¹Department of Architectural Engineering, UAE University, PO Box 17555, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Correspondence: Karim Hadjri, Tel.: +971 3 7133101; fax: +971 3 754 0258; E-mail: khadjri@uaeu.ac.ae

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the current spatial structure of Al Ain, a town-oasis in the United Arab Emirates, by examining the relationship between spatial design and circulation patterns within the town. An analysis of vehicular and pedestrian flows was carried out to establish the relationship between attractors, accessibility and configuration of road network. The main objective was to test Space Syntax methodology in order to explore design guidelines as well as re-design proposals if some areas are found to be very deficient in terms of spatial layout and ease of movement and connectivity.