Optimization of Urban Spatial Structure Based on TOD Model

Abstract

Traffic congestion and environmental pollution restrain the high-quality development of cities and the improvement of residents’ living quality. A transit-oriented-development (TOD) model that integrates transportation with land use is key to solving the abovementioned problems. This study uses mechanism analysis to investigate the relationship between transportation and land use, analyzes the differences between TOD and conventional models regarding land use patterns and population distribution, and investigates the population distribution characteristics of the TOD model and its coupling relationship with transportation. Moreover, the current status and problems of TOD in China are analyzed through case study, indicating that the implications, development goals, and paths of TOD models vary for different scenarios. Additionally, a reasonable urban spatial structure is proposed comprising urban spatial structures at three levels: urban agglomerations, metropolitan and downtown areas, and rail transit stations and their surrounding areas. The basic ideas, planning and design principles, and implementation paths for the deep integration of the proposed structure with transportation are explored. Furthermore, we suggest that measures should be taken in terms of management planning, laws and policies, standards and specifications, benefit distribution, planning approval, incentive mechanism, and public participation, thereby providing support for TOD model application and for improving urban construction.

Keywords

• urban spatial structure
• integration of transportation and land use
• transit-oriented development
• urban agglomeration
• metropolitan and downtown area
• rail transit station