Introduction to Space Syntax in Urban Studies

Reviews / Votes

"Space syntax first emerged over 40 years ago but this is the first book that provides a gentle introduction to the set of geometrical techniques that enable us to describe spaces and movement patterns in cities in ways that show us their relative importance in generating good design. Akkelies van Nes and Claudia Yamu have done a magnificent job in grounding the theory in the wider field of urban studies, making it accessible to a broad audience. A key work in the urban designer's tool kit of methods." (Professor Michael Batty, CASA, University College London)

"This book manages to assemble tips and guidance that until now were conveyed through word of mouth and teaching in one reference volume. In addition, the accessible presentation of the theoretical base and the guided exercises in this book will ensure that this book is set to become one of the 'go to' sources for space syntax for years to come." (Professor Ruth Conroy Dalton, Lancaster University)

"This book is an excellent, hands-on introduction to space syntax, the architectural and environmental theory that demonstrates how the spatial configuration of pathways-whether streets, sidewalks, building corridors, or other fabricated spaces-plays a pivotal role in whether users come together physically or remain apart. Moving chapter by chapter from urban to building and interior scale, this book is trailblazing because it introduces newcomers to the space-syntax theory in step-by-step fashion that includes practical exercises and problems at the end of each chapter. The book includes a plethora of well-chosen photographs and well-conceived and well-drawn figures convincingly demonstrating the authors' verbal claims. The book is a milestone in the space-syntax literature and should work to introduce a much larger academic and professional audience to the remarkable conceptual and practical value of space syntax." (David Seamon, Department of Architecture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA)

"The two authors did an excellent job in introducing the subject to a wide audience, so I highly recommend this book. My congratulations to the authors for the newborn baby! My advice to the readers of the book is that bear it in mind the living structure view while going through the book." (Bin Jiang, University of Gävle, Sweden)

"Introduction to Space Syntax is definitely a much-needed contribution to the textbook market in architecture, urban design, and related subjects on the built environment. The book puts together both the theoretical background as well as the methodological approach of Space Syntax: including observation methods and the use of specific software. This is the first time that a comprehensive approach on Space Syntax has been attempted. The two founding books for this subject are "The Social Logic of Space and Space" by Bill Hillier and Julienne Hanson, where most of the theoretical background can befound, and "Space is the Machine" by Bill Hillier, where a collection of ground breaking syntactic ideas are put forward, many through case studies. Nevertheless, none of the two books offer explicit instructions as how and when to apply one or another measurement or observation technique. Here you will find it!" (Margarita Greene, School of Architecture, CEDEUS, Universidad Católica de Chile)

"This book provides an excellent framework for understanding and comprehending space syntax by creating a consistent and understandable space syntax language for easy communication with practitioners and space syntax novices from urban planning, urban design and other related disciplines. Simple visual and diagrammatic language is created for successful communication of space syntax results with practitioners who need to understand these results. The book provides a foundational knowledge on which interested researchers as well as practitioners can built upon to become the most experienced space syntax researchers. The book is also a great resource for university professors who teach space syntax both at undergraduate and graduate levels." (Ayse Sema Kubat, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey)