Space Syntax: Progress and Prospects of a Program of Architectural Research

Abstract

Space syntax has emerged internationally as a major program of architectural research addressing the human functions of space. At its core, this program is about modeling the properties and affordances of built form in terms of which we understand ourselves as members of society, organizations and culture as we move around, occupy and cognitively map buildings or cities. In the light of contributions out of Georgia Tech over the last 25 years, I will identify the larger questions that are critical to progress in the near future. These include: a fresh consideration of the relationship between rich parametric models of functioning built spaces and simplified topological models that capture principles of architectural design; also, a fresh consideration of the tension between models that describe or explain function and models that clarify normative aims and normative choices.