An Integrated Tri-Dimensional Evaluation Framework for Commercial Complex Spatial Efficiency: Core–Periphery Differentiation in Guangzhou, China

Systematic multidimensional assessment of commercial complex spatial efficiency has become essential for sustainable urban governance as cities globally transition from spatial expansion to stock renewal. Most existing research, however, evaluates commercial space from a single economic dimension, failing to integrate social, economic, and ecological dimensions simultaneously. Informed by synergetics and urban morphology theory as conceptual lenses (not as tested causal mechanisms), this study develops an integrated multidimensional evaluation framework as its primary contribution. To characterize within-sample efficiency levels and explore directional associations among subsystems, we combine a spatial compactness model, functional diversity index, AHP-entropy hybrid weighting, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), applied to 20 purposively selected commercial complexes across eight administrative districts of Guangzhou. All results are within-sample and exploratory. Three descriptive patterns emerge: (1) comprehensive efficiency scores vary moderately across the sample (mean = 0.566, SD = 0.067); (2) efficiency scores follow a core–semi-periphery–periphery gradient (Tianhe: 0.665; Huadu: 0.451); and (3) functional synergy shows the largest positive directional association with overall comprehensive efficiency among the four predictors examined. Three exploratory policy directions for stock-renewal governance in high-density Asian megacities are proposed; the reference benchmarks are derived from this 20-case sample and require large-N validation before any regulatory application.