Unified Urban Growth Pattern Identification Utilizing a Co-Clustering Tendency and Co-Clusters of Building Density and Diversity

Density and diversity are fundamental attributes of urban environments, shaped by complex land use patterns that evolve over time. This study conducted a comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis of urban growth in two adjacent mid-sized cities, Cheonan and Asan, Korea, employing a spatial statistical framework designed to capture the intricate interplay between building density and diversity. Unlike traditional approaches that analyzed these factors independently, this study integrated both measures into a unified analytical model, identifying zones where high density and high diversity co-clustered over the past two decades. The empirical findings show a consistent monocentric growth pattern across both cities, while also uncovering emergent areas of strong co-clustering, indicating a shift towards more integrated land use practices. This spatial overlap points to a synchronized development trajectory and suggests the potential conurbation of the two cities. By examining the co-clustering dynamics of density and diversity, this study provides new insights into urban development processes, offering valuable guidance for planners and policymakers in shaping future growth strategies.