SMUA5021 Space Syntax Techniques and Analytical Design Course description

This course explores how architectural and urban systems function and how their spatial layout contributes to sustainable urban development. Through the theory and methods of space syntax, students learn to analyse and understand the spatial relationships between transport, land use, and human behaviour. The course provides a focused introduction to the space syntax analytical technique and its application at multiple scales—from individual streets and neighbourhoods to the city level. Using space syntax as a methodological framework, students develop insight into how social, economic, and cognitive factors influence the built environment. Emphasis is placed on applying this analytical method and interpreting results to support analytical urban design.

Language of instruction: English

None.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of the course, the student:

• Articulates how urban systems function through the theory and methods of space syntax.
• Can explain the principles of spatial configuration and their relevance to urban design and planning.
• Has knowledge of how space syntax contributes to understanding movement patterns, land use, and socio-economic processes in cities.
• Recognises how results from spatial analysis can be related to social and economic data to inform sustainable urban development.

Skills

Upon successful completion of the course, the student can:

• Apply space syntax tools and techniques to analyze and interpret spatial structures at different urban scales.
• Formulate and test basic spatial hypotheses in relation to urban form and human behaviour.
• Communicate analytical findings using maps, diagrams, and written explanations that support urban design and planning decisions.

General Competence

Upon successful completion of the course, the student can:

• Reflect on the relationship between spatial form, urban performance, and sustainability.
• Demonstrate an analytical and critical approach to urban design using spatial data and theory.
• Collaborate and discuss spatial analysis results in interdisciplinary contexts related to architecture and urban planning.

Blended course with lectures and hands-on computer workshops, and eventually short site visits.

The following coursework requirements must be approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Individual or in student teams (of maximum 4 students) - assignment: Space syntax model. This assignment is a prerequisite for the final report. Written feedback will be provided by the lecturer.
• Individual reflection notes based on content from four course units. Each note should be approximately one page.

Students who fail to meet the coursework requirements can be given up to one re-submission opportunity.

Project report and presentation:

Students complete an individual or team-based project assignment applying space syntax theory and methods to a selected case study. Students who wrote the space syntax model in teams must complete the exam in the same group. The exam is in two parts:

• Project report with approximately 3,000-5,000 words, including figures and references. Counts for 70% of the final grade.
• Oral presentation and discussion: individually or in teams, with a duration of 10-15 minutes of presentation followed by 10 minutes of examination. The presentation counts for 30% of the final grade.

Grading is individual, even when work is conducted in teams. To ensure transparency, each group must submit a brief, signed statement outlining the contribution of each participant. All assessment components must receive a passing grade (E or better) for the student to pass the course.

Language is English.

Appeal:

1. The written report can be appealed.
2. The oral presentation cannot be appealed to.

1. All aids are permitted for the written report, as long as the rules for source referencing are followed.

1. No aids are permitted for the oral presentation

Graded scale A-F.

Two internal examiners for the written project report.

Two internal examiners on the oral presentation and examination.

External examiners are used regularly.

Claudia Hedwig van der Laag