Akkelies van Nes

Space Syntax in Theory and Practice

In the past three decades the space syntax method, developed by Bill Hillier and his colleagues at the University College London, have been applied to urban studies. This method consists of calculating configurative spatial relationships in built environments. In urban analyses, according to Hillier, space syntax is four things. Firstly, it is a way to represent urban space. Secondly, it is a family of techniques for analysing cities as the networks of space formed by the placing, grouping and orientation of buildings. Thirdly, it is a set of techniques for observing how these networks of space relate to functional patterns such as movement, land use, area differentiation, migration patterns and even social wellbeing and malaise. Fourthly, space syntax has made it possible to make a set of theories about how urban space networks relate in general to the social, economic and cognitive factors which shape them and are affected by them. The techniques have been applied worldwide to a large number of cities. In this way a substantial database now exists (Hillier, Cities and urban societies: The role of endogenous factors, 2007). The purpose of this chapter is to present the various elements of the space syntax method and how they have contributed to understandings and theories on urban space and society, and to position the tool within a geodesign process. A consistent methodology and theories is necessary for predicting to some extent the socio-economic effects of urban design proposals.

A Review of “Turning a Town Around: A Proactive Approach to Urban Design”

to note that Morgan supports my argument for a revival of tenants’ choice of landlord (pp. 227–228). The chapter by Platt and Cooper on housing futures shows practical examples of deliberative democracy at work in making strategic housing decisions. The main characteristics are the setting up of a deliberative forum, a framework for deciding together, the identification of clear options for the future, and recording everyone’s preferences and priorities with respect to these options (p. 259). This approach would appear to be a fruitful one for dealing with many of the problems raised by other contributors to the book – people may be more or less like us, but we are all in this together. Overall, this is a readable and interesting book, which can be wholeheartedly recommended for students. The omission of a discussion of the possible effects of climate change on housing, however, is glaring, given its major importance for all our futures. I also wondered why no one mentioned that, controlling for quality of built form, housing in the UK is less affordable than it was 50 years ago.