The spatial mismatch between foreign direct investment and street networks: Evidence from Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract

This research investigates the spatial mismatch between the distribution of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the configurational characteristics of street networks in Hanoi's urban districts. Two indicators are employed to represent the connectivity of street networks generated by space syntax methodology, global integration for vehicular movements and local integration for pedestrian traffic. Findings reveal that FDI clusters have preferred areas highly connected by arterial roads, including traditional commercial centres and new suburban locations, confirming that FDI is spatially matched with vehicle-oriented street networks. However, the major FDI clusters have been established without tight connections to street networks for pedestrians. The findings shed light on the new spatiality of global capital accumulation that expedites an unsustainable, vehicle-oriented urban structure.