How does urban spatial structure affect sustainable development Goal 11.7? An empirical study of 265 cities in China

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 (SDG 11.7) is primarily used to assess the sustainability of urban public spaces. Urban spatial structure (USS) can profoundly influence the level of SDG 11.7. Existing research has typically focused on the impact of single-dimensional USS indicators on SDG 11.7, often failing to incorporate multiple dimensions into a comprehensive evaluation system. Based on an assessment of SDG 11.7 in 265 Chinese cities, this study selected six-dimensional USS indicators that comprehensively reflect various aspects of USS, namely, urban size, urban sprawl, urban accessibility, urban expansion, urban compactness, and urban shape. It then systematically analyzed the impact of these indicators on SDG 11.7 using panel regression, geographically and temporally weighted regression, quantile regression, and the spatial Durbin model. Furthermore, this study explored the spatial heterogeneity, nonlinear characteristics, and spatial effects present in the influence of USS on SDG 11.7. The findings indicated the following: (1) urban size, accessibility, and compactness significantly impacted SDG 11.7, with urban size and accessibility having positive effects; (2) the impact of USS on SDG 11.7 varied across different spatial locations, and these spatial disparities evolved over time; (3) the impact of USS on SDG 11.7 exhibited nonlinear characteristics. In cities with higher SDG 11.7 levels, the positive effects of urban accessibility and shape became more pronounced; (4) USS affected not only local SDG 11.7 but also that of neighboring cities through spatial effects. These findings elucidate how USS affects SDG 11.7, thereby providing decision support for sustainable urban development.