Space Syntax Techniques Research Articles

Evaluating the relationship between visual privacy and work-process interactions in open-plan offices: a space syntax approach

PurposePrevious studies on privacy in offices have primarily focused on the characteristics of generic visibility, examining the entire visible space from each workspace in 360 degrees. Nevertheless, employees in their workspaces investigate the visual targets within their binocular vision at 120 degrees. Therefore, by adopting the affordances perspective, this study aims to examine deeply generic and targeted visibility in open-plan offices and their relationship to interactions.Design/methodology/approachThe study consisted of two phases utilizing space syntax techniques. Initially, work-process interactions of the employees were determined through the survey. The survey data underwent spatial analysis to calculate the number of work-process interactions. Subsequently, DepthMapX software was used for visibility analyses. A new Python script for DepthMapX was developed to analyse the targeted visibility ratio. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the number of work-process interactions with generic and targeted visibility parameters.FindingsThe findings revealed that a higher number of visible employees within the 120-degree and 360-degree fields of vision corresponded to a lower number of work-process interactions in open-plan offices. Furthermore, the study establishes a direct link between visual privacy and interaction, indicating that increased visibility leads to decreased visual privacy.Originality/valueThe current research concluded that the relationship between visual privacy and interaction in open-plan offices differs from the previous studies, as employees with low visual privacy and high visibility tend to engage in fewer interactions. Overall, this study highlights that increased employee visibility is not directly associated with increased interaction in open-plan offices unless adequate visual privacy is provided.

Utilizing Space Syntax Techniques to Understand the Relationship Between Spatial Configuration and Walkability in Urban Neighborhoods (Case Study: Valiasr Neighborhood, Tehran)

The numerous benefits of walking, as one of the healthiest, simplest, and most cost-effective modes of transportation, have prompted many urban researchers to identify influential factors in pedestrian-oriented urbanism. These efforts aim to transform urban areas, including neighborhoods, into conducive environments for walking, thereby realizing related benefits such as sustainable development. Extensive research has confirmed the role of the built environment in attracting and distributing pedestrian movement, with a significant portion highlighting the relationship between urban configuration and walkability. This study aims to determine the role of urban configuration components in enhancing walkability at the neighborhood scale, selecting the Valiasr neighborhood in Tehran due to its location in the city’s commercial center with a high volume of pedestrian traffic. For this purpose, after identifying spatial configuration components related to walkability – including accessibility, connectivity, and spatial arrangement components – key streets in the neighborhood's spatial configuration were identified using an initial analysis of spatial arrangement variables, followed by a survey of pedestrian volumes on selected streets. The evaluation of configuration components led to design recommendations in two layout patterns – grid and parallel block. The relationship between urban configuration and walkability, utilizing space syntax techniques, was identified after analyzing spatial arrangement variables in three different scenarios (existing condition and two proposed alternatives). The results indicate that accessibility components have the most significant impact on walkability in the Valiasr neighborhood. Following this, connectivity components were identified as influential in promoting pedestrian-oriented urbanism. Regarding spatial arrangement components, a comparison with prior research confirms that spatial elements do not operate independently of mixed-use and access to services and facilities. Instead, they play a role not in the formation of movement but in facilitating and directing it.

Public Memory, Architectural Language, and Its Configurational Relationship in the Memorial Museum: A Case Study of the War Memorial of Korea Using Space Syntax and Movement Tracking

Memorial museums serve as a record of the past and provide evidence of the past; moreover, they are a place for remembering the past and healing the present. In particular, their architectural language, such as movement through space, is actively involved in fostering public memory that implies a shared understanding of the past. However, it is hardly explained how public memory is configured in memorial museums, and how it is experienced by the act of moving around within the places. This study, hence, aims to investigate the configurational relationship between public memory and movement through space throughout an in-depth case study using visibility graph analysis as one of space syntax techniques, and movement tracking analysis. By examining the War Memorial of Korea, which is dedicated to commemorate sacrifices during the Korean War in memorial halls and chronologically describes wars in the Korean Peninsula, it was found out that a memorial museum works in a bifurcated way. Its spatial layout leads to a locally focused experience along a strongly structured commemorative sequence. On the contrary, it allows globally dispersed spatial experiences to take place along the integration core, suggesting both specific and wide-ranging themes and contents throughout their various exhibitions. Therefore, the locally focused paths elicit a commemorative experience by adding depth, whereas the globally dispersed paths bring about informal itineraries that start from their integration cores. It concludes that spatial configurations, as a non-verbal language, plays a role in transmitting the public memory.

Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic models for Space Syntax studies on spatial experience

Spatial experience has been extensively researched in various fields, with Space Syntax being one of the most widely used methodologies. Multiple Space Syntax techniques have been developed and used to quantitively examine the relationship between spatial configuration and human experience. However, due to the heterogeneity of syntactic measures and experiential issues in the built environment, a systematic review of socio-spatial topics has yet to be developed for Space Syntax research. In response to this knowledge gap, this article employs an ‘intelligent’ method to classify and systematically review topics in Space Syntax studies on spatial experience. Specifically, after identifying 66 articles using the ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses’ (PRISMA) framework, this research develops generative probabilistic topic models to classify the articles using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) method. As a result, this research automatically generates three architectural topics from the collected literature data (A1. Wayfinding behaviour, A2. Interactive accessibility, and A3. Healthcare design) and three urban topics (U1. Pedestrian movement, U2. Park accessibility, and U3. Cognitive city). Thereafter it qualitatively examines the implications of the data and its LDA classification. This article concludes with an examination of the limitations of both the methods and the results. Along with demonstrating a methodological innovation (combining PRISMA with LDA), this research identifies critical socio-spatial concepts and examines the complexity of Space Syntax applications. In this way, this research contributes to future Space Syntax research that empirically investigates the relationships between syntactic and experiential variables in architectural and urban spaces. The findings support a detailed discussion about research gaps in the literature and future research directions.

A Spatial Configuration Oriented Control System as a Mobile App for Educational Facilities Design in Turkey

Facilities has decreased due to the developing technologies around the world. The main objective of this study is to offer an alternative solution in terms of architecture to the use of copy-type projects which are still used by the Ministry of Education in Turkey. In this direction, it is aimed to develop a software to make the spatial configuration of an educational structure in the design process controllable. In this study it is planned to design a feedback mechanism that architects can use in the educational structure design process. The data obtained as a result of expert interviews, examination of guidelines by the ministry and examination of existing types of projects with the space syntax technique were transformed into software language. As a result of analysis done, evaluations were presented in line with the obtained data and findings. Out of these a pre-notification mechanism was designed to be used in the design process of educational buildings. The feedback system, which is defined as educational buildings in the current article, can be applied in different areas such as clinics, hospitals, shopping centres and university buildings in the next stages. By using the mobile application that is emerged as a result of the research, the designers will be able to identify problematic spatial relationships by providing data to the application at different stages in the process of designing an educational structure. Thus, it will be able to intervene in a timely manner based on the problems it detects.

USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS AND SPACE SYNTAX TECHNIQUES TO UNDERSTAND MASS HOUSING DESIGN PARAMETERS

The design of mass housing is a complex process that involves the use of a large number of components and parameters. The field of design has unavoidably been changed by the impact of digitalization, which has resulted in the proliferation of computational design models, data structures, artificial intelligence, and an algorithmic way of thinking. Artificial neural networks, space syntax methodologies, predefined rules will help shape the steps of the schematic design process and establish certain limitations. Within the confines of this research, predefined guidelines were used to bring about geometric variances in the design of mass houses. Both traditional and digital instruments were utilized in the process. Methodologies based on artificial neural network models and space syntax techniques were utilized to investigate case studies and develop prototypes. The artificial neural network model is designed to understand the factors affecting mass housing design parameters. The importance percentages of the parameters were determined according to the outputs of this model. Besides, methodologies based on space syntax have had a significant impact, both on decision-making processes and on feedback-based design. In this study, several digital tools were used to analyze such as visibility graph analyzes, node-based techniques, and isovist analysis. In the section devoted to the conclusion, the comparison of the various prototypes that were obtained, the findings of the space syntax analysis, and the various stages of model development are discussed.

Narratives of a lost spatial pattern: a spatial analysis of the distribution of Namo Daoguans in Guangzhou in Republican period

ABSTRACT This study employed a three-layer urban fabric analysis method based on Space Syntax techniques to analyze the spatial distribution of the Zhengyi 正一 Namo Daoguans (Nahm-mouh Daoist halls 喃呒道馆) in Guangzhou City during the Republic of China era in quantitative and qualitative ways. We investigated their relationships with physical geographic elements, population numbers, the spatial distribution of local temples, cultural practices, and urban topological spaces, which reflected the complexity and flexibility of their distribution patterns, as well as the marginal, commercial nature of the ritual industries they operate. Meanwhile, compared to other influencing urban factors, the Normalized angular choice (NACH) of urban streets plays a decisive role in the spatial distribution of most Namo Daoguans. The locations of Namo Daoguans were mainly chosen on the streets that people passed through most often, and the travel distance within 750 meters (about 10 minutes walking distance) could nearly encompass all Namo Daoguans. Finally, we summarize the logic and pattern of site selection for the Namo Daoguans in Guangzhou at that time. These new findings deepen the current understanding of related knowledge and provide a basis for future planning and design assessment of related spaces.

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.

Analysing the spatial syntax of Aldo van Eyck’s place-making in the Amsterdam playgrounds

Aldo van Eyck is attributed with designing more than 700 playgrounds which engendered revolutionary spatial concepts such as the ‘twin phenomena’ and ‘in-between.’ These concepts are examined in the literature through the definition of place alongside its ethnographic origins; however, a limited number of studies address place-making through quantitative measures. This research project investigates the correlation between van Eyck’s playgrounds and his place-making depending on the spatial configuration. It analyses the planning of 70 playgrounds based on space syntax techniques and clusters them into six groups. It discusses the playgrounds’ spatial properties through their corresponding genotypes and phenotypes. The results show that the playgrounds represent a spectrum of place-making concepts ranging from relativity to labyrinthian clarity with the twin phenomena and in-between as intermediate spatial concepts. The results augment quantitively the claims in the literature and identify each playground’s dominant place-making concept and its particular intricacies.

Impact of contemporary rebuilding process on changing architectural genotype

The rapid economical, socio-cultural changes in Sulaymaniyah city, Iraq in the last three decades promoted radical changes on both urban and architectural level. Several traditional houses in the historical center of the city have been demolished and replaced with rebuilt modern houses leaving negative impacts on the old fabric at both formal and spatial level. This paper aims to investigate the role of the contemporary rebuilding process achieved by landowners within the traditional neighborhoods of the city on changing the underlying genotype constants of housing spatial configuration through examining the morphological characteristics of the architectural layouts of both original and rebuilt type. To achieve this aim five traditional houses’ plans built from (1900-1960) were selected to compare with five modern rebuilt houses (1990-2022) within the same neighborhoods, their spatial arrangements have been compared following analytical quantitative methodology using (A-graph software) as one of space syntax techniques also known as (Gamma analysis) to determine the characteristics of houses layouts in terms of (Symmetry/Assymmetry) and (Distributness/Non Distributness) of the whole system. Results suggest existence of different structuring modes based on genotype distinction despite similarities in some organizational principles.

The Impact of Spatial Changes of Shiraz’s Historic District on Perceived Anti-Social Behavior

As cities grow, their spatial configurations may undergo some changes over time. This study attempted to examine the impact of the changes that occurred to the spatial configuration of the historical district of Shiraz on perceived anti-social behavior (ASB). Space syntax techniques were used to assess whether they can explain the extent to which perceived levels of anti-social behavior were impacted by these changes. Historical and present maps of the city were obtained and spatially analyzed using DepthmapX. The perceived ASB was assessed using seven groups of factors identified from the existing literature. These factors were evaluated using questionnaires distributed to long-term residents living in the area; in total, 98 respondents responded to the questions using a five-point Likert scale. Findings demonstrated that the perceived ASB was concentrated along highly integrated street segments. The unplanned transformations also introduced a large number of fragmented street segments, making it a challenge to connect the inner streets to the rest of the city. The spatial metrics used in this study could provide a useful tool for planners, urban designers, and policymakers, who can thereby measure the impact of proposed city modifications on social behavior and the residents’ quality of life.

Proposed flood evacuation routes for heritage areas based on spatial configuration analysis: a case study of Penang, Malaysia

PurposeBecause of the global increase of climate change effects, floods are becoming more frequent and severer, especially in urban areas of coastal cities and islands where floodplains have turned into buildings because of rapid urbanisation, leading to a higher risk of damages. Urban heritage areas should be highly considered in the time of evacuation because of the vulnerability of streets and buildings and limitations on taking counteractions. Given these limitations, this study aims to propose a network of potential evacuation routes based on spatial configuration analysis of the heritage areas.Design/methodology/approachPenang Island's heritage site, namely, George Town, located on the northwest coast of Malaysia, is chosen as the case study. By using an approach of spatial configuration analysis using space syntax techniques in addition to considering the potential starting points for evacuation and flood risk map of the area, this study analysed the area's street network values for evacuation function during flood crisis time.FindingsPotential evacuation routes were identified for flood disasters in the George Town heritage area. Furthermore, the proposed evacuation routes were evaluated in terms of time for evacuation by metric step-depth analysis of space syntax.Originality/valueA few studies have focused on practical guidelines for evacuation routes based on spatial configuration analysis, an important yet neglected approach in this regard, especially concerning urban island areas. This study can contribute to providing strategies to reduce vulnerability and casualties in urban heritage areas.

‘Visual excitation’ in Richard Neutra's residential architecture: An analysis using weighted graphs and centrality measures

The famous modernist architect Richard Neutra argued that movement through, and understanding of a building could be choreographed by controlling the visual stimuli that is available to a person. These claims are tested by quantifying the lines of sight and intelligibility of five of Neutra's residential designs. A computational method, weighted axial line analysis, is used to investigate lines of sight and movement in five of Neutra's house designs. The cumulative lengths of axial lines required to reach public and private spaces are compared, and centrality measures are calculated for each design that are weighted with line length data. Intelligibility metrics are calculated from these centrality measures. The first hypothesis, that visual stimuli in Neutra's architecture is greater when accessing public rather than private spaces is supported by the results. The second hypothesis, that Neutra's architecture is highly intelligible, is not supported by the results. This research tests two theories used to explain the works of a famous architect and it develops a new variation of well-known Space Syntax technique, to account for axial line lengths.

The evolution of privacy in contemporary houses in Iran using space syntax techniques: a case study of Kerman

PurposeThe house not only provides shelter and security but also is a reflection of human privacy. One of the important factors involved in house design is privacy. The current research is a case study that examines privacy's evolution in contemporary houses in Kerman using space syntax techniques.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on the quantitative approach of space syntax. A total number of 15 houses in Kerman built in three periods of Qajar, Pahlavi and the Islamic Republic, were examined for the space syntax indices using UCL DepthMap. The DepthMap outputs were also analyzed using one-way ANOVA.FindingsThe findings indicated that the arrangement of spaces in houses has altered over time from the 1920s onwards. There is a significant difference between houses of the Qajar, Pahlavi and the Islamic Republic eras, indicating a reduction in the hierarchy of access and reduced privacy in houses in the Islamic Republic.Research limitations/implicationsNumerous factors affect privacy (e.g. confidentiality, interface spaces, quality of openings and visibility). Nevertheless, this study focused on the impact of spatial configuration on privacy. It can be stated that the design of houses from the Pahlavi period was gradually associated with changes in culture and modern architecture, leading to a decrease in privacy.Originality/valueThis study used space syntax to examine the evolution of privacy in contemporary Iranian houses. Since privacy is a substantial issue in the middle east communities, the findings can help designers and relevant organizations consider privacy as much as other comfort factors in the early stages of design.

Assessing personal exposure to COVID-19 transmission in public indoor spaces based on fine-grained trajectory data: A simulation study

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed substantial challenges to worldwide health systems in quick response to epidemics. The assessment of personal exposure to COVID-19 in enclosed spaces is critical to identifying potential infectees and preventing outbreaks. However, traditional contact tracing methods rely heavily on a manual interview, which is costly and time consuming given the large population involved. With advanced indoor localisation techniques, it is possible to collect people's footprints accurately by locating their smartphones. This study presents a new framework for the assessment of personal exposure to COVID-19 carriers using their fine-grained trajectory data. An integral model was established to quantify the exposure risk, in which the spatial and temporal decay effects are simultaneously considered when modelling the airborne transmission of COVID-19. Regarding the obstacle effect of the indoor layout on airborne transmission, a weight graph based on the space syntax technique was further introduced to constrain the transmission strength between subspaces that are less inter-visible. The proposed framework was demonstrated by a simulation study, in which external comparison and internal analysis were conducted to justify its validity and robustness in different scenarios. Our method is expected to promote the efficient identification of potential infectees and provide an extensible spatial–temporal model to simulate different control measures and examine their effectiveness in a built environment.

An Analysis of the Spatial Configuration of Iranian Hand-Carved Architecture through a Glance at Kandovan and Meymand, Using Space Syntax Technique

دستکند گونه‌ای خاص از معماری به‌شمار می‌رود که در برخی از نقاط ایران و جهان در دامنة کوه‌ها و تپه‌ها شکل گرفته و بدون استفاده از مصالح مصنوعی و فقط با حفاری در دل طبیعت برای تولید فضا به کار رفته است. معماری دستکند یکی از شاهکار‌های معماری ایرانی محسوب می‌شود که در جهان نیز توانسته هنری فاخر معرفی شود. بنابراین پرداختن به نحو چیدمان فضا در این نوع از معماری، مشتمل بر سکونتگاه‌های خاص، امری مهم و درخور اهمیت است. در پژوهش حاضر روابط فضایی معماری خانه‌های دو روستای کندوان و میمند بررسی می‌شود، همچنین شاخصه‌های فضایی مؤثر چیدمان فضا در معماری صخره‌ای (دستکند) در این دو روستا شناسایی و درنهایت، با توجه به داده‌های حاصل از پژوهش، به تفاوت‌ها و شباهت‌های فضایی حاکم بر معماری دو روستایی کندوان و میمند پرداخته می‌شود. در این پژوهش با روش‌های توصیفی‌ـ تحلیلی و شبیه‌سازی و استدلال منطقی انجام شده، همچنین برای تکمیل مراحل پژوهش از ابزار‌های مطالعاتی، کتابخانه‌ای، و مشاهدة دقیق نمونه‌ها استفاده گردیده است. با استفاده از روش مطالعات میدانی از بین خانه‌های برداشتی، 5 خانه در روستای میمند و 5 خانه در روستای کندوان، به‌صورت تصادفی، برداشت شده و برای تحلیل پلان‌های دو روستا از نرم‌افزار space syntax بهره گرفته شده است. از نتایج به‌دست آمده می‌توان بیان کرد که نحو فضایی سکونتگاه‌های روستای کندوان با میمند تفاوت‌های بسیاری دارند، به گونه‌ای که فضاهای خانه‌های روستای کندوان از ارتباط و هم‌پیوندی بالاتر و راندمان عملکردی بهتری نسبت به سکونتگاه‌های میمند برخوردار هستند و همچنین، در این خانه‌ها مانند معماری سنتی ایرانی به حوزه‌های خانه و حریم‌های خصوصی و نیمه‌خصوصی به‌خوبی توجه شده است، که این امر در بین خانه‌های روستای کندوان، به‌دلیل دارا بودن بیشترین عمق فضایی، بیشتر احساس می‌شود.

Public Open Spaces: connecting people, squares and streets by measuring the usability through the Villanova district in Cagliari, Italy

Growing spatial and social injustice, vulnerability to environmental hazards, and the Covid-19 pandemic have underlined the need of a radical re-conceptualization and transformation of Public Open Spaces (POSs). Within this perspective, the usability of the public space emerges as a fundamental condition that influences the individuals’ well-being by affecting central human capabilities, including bodily health and integrity, control over the environment, and attachment to people, objects, and places. Usability is herein defined as the potential of spaces to expand human capabilities by supporting autonomy, active mobility and utilitarian, leisure and social activities. Consequently, with a combination of space syntax and spatial analysis techniques, this study structures an analytical method to identify central spaces for pedestrian activity, assess their usability and underline major criticalities. The analytical method encompasses a set of quantitative indicators related to both intrinsic geometric, functional, social attributes and to configurational extrinsic properties of spaces. The case study concerns public spaces within the historical district of Villanova, Cagliari, Italy. The case study analysis will underline that the integration of space syntax techniques and spatial analysis methods is instrumental to the comprehensive understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic spatial attributes affecting patterns of outdoor activities, and to the identification of intervention priorities with regards to the redevelopment and regeneration of public spaces. Consequently, this study represents a valid contribution to the topic of Active mobility and urban redevelopment, in the urban planning session of the conference. In conclusion, the study underlines the relevance of the proposed analytical method as a framework supporting data-informed design solutions and smart decisions within a planning perspective centred on strengthening inclusion and equality of the urban realm.

Quantifying the Spatial Evolution of Bai People’s Courtyard Houses

Bai People’s courtyard houses in the rural parts of China’s Dali area are a particular type of Chinese courtyard house, adapted to local culture and conditions. These dwellings were constructed in vernacular tradition up until the 1980s but underwent significant changes in the following decades. The goal of this study is to examine the evolution of the spatial structure using quantitative data, and relate it to changes in the social culture of the inhabitants. Three vernacular and three contemporary cases in the village Gushengcun are compared. To enhance understanding and examine the idea of evolutionary change in architecture, the concept of a Spatial DNA is applied, building on a metaphor of the biological DNA. It uses Space Syntax techniques and links numerical values of integration and space type to functional information. Findings show that the integration of the courtyard and bedrooms is decreasing, and space types indicate a change from rings to sequences. In contrast, the kitchen space integration is increasing. These results reveal parallels to changes in the means of subsistence, social structure of the family and conceptions of privacy: Decreasing spatial centrality of the courtyard - once a key space in the processing of agricultural produce - coincides with a shift from work in the primary sector to secondary and tertiary industries. Modern conceptions of privacy and individualism replacing the family as a unit of privacy are related to the segregation of bedrooms. The change in the spatial location of the kitchen is interpreted in the context of abolished gender separation and the changing role of women. This study hence provides measurable evidence to the links between space and culture in an intertemporal comparison of dwelling types.

The reestablishment of Mosul's city fabric: an approach to computational hybridization

PurposeThis paper aims out to analyze the confluence of spatial analysis and computational design strategies to support the reestablishment of Mosul's city housing fabric. According to a UN-Habitat report, Mosul suffered from catastrophic losses on an urban scale, resulting in a housing crisis that requires a large-scale response. However, the need for immediate shelters might lead to a rapid, uninformed reconstruction process, causing the loss of the architectural identity that the city accumulated over the years.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes a two-phase sequential research method. In Phase 1, the study applies space syntax techniques to transform the floor plans of the collected traditional and contemporary houses into “quantifiable data.” This phase aims to identify design criteria that capture the “spatial configuration” of both types of houses. In the subsequent phase, the study utilizes the identified design criteria to develop a genetic algorithm inspired by traditional and contemporary practice that facilitates an informed design process.FindingsThe outcome of the study indicates that informed computational synthesis can assist in generating multiplicities floor plan layouts that mimic the inner spatial configuration of existing traditional courtyard houses and contemporary noncourtyard houses. In addition, the developed genetic algorithm was able to generate hybridized design solutions that have been spatially validated.Originality/valueThe study concludes with observations linking informed computational synthesis to the postwar construction process as a remedial methodology to analyze and redesign Mosul's city fabric in an informed, affordable and accessible fashion.

Space Syntax-able Attributions for Safety Consideration of Heritage Area

Understanding crime has been in focus for a few decades. Significant research has begun to understand the relationship between spatial configuration and crime occurrence, which related back to human behaviour. In recent year, space syntax has been used as a method to analyse space and its spatial properties. Urban design researchers have employed the space syntax technique to analyse the geographic distribution of crime due to spatial and socio-demographic factors that could influence crime patterns. This paper describes how space syntax could be used to assess crime possibility in heritage areas, and the result supports the hypothesis. Keywords: Urban planning, Crime prevention theory, Space syntax, Spatial configuration eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6iSI4.2903