UCL Discovery

Abstract

This paper focuses on the suburban town of Borehamwood to the North of London. Space syntax analysis of the spatial structure of the area suggests that that the way in which Borehamwood has been structured morphologically coupled with its distinctive social and economic history, has allowed it to grow whilst maintaining its original spatial pattern as a village and subsequently as a suburban town. The spatial form of the town centre accommodates the various populations of the town - people living and working locally; people living there and commuting to work elsewhere and people coming into the area to work. This mix has provided a greater economic stability then in other suburbs, particularly as in recent years many companies have opened offices in the area.. However, small-area statistical analysis shows there is a polarisation of prosperity and deprivation.