Analysing the route choices to access public open spaces in hill cities using space syntax approach

Public open spaces serve as vital components of urban well-being, offering spaces for recreation, social interaction, and environmental balance. In hill cities, however, the steep terrain and irregular street networks create distinctive challenges for pedestrian accessibility and route selection. This study investigates how users navigate and choose routes to access public open spaces (POS) in the hill city of Aizawl, Mizoram, employing the space syntax approach to analyze spatial configuration and pedestrian movement patterns. By examining route connectivity, visual integration, and topographic influence, the study identifies how spatial hierarchy and elevation differences affect pedestrian safety, comfort, and decision-making. The analysis inte-grates spatial metrics with field observations to reveal critical barriers and preferred pathways that influence accessibility and user experience. The findings highlight the need for designing safe, inclusive, and topographically sensitive pedestrian networks that enhance access to public open spaces. Ultimately, this research advances the discourse on three-dimensional urban morphology in hill cities and provides actionable insights for planners to improve pedestrian mobility and spatial equity in complex urban terrains.