs, 8(1), 197-211. https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2024.v8n1-11

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