The Study of Historical Progression in the Distribution of Urban Commercial Space Locations—Example of Paris

Abstract

Commercial space locations are a long-term investment for developers, and they are crucial for sustainable profitability. The distribution of commercial spaces in Paris has undergone a constant evolutionary process over the past few centuries, influenced by various socioeconomic factors. This study investigates the evolution of commercial space locations in Paris over three historical stages—1690, 1860, and 2023, using Space Syntax and Cluster Analysis. By examining the historical progression of Parisian commercial spaces from an urban planning perspective, this article aims to provide insights for urban developers to strategically plan for commercial spaces. The first part of the study is an analysis of the centrality and accessibility of commercial space locations within the urban street network using Space Syntax. Next, Cluster Analysis is employed to further examine the distribution patterns of commercial spaces with high centrality. By comparing the results from three different historical stages, the study reveals two major patterns. One is a full-scale optimization of commercial space centrality within the historical core of Paris. Another one is the fission and consolidation of commercial spaces into multi-centric clusters and a geographical dispersal from central Paris. Finally, a multi-disciplinary discussion is conducted to decode the socioeconomic motivations behind these patterns and provide guidance for future commercial planning.