Regression Analysis: Quantitative exploration of interactions between the built environment and spatial behaviour

In many graduation projects in Spatial Planning and Strategy (SP&S), empirical research and spatial design are intertwined. This chapter introduces regression analysis; a ’family’ of related models of quantitative statistical analysis in empirical research. It is very appropriate to study interactions between the built urban environment and people’s spatial behaviour in a project location at a high level of quantitative precision. The outcomes of such quantitative studies can be very useful in urban design or planning, either in preliminary empirical research, i.e. prior to design, or in the iterative cycles of Research by Design. There are several types of regression models; which one is most appropriate for your project (if any) depends on the specific questions about that interaction you want to answer, and on the empirical data that is available for that answer.