Space Syntax: Mathematics and the Social Logic of Architecture

Space syntax is the title given to a set of mathematical and computational theories and techniques for analyzing the social and cognitive characteristics of an architectural or urban plan. Several of the most famous of these techniques convert the spatial

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Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Space Syntax and Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spaces, Lines, and Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cross-References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Abstract Space syntax is the title given to a set of mathematical and computational theories and techniques for analyzing the social and cognitive characteristics of an architectural or urban plan. Several of the most famous of these techniques convert the spatial properties of a plan into a graph. Thereafter, graph theory is used to derive various measures, which are interpreted in the context of the original plan or against benchmark data for particular building types. This chapter presents an overview of the conceptual basis for space syntax and introduces three major analytical techniques: convex space analysis, axial line analysis, and intersection point analysis. Applications of these techniques are also described, along with a brief discussion of potential criticisms or limits. References cited in this chapter include the formulas and protocols needed to apply each of these techniques.

Keywords Space syntax · Architectural analysis · Graph theory · Social analysis M. J. Dawes () · M. J. Ostwald University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020 B. Sriraman (ed.), Handbook of the Mathematics of the Arts and Sciences, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70658-0_6-2

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M. J. Dawes and M. J. Ostwald

Introduction One of the earliest definitions of architecture identifies three essential characteristics: “firmness,” “commodity,” and “delight.” The first of these refers to form or shape, being the tangible or solid geometry of architecture. Firmness is associated with the surfaces, walls, floors, and roofs of buildings. The second part, commodity, refers to the spaces or voids that are enclosed or defined by form. Commodity is found in the network of alcoves, rooms, annexes, and hallways in an interior. These are the spaces and connections between them that support a functional or social purpose. The final part of the classical definition of architecture, delight, refers to the way in which combinations of forms appeal to per