A city can be perceived as a framework for the everyday activities of its residents, whose movements create complex network patterns as consequences of their individual decisions. Given that there are apparent differences in the use of urban amenities among residents of different ages, we examined the spatial distribution of urban amenities with regard to the preferences of various age groups and the pedestrian accessibility of amenities. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for detecting the most favorable combinations for the spatial distribution of urban amenities, in order to minimize the total walking distances and maximum frequencies of pedestrians of different age groups. The proposed method focuses on the parametric interpretation of various age groups, their preferences for urban amenities, the mutual proximity between residential and non-residential areas, and crowd intensity. Since residents act as agents whose individual decisions are not predictable, we used agent-based modeling to simulate pedestrian movement in order to optimize the spatial distribution of amenities. The digital environment, which allows the parameterization of different types of data, is used for simulation performance. The simulation outcome is quantitatively presented through two criteria of pedestrian accessibility, whose mutual relationship is used to detect the final, optimized combination for the spatial distribution of amenities. This approach can assist with a better understanding of pedestrian dynamics and support pedestrian-friendly choices in urban systems. Finally, the algorithm is applied to the case study of real space in a brownfield location.

This study examines how parts of the public space that offer the possibility for standing contribute to vibrancy during public events. The aim of the paper is to investigate how different arrangements of temporary structures affect the positions of potential zones for standing and, therefore, the vibrancy of public spaces. Using Trg Slobode (Liberty Square) in Novi Sad as a case study, it investigates the connection between space for standing and staying and spatial dynamics during public gatherings. The paper emphasizes the key factors that shape the perception of lively space and point out the importance of its adaptability. These findings enhance understanding of functioning of public spaces during events, stressing the importance of creating vibrant environments that cater to visitors' diverse needs.

City markets attract people with their content. Whether this content will be visually perceived depends on its exposure to users. It is generally known that users naturally gravitate towards spaces that are clear and easy to navigate. Visual-spatial quality is therefore one of the main characteristics of such city spaces, which are often overlooked in the design process, and it is necessary to work on their improvement. The purpose of this research is to make a contribution in terms of the possibility of incorporating visibility analysis into the decision-making process in city markets design by using isovist fields to evaluate their visual-spatial configurations.

The development of polycentric urban regions has strengthened the role of suburban settlements as secondary centres. However, centrality continues to be assessed primarily through the concentration of urban functions and amenities, while its social dimension remains insufficiently explored. This study extends the application of sociotope mapping from public open spaces to the assessment of social centrality in suburban settlement centres. The proposed framework was applied to Veternik, a suburban settlement within the urban region of Novi Sad in Serbia, combining functional and spatial analysis, a questionnaire survey, the Relative Importance Index, and GIS-based sociotope mapping. Functional and spatial analysis identified the existing urban functions, amenities, and their spatial organisation, while the questionnaire survey examined residents’ everyday patterns and frequency of centre-use activities. The Relative Importance Index ranked the relative importance of these activities, and GIS-based sociotope mapping visualised the resulting centre-use values. The findings indicate that Veternik exhibits relatively developed functional centrality, whereas its social centrality remains limited, particularly when considered in relation to users’ perceptions of the centre of Novi Sad. The study demonstrates the potential of sociotope mapping as a complementary framework for assessing social centrality and supporting the planning of socially sustainable suburban settlement centres.