Assessing the morphological distribution of urban green spaces for the future sustainable greenery planning: a case study of Penang, Malaysia

Urban green spaces are among the resources that provide many social and physical effects to decrease the adverse effects of urbanization. Their inappropriate locations can make them less accessible and, therefore, less sustainable or underutilized. This study presents the citywide and local characteristics of the size and morphological distribution of urban green spaces in Penang Island, Malaysia, using the space syntax method. Space syntax analyses were used to identify if there is a rational pattern for urban green spaces' size and accessibility and to determine the spatial distribution of needs and accessibility. To this aim, physical measurements of 24 parks and green recreational centers were calculated, followed by an axial mapping of the study area which was conducted to perform space syntax analysis. The results first showed that the locations of the green spaces were not equitably distributed, and larger green spaces were established in areas with less accessibility. Second, based on space syntax data, we evaluated the flood risk, land surface temperature, and population density maps. Finally, we proposed potential sites for future green spaces. This paper demonstrates new insights into the consideration for spatial priorities to reshape future urban green space planning in delivering more sustainable greenery.