Shaping Network by Flow:Fractal Development Model of Pedestrian Network in High-speed Rail Station Area
ZHANG Chenyang
SHI Beixiang
Abstract：At present,HSRSAs(high-speed rail station areas)in China are transitioning to the phase of station-city integration,evolving from mere transit nodes to destinations within an inter-city network.Further,the interactions between pedestrian flow and the HSRSA network have become increasingly significant.The formation of a comprehensive pedestrian network in these areas signifies a cohesive spatial system,efficient functional development,and frequent station-city interactions.Therefore,it is imperative to reevaluate the developmental characteristics of China's HSRSAs from the perspectives of pedestrian flow and networks.
Fractal structures emerge as the optimal configuration for pedestrian networks within HSRSAs,as they lead to the maximum network density and enhanced pedestrian accessibility.The fractal attributes of these pedestrian networks are a result of human movement along pedestrian pathways.In combination with the findings of Vicsek and Salingaros,this study summarizes two primary mechanisms of fractal growth in these networks:percolation and stretching.These mechanisms collectively give rise to four development stages of the pedestrian networks:germination,connection,integration,and maturity,which lead to the emergence of seven distinct network morphologies.
In this study,the pedestrian network data in the core zone of HSRSAs and boundary data of areas with dense functions were extracted to further analyze the pedestrian pathways with walking vitality.The fractal dimension of the pedestrian network was calculated using the radius dimension method.A case study based on HSRSA of Nanjing South Station was carried out.The fractal development of its pedestrian network from 2006-2022 was tracked,and a comparative study on quantitative measurements with five other control areas was conducted.
The empirical analysis results indicate the following:(1)the pedestrian network in the HSRSA of Nanjing South Station exhibits a typical fractal development pattern of"incipient form-annular radiation form-overall development form".The strategy that prioritizes the network structure,phased development of functional zones,and integrated development along both sides of the tracks was chosen.(2)In comparison to the control group,the HSRSA of Nanjing South Station has developed a more extensive pedestrian network in a short time,displaying expansive radial fractal features and a relatively complete fractal structure.(3)The distribution of pedestrian vitality in the HSRSA of Nanjing South Station presents cross-scale disparities.On the one hand,it presents unevenness under different circular layer scales and obstructs network expansion between layers.On the other hand,no small-scale secondary connection has been developed from long-distance pedestrian crossings on two sides.(4)Hierarchical mismatches between functions and pedestrian spaces at the station building scale and at the station area scale restrict further fractal growth of the pedestrian network in HSRSAs of Nanjing South Station.
It is concluded that the development of pedestrian networks in HSRSAs is constrained by various factors,including fragmented land use,rapid transit interference,and inadequate functional support,leading to underdeveloped fractal characteristics.Hence,this study recommends the following:(1)Eliminating barriers to pedestrian connections between stations and cities,establishing seamless pedestrian links in the core region of HSRSA,and enhancing the construction of branch roads and pedestrian loops connected to the HSRSA axes.(2)Fostering a complex and three-dimensional pervasive network,shifting the approach of HSRSA development from merely serving as a rapid transit distribution hub to prioritizing pedestrian traffic,and subdividing land ownership within the HSRSA by floor level to mitigate the segmenting effects on the HSRSA.(3)Refining the alignment between functional development and road network construction,prioritizing the functional development of high-grade pedestrian paths,and focusing on bolstering the functional infrastructure within the inner circles of the HSRSA
Keywords：high-speed rail station areapedestrian flowurban networkfractal cities
Publication Date：2025-04-30
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：8( 108-115 )