Space Syntax Approach Research Articles

Building sustainable mitigation through adaptive green open space on tanjung mas sub district

Abstract Mitigation is a step to reduce the risk of disasters in a particular area. Tanjung Mas sub-district is an area that has a high potential for land subsidence and tidal flooding because it is located on the North Coast of Java. Temporary evacuation points are urgently needed to protect residents from the dangers of tidal floods and distribute logistics from volunteers. Based on community preferences, the Green Open Space in Tambak Lorok are used as an evacuation point for flood disasters. The green open space, which was initially used for sustainable water absorption, was converted into an evacuation point as a flood disaster mitigation measure. This research aims to measure the suitability of green open space as a temporary evacuation site. The research method used is a Space Syntax approach and qualitative description analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, almost all the requirements for evacuation places by the green open space location. It is easily accessible because it is on the primary residential route, easily accessible by vehicles, and has building structures higher than the road. However, the area of green open space still needs to be increased for the minimum standard capacity per person. Apart from that, the infrastructure to support evacuation, such as electricity, communication equipment, or rubber boats, needs to be improved. The construction of green open space as a temporary evacuation site needs to be adjusted to minimum standards and the needs of the population. It is also hoped that the development of green open space will be the responsibility of not only the government but also cooperation between stakeholders. Green open space isn’t just for environment impacts, but can also increase the community resilience.

Space syntax at the islamic center Masjid At-taqarrub Trienggadeng Pidie Jaya

Abstract At the start of its construction, Masjid At-Taqarrub was the largest mosque in Trienggadeng District. Based on Pidie Jaya Regent Regulation Number 12 of 2020, it was designated as the Islamic Center of Pidie Jaya Regency. Based on the change in the status of mosques as Islamic centers, their needs and functions are certainly increasing. So it is necessary to carry out a retirement evaluation to review the effectiveness of using this mosque. This research aims to identify and analyze the spatial configuration based on the Space Syntax approach in this mosque. The method used is quantitative, collecting observation data for analysis using the depthmapX software. The results of this research show that the minimum connectivity value is 36 and the maximum value is 8.988, while the minimum integrity value is 2,54141 and the maximum value is 31,682. The most effective space is the prayer room. The multipurpose room is considered quite effective, while the overall layout of the entrance area is considered ineffective because it still confuses visitors. It is hoped that this research can provide input for improving spatial organization to make it more effective.

Do urban renewal programs make suburbs safer? A fine-grained GIS and space syntax study of an urban renewal project in the city of Toulouse

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates the impact of urban renewal programs (PRU) on creating a safe environment. People’s perceptions of PRU and its impact on security were collected through questionnaires and sketch maps. This study applies a space syntax approach to analyse the spatial and structural properties of successive urban space evolutions and compare them with people’s perceptions of security. The findings reveal a strong correlation between areas with high levels of social housing concentration, poverty rates and insecurity. Surprisingly, visually controlled areas are vulnerable and attractive locations for drug trafficking. Density indicators have a minor influence on the perception of insecurity.

Using a Space Syntax Approach to Enhance Pedestrians’ Accessibility and Safety in the Historic City of George Town, Penang

Contemporary urban development places a critical emphasis on pedestrian environments, especially in historic cities like George Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia. Although survey questionnaires effectively captured public perceptions of issues such as poor road connectivity, weak accessibility, crime and safety concerns in George Town, they fell short in providing a comprehensive understanding of the root causes. This study leverages space syntax theory to model and analyze George Town’s unique pedestrian landscape, aiming to identify strategies for improving pedestrian networks in historical urban landscapes. Space syntax theory, known for revealing structural issues within urban contexts, is applied after a thorough examination of George Town’s urban layout, climate, architectural features, and development policies. George Town employs an informal grid layout widely utilized in British colonial port cities to enhance overall efficiency. The predominant architectural form is the shophouse, which is characterized by a ground level designed for pedestrian movement known as the “five-foot way” and adapted to Malaysia’s climate. Various axis drawing methods for the unique five-foot way under different circumstances are considered. The George Town special area plan (SAP) emphasizing heritage preservation guides development policies, thus requiring an inclusive approach to pedestrian environments. This enhances the practical significance of the current study, with the eastern and northern coastal areas serving as crucial focal points for investigation. This approach results in a comprehensive spatial model that captures the essence of George Town’s pedestrian landscape. Evaluation using space syntax indicators such as connectivity, integration, intelligibility, and choice reveals issues like poor overall network connectivity, inadequate access to key attractions, suboptimal integration, concentrated pedestrian flows, and significant safety concerns, which are exacerbated by limited infrastructure on certain two-way roads and a lack of zebra crossings. The practical implications of this study include recommendations for enhancing pedestrian spaces along identified roads and strategically installing zebra-crossings. This research is significant for its focus on a historical city in a Southeast Asian developing country, deeply integrating local environmental characteristics and providing insights into urban planning and optimization, thereby serving as a reference for similar cities.

Spatial Form Cognition of Historical Streets in Hongcun Village through a Space Syntax Approach

This study explores the relationship between spatial form and inner vitality, and discusses the impact of three morphological variables on spatial vitality and spatial cognition of residents and tourists. The purpose of this study is to investigate the internal relationship between spatial morphological characteristics, spatial vitality, and people’s spatial cognition. In China, the over-commercialization of tourism has led to changes in the historical spaces of many traditional villages, and the problems of homogenization and commercialization have become increasingly obvious. To address this, this study will use a combination of space syntax and cognitive imagery to understand the historical street space. Space syntax theory quantifies the division of spatial scales and studies the relationship between spatial form and human behavior. The concept of cognitive imagery reproduces the user’s spatial cognition through imagery, and explores the relationship between spatial elements and cognition. Combining these two theories can provide a better understanding of the laws of spatial form and behavioral cognition. This study investigates the historical streets in Hongcun village, a World Cultural Heritage Site located in China. The research sample consists of 51 tourists who have been traveled to Hongcun, and 49 villagers who still reside in the study area. Spatial analysis was performed using DepthmapX software. The results show that there is a positive correlation between the degree of integration, intelligibility, and optionality of traditional street space, the vitality of the space, and people’s cognition. However, residents and tourists have different perceptions of the same traditional street space due to their different identities and awareness. When formulating protection and utilization plans, the needs of residents and tourists should be considered comprehensively to achieve a reasonable allocation of village spaces. The study’s results provide a reference for policymakers to better understand the relationship between the spatial form and inner vitality of traditional villages.

SYNTAX OF SPATIAL PATTERN OF INFORMAL SETTLEMENT AREA OF SENTRA TAHU CIBUNTU, BANDUNG

Sentra Tahu Cibuntu, a tofu supplier industry in Bandung Raya, is categorized as an informal settlement because it formed spontaneously due to national road infrastructure development in Bandung City. The designation of an ordinary settlement as a center positively impacts the city's economic growth. On the other hand, the high demand for housing for tofu makers became a new problem that resulted in an increasingly unplanned settlement growth pattern. Spatial patterns in informal settlements need to be identified as a benchmark for estimating the direction of settlement development in the future. Both designers and policymakers can determine the design strategy of the area to improve the quality of informal settlements. This research uses the space syntax approach to analyze integration on the Sentra Tahu Cibuntu axial map. Primary data was obtained through field observations combined with mapping from satellite imagery. The mapping data is processed using DepthMapX software to produce an axial map that shows the integration value, which describes the real setting. The results of the syntactic analysis are combined with the results of field observations to obtain an overview of building functions, activities, and environmental characteristics. The lower integration value is interpreted as low accessibility to residential areas, so residents have high vulnerability to security and safety, limited infrastructure, limited social activities, and low quality of occupant health. Designers can use the results of these findings as a consideration in designing inclusive and sustainable residential areas through innovative designs.

Measuring the Spatial Configuration of the Center Point of Indonesia Using Space Syntax

This study aims to analyse the spatial configuration caused by the development and urbanisation that occurred in Makassar, especially in the Center Point of Indonesia area. The method used in the study uses a space syntax approach that provides graphic analysis results that show the relationship between the built environment and human activities in space. The city spatial plan map in the Center Point of Indonesia by 2030 area was analysed using Depthmap X. The syntactic measure used is integration and choice, both globally (Rn) and locally (R3). The results of the analysis conducted show that the Center Point of Indonesia area itself does not have a high value of integration and choice both globally and locally, but the roads that connect the area, namely Metro Tanjung Bunga Road and Cenderawasih Road, are the most integrated roads.

Studying the Cognitive Specifications of Perceiving Environment in Older Adults and Their Behavior Using Cognitive Maps, Case Study: Kahrizak Nursing House

Cognitive aspects in different fields of older adults’ perception of architecture were discussed to determine cognitive specifications of the older adults living in Kahrizak Nursing Home (Tehran) using cognitive maps. The association between older adults’ cognitive maps and spatial structure of the nursing home was also examined. In terms of nature, this study is an applied-theoretical work. The study was carried out in two phases namely, qualitative and quantitative; and as to the objective, the study was an applied work. Data gathering was done through a library-document method and the status quo of the nursing house was examined through field observations. In addition, interviews were conducted for data gathering. The space syntax approach was used for analyzing the spatial structure of the nursing home. Simulations were carried out in Depth Map and as the results indicated the highest integration was equal to 7.3 and the mean value was equal to 3.5. The maximum and mean values of connectivity were 20 and 8.6 respectively; these figures for choice were 67 and 11.06 respectively. Maximum and mean values of total depth were 257 and 138.7 respectively. The results indicated a significant relationship between the cognitive maps of the older adults and the analyses based on the space syntax method. This can be attributed to the physical structure of architecture in Kahrizak Nursing Home.

An Analysis of the Isomerism of Tibetan Vernacular Dwellings Based on Space Syntax: A Case Study of the Semi-Agricultural and Semi-Pastoral District in Gannan Prefecture, China

Vernacular dwellings carry both material and spiritual connotations, playing a significant role in preserving and developing regional culture. While current research on vernacular dwellings has primarily focused on the cultural center, there is a critical knowledge gap regarding the “differentiation” of dwellings in border areas. This knowledge gap poses risks to the sustainable development of vernacular dwellings. Therefore, this study employs a space syntax approach to analyze the spatial configuration of the Tibetan vernacular dwellings of the semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral areas in Gannan prefecture, China, which is situated in the Tibetan border area. The findings reveal the following key insights: (i) disparities exist in the spatial organization of “sacred–secular” node spaces and the structural characteristics of buildings, resulting in a misalignment between physical center spaces and psychological center spaces; (ii) variation in cultural intensity contributes to distinct characteristics, i.e., “prototype”, “transition”, and “mutant”, among dwellings in different counties; and (iii) the continuous development and adaptation of dwellings hinge on the homogeneity and differentiation of regional culture. The crux of achieving sustainable dwelling development lies in preserving the diversity of dwellings. This study offers a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the spatial configuration of vernacular dwellings in the Tibetan border area and their sociocultural connotations. Consequently, it provides valuable guidance for promoting the sustainable development of these dwellings.

Unveiling the potential of space syntax approach for revitalizing historic urban areas: A case study of Yushan Historic District, China

Historic urban areas are a crucial component of urban heritage, embodying the collective memory of urban development and possessing distinctive urban textures and cultural attributes. However, the growing impact of globalization on the urban environment poses challenges to historic urban areas, including diminishing social recognition, aging infrastructure, loss of vitality, and cultural erosion. To address these challenges, this study proposes a novel approach to revitalizing historic urban areas by employing space syntax methodology. The study focuses on Yushan Historic District in China as a case study and uses spatial models within space syntax to describe, analyze, and interpret its urban morphology. The objective is to enhance urban vitality while preserving the heritage fabric of historic urban areas. Additionally, it aims to contribute to the advancement of space syntax research, specifically in the context of urban renewal and revitalization of historic districts. The findings reveal the spatial factors that contribute to the generation of vitality within the district, identify areas requiring intervention, and provide strategies for revitalizing historic urban areas. This study demonstrates the potential of utilizing a space syntax approach in urban revitalization, providing valuable guidance for effectively conserving urban heritage within the context of urban renewal.

Configuring urban morphological changes: the case of Damascus city in the late modern era

PurposeThis paper analyses changes in the activity pattern of Damascus city from late modern era (late Ottoman rule) to the contemporary era. The research objective is to explore the impact of the socio-historical process on the evolving morphological structure of the urban core and to draw implications for post-war reconstruction.Design/methodology/approachSpace Syntax methodology was employed to trace the historical and morphological changes in the urban core of Damascus. The timeframe was divided into five periods covering the city's socio-political transformation and five maps depicting these periods. Local and global integration measures were used to analyse the changes in the urban core across each period. Normalised angular choice (NACH) measure was used to identify the changes in the city planning system.FindingsThe results revealed that the urban core corresponded to the main streets, which had socio-economic importance across history. However, introducing a new planning system influenced by Western planning ideals led to the creation of multi-morphological patterns. At the city level, the study found that the urban core was more accessible in the preplanned areas, while the organic expansion of the informal settlements was exclusive of the core area. At the local level, some informal settlements showed an intense core. Intelligibility analysis revealed that earlier periods showed considerably higher values, implying declines in the ease of navigation of the city over time.Research limitationsThis study did not account for the political, economic and cultural factors that could shape morphological changes in Damascus. In addition, the study adopted historical reference points to understand the morphological changes, as high-quality geospatial data was not available to monitor the recent post-war situation.Practical implicationsThe research findings give a foundation for a more contextualised historical understanding of spatial structure and changes, which can contribute to the post-war reconstruction and redevelopment of Damascus city.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to trace historical spatial changes in Damascus from a space syntax approach, weaving together socio-historical and configurational studies. In doing so, it shows how historically informed and spatially aware urban planning and design policies can support policymakers and built environment professionals in planning and redevelopment.

Integrasi Jalur Evakuasi pada Bangunan Publik Bertingkat Menggunakan Pendekatan Space Syntax

Title: Integration of Multi-stories Public Buildings Evacuation Routes with Space Syntax Approach Case Study: The Design of Kanisius Junior High School, Kalasan Fires and earthquakes are the two major disasters that threaten buildings. Public buildings require a design that can mitigate the adverse effects of the disaster, which requires excellent attention to the evacuation aspect when a disaster occurs. This study will evaluate the design of one of the public buildings that became the study material, Kanisius Junior High School (SMP), located in Kalasan, D.I. Yogyakarta. The building consists of 3 floors with an area per floor of 755 m2. It has a vertical emergency evacuation route through stairs at both ends. Using the Space Syntax method, the path design integration evaluation uses the Integrity tools in the Axial Map series. In contrast, the Visibility Graph tools are used to determine the level of visibility of the path and the ideal need for placing emergency exit signage. The result is that the level of integration of the evacuation route in the Kanisius Kalasan Junior High School building will be known, and the ideal signage placement will be recommended. This research is expected to contribute knowledge in the field of architecture related to the optimization method of emergency evacuation route design in multi-story buildings, as well as provide input for relevant stakeholders.

A Space Syntax Approach: Covid-19 and Socio-Spatial Inequalities in Bogotá, Colombia

A Space Syntax Approach: Covid-19 and Socio-Spatial Inequalities in Bogotá, Colombia

A sequential space syntax approach for healthcare facility layout design

This paper presents a two-phase approach for solving the facility layout problem in a physical rehabilitation hospital. The first phase solves the block layout problem, where the relative location and size of the departments in the facility are determined. The model used in this phase is based on Space Syntax which offers a series of tools that can be used to analyze and quantify spatial relations that are useful when modeling block layouts. Two Space Syntax-based metrics are introduced to model proximity and ease of access in layout designs, critical qualities in health care settings. A tabu search algorithm based on a novel nested-bay encoding is used to find the block layouts. A set of test cases from a large provider of rehabilitation hospitals shows the ability of this approach to handle healthcare-specific design requirements. An important concern for physical rehabilitation hospitals, where a large portion of the patient population is especially vulnerable to infectious diseases, and which has gained greater attention due to the COVID pandemic, is infection control. The approach herein is more capable of addressing control of infectious disease than existing metrics by providing designers with more granular control of space separation. Results show that the Space Syntax approach provides powerful, but easy to use, modeling capabilities, and that the resulting block layouts are more realistic. The second phase model is a mixed integer program for constructing corridor networks on a block layout that minimize travel distance, number of intersections, and maximum traffic on a turn. Both models are configurable so that facility designers can generate different designs according to their goals by changing the model parameters.

Space Syntax Analysis on Edu-Tourism Accessibility (Case Study: Planetarium UIN Walisongo Area)

Planetarium UIN Walisongo is an educational facility that not only accommodates academic needs but is also projected to become a tourism destination in Semarang. The density of activity is the main focus that must be considered. The building's existence in the middle of the campus also demands that it has good visual access. The study focused on configuration and visibility analysis by looking at their effect on accessibility around the building. The research was conducted using quantitative methods with a descriptive and simulation framework. The simulation process is carried out using a space syntax approach with Depthmap software. Macroanalysis shows that the building is located in the central area with a relatively high integration value. The high intelligence value shows that the spatial configuration is relatively easy to recognize. The wide and integrated road makes this area have relatively high visibility. Microanalysis shows that the pedestrian around the Planetarium is not well connected. Space engineering by connecting pedestrians is carried out to provide better accessibility. Achievement efficiency is the main consideration to produce a high value of integration and visibility around the building. Therefore, the area quality will be better with an accessible space on macro and micro scales

From house to home: exploring the spatial expression of social identity on traditional Shiraz houses

PurposeThe present study, based on a comparative analysis of several historic houses in Shiraz, presents a new perspective on uncovering the role of the social lives of homeowners in the formation of the spatial configurations of their houses.Design/methodology/approachTwelve plans were selected and analyzed using space syntax techniques. The spatial characteristics were compared mathematically using integration, intelligibility and axial synergy.FindingsThe results of the research showed that spatial configurations reflected the social identity of their homeowners as well as their cultural and private beliefs. The results further highlighted the syntactical differences between different types of one courtyard houses, two courtyard houses and three courtyard houses. While privacy was maintained across all housing layouts, centralized one-courtyard typography had the highest synergy while the three-courtyard typology had the highest intelligibility.Originality/valueThis research advances the use of space syntax approach in the design of contemporary housing by recognizing the socio-cultural values of its occupants.

Measuring the accessibility deprivation of concentrated resettlement communities in China: An integrated approach of space syntax and multi-criteria decision analysis

China's rapid urbanization involves the large-scale relocation of rural villagers and the production of concentrated resettlement communities in urban areas. This new urban population's post-resettlement adaptation and socio-economic situations raise concerns for urban scholars and policymakers alike. This paper invokes the concept of deprivation and aims to establish indices of multiple deprivations (IMDs) for such communities. In doing so, this research use accessibility as a proxy and integrates the space syntax approach with multi-criteria decision analysis to construct the IMDs of concentrated resettlement communities in Hangzhou, China. The findings suggest that material deprivation may not be the primary concern for residential segregation of resettlement communities in urban areas. Besides, the accessibility to different services reflects diverse deprivation patterns among resettlement communities. Moreover, various stakeholder groups' perceptions of deprivation may lead to different results of the IMDs. The diverse criteria or domains of deprivation contribute differently to the deprivation, which requires a tailored treatment strategy when constructing IMDs, such as the sensitivity analysis used in this research. The proposed measurement of deprivation has important policy implications for sustainable urban development in China.

Toward A Conceptual Framework for Evaluating the Quality of Urban Open Spaces

Urban open spaces have frequently been a vital destination for people to connect with one another. The efficiency of urban open spaces depends on their social, health, environmental, and economic benefits. However, little attention has been given to the impact of the relationship between the spatial environment and social interactions on the quality of urban open spaces to be vibrant spaces responding to the change in users’ needs. This study examines the integration between placemaking and space syntax approaches where overlapping relationships between the social and spatial aspects are found. This study aims to extract a conceptual framework with specific stages that can be followed for evaluating “quality” in urban open spaces and then can enhance the weaknesses. Thus, it is to direct the designers’ attention to rediscovering social and recreational uses in these spaces according to people’s needs and spatial configurations. The De Lesseps Bay project in Port Said city, in Egypt, was firstly analyzed through a quantitative method using the space syntax tool “DepthmapX” to understand social decisions and behaviors based on the selected spatial indicators, and secondly through a qualitative method using face-to-face interviews and field observations checklists to understand users’ needs in the place using the Pareto principle and a scoring system. The findings revealed the quality indicators of the place as the most needed factors for users such as attractiveness, vitality, clustered and integrated activities, visual appeal, safety, people connectivity, and accessibility. The spatial relations directly affected the “access and image” and “comfort and image” attributes of the placemaking approach, as well as indirectly affected the “uses and activities” and “sociability” attributes. This paper suggests expanding the concept of “quality” to include the comprehensive principles of creating vibrant spaces to continue responding to the change in community needs and renewal of other things in an urban environment.

Measuring Connectivity of Pedestrian Street Networks in the Built Environment for Walking: A Space-Syntax Approach

Network connectivity is an important aspect of the built environment. However, it rarely captures the attention of decision-makers while implementing pedestrian projects. In recent years, Space-Syntax (SS) analysis is gaining popularity among researchers due to its ability to clearly demonstrate the topological configuration of a physical network. This research carries out a connectivity analysis of 297 links across three pedestrian networks in Varanasi, India, thereby exploring the relationship between pedestrian volume, SS indices in the Indian context, and other built environment features, such as presence of sidewalk, right-of-way (ROW) and landuse area. Data collection includes developing a GIS database of the pedestrian network, 30-min pedestrian volume counts at various locations, and calculating SS connectivity measures from the configuration of the pedestrian networks. Resulting SS indices were analyzed with existing pedestrian volumes through correlation, stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR), and path models. Results of the analysis showed that the SS index ‘Normalized Angular Integration (NAIN)’ to be highly correlated with pedestrian volume (r = 0.57). Subsequently, the MLR and path models show a statistically significant relationship of pedestrian volume with NAIN, ROW, presence of sidewalk, and commercial area. ROW affects the pedestrian volume both directly and indirectly in a commercial area, thereby indicating a requirement for improving/providing walking facilities in such areas. The study concludes with practical implications for local authorities that highlight the importance of providing walking infrastructures at commercial streets having high connectivity. The study also shows the significance of NAIN as an effective measure of pedestrian street network connectivity.

Space Syntax Analysis on Sundanese Traditional Villages (Case Studies: Kampung Naga, Kampung Ciptagelar, and Kampung Dukuh)

This study is conducted to identify spatial patterns of traditional villages in Indonesia, especially the Sundanese traditional villages using the space syntax approach. The indicator of the spatial pattern was measured by the quality of circulation such as connectivity, integration, choice, mean depth, connectivity of visibility, and agent analysis. Kampung Naga, Kampung Ciptagelar, and Kampung Dukuh was purposively selected as case studies. The spatial maps from open-source literature were utilized for space syntax analysis. The scale of circulation quality was measured in a 0-5 scale, which was visualized by dark blue (very low) until red colour (very high) for the indicators. In general, all case studies have relatively low accessibility and very low choice and agent analysis indicators. This means those villages have an exclusive and private spatial pattern. In detail, Kampung Dukuh has relatively high connectivity, mean depth, and connectivity of visibility indicators than other case studies. It can also be influenced by the proximity of the village to the nearest town. Sundanese traditional villages have fairly segregated spatial, that is to conserve their norms, such as hierarchy and social status.