ABSTRACT
Space syntax is a theory and set of tools and techniques for the analysis of spatial
confi gurations. It was developed at University College London (UCL) in the late
1970s, as an approach to understanding human spatial organisation, and to help
architects, planners and urban designers to simulate the likely social conse-
quences of their projects at the design stage. The fundamental proposition of
space syntax is that a building or place can be broken down into spatial compo-
nents, so that an analysis of the interrelations of all the components will yield
information about the pattern of space that is meaningful and functionally
relevant. Over the past 30 years, space syntax has been applied successfully to
resolve problems as diverse as master planning entire cities or revealing the
imprint of culture in domestic settings.
