Space Syntax Methodology

Abstract

Space syntax sets out from the premise that the spatial layout or organization of buildings and settlements can be studied meaningfully and systematically, typically in a comparative manner, through their simplified representation as topological networks. This means that the constituent spatial entities, e.g. the rooms of a house, are characterized only by their interconnections, such as doors, and not by other properties like their metric size. Though advocated as an encompassing theoretical framework by some of its main proponents, space syntax is more commonly understood as a methodological approach compatible with various theoretical and interpretative perspectives. This is illustrated by its application in numerous archaeological studies since it was first systematically formulated in the field of architectural theory and urban planning in the mid-1980s, where it is successfully employed, e.g. as a predictive tool for traffic density and/or frequency of use. While relatively high demands on underlying data entail limitations for archaeological application, space syntax analysis has a high potential in data-rich contexts, particularly when its analytical results can be cross-referenced with other spatial data such as finds distributions or inventories.