Application of space syntax theory to the sustainable development of Tunghai university campus environment

Abstract

For the past thirty years, the space syntax theory has been widely used in topics related to constructing the pedestrian zone models, criminal analyses, traffic-related pollution controls, and way-finding processes. Space syntax allows the explanation for people's behavior and social activities from the spatial structure point of view. Most of the space syntax studies emphasize on the relationship between the urban form and the spatial structure. It is often used for assessing development projects or architecture configurations. Researchers are dedicated to developing the theory and method of the spatial data analysis (SDA). The “spatial analysis” is a critical feature of the geographic information system (GIS) and this feature makes it different from various other ways of handling the space information. In this study, the space syntax theory was used for the analysis of the interior environment of the Tunghai University campus and the downtown roads surrounding it so as to find the hot spot of the target base. A suggestion was also proposed for planning a road sign system for the elderly to walk here so that the elderly can walk on the flat and smooth regions in the campus with distinguishing features. This approach achieved the purpose of a sustainable campus and it can also enhance the way-finding efficiency. The walking route which is obtained by the analysis and suitable for the elderly is described as follows. From the entrance gate of the first campus along the Beauson Road to arrive at the Luce Chapel; along the Duxin Road and pass through the President's residence and the Sunlight Lawn; come down two blocks and turn left so as to arrive at the University Milk Restaurant and the Green Heart; turn right and along the Li-shin Road to the second campus so as to pass through the Dairy Farm, Department of Fine Arts, Department of Music, and College of Management; now arrive at the entrance gate of the second campus. This route is one of the routes which are suitable for the elderly to walk along. The follow-up research will invite elderly groups for real testing so as to verify the suitability of this route.