Analysis of Urban Spatial Growth in Xalapa, Mexico: Application of Complex Network Model

Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, Japan

Abstract: The Science of Complexity has recently attracted attention due to its ability to explain and predict the complex phenomena in the fields leading from natural to social sciences, which are unexplainable with the existing scientific theories and methodologies. Thus, applying it to architectural & urban research fields could lead to successful explanation and prediction of architectural phenomena. This study attempts to explain the process of urban spatial growth as a complex network system. For the positivistic approach to research, the time series spatial changes of xalapa city in Mexico are examined and natural growth characteristics are prominent. The results show that the urban spatial structure represented by the Axial-line network follows the power-law. Between 1776 and 1980, urban spatial development grew by preferential attachment, i.e., complex system network Growth logic. Between 2000 and 2010, urban spatial development expanded while maintaining a minimum depth in the city center, i.e., Minimum depth attachment. Between 1980 and 2000, urban spatial development grew following both logic characteristics simultaneously. With this result, it could be said urban spaces are complex adaptive systems and that uneven rules act on the formation or development of these spaces.