#Space Syntax Book

Comparing how cities are seen, not just how they are planned using isovist movement patterns across three fundamentally different urban logics: 1. San Francisco represents the planned grid shaped by topography, where long sightlines and predictability guide movement. 2. Paris reflects axial and monumental planning, where visibility is deliberately orchestrated through boulevards and vistas. 3.Old Delhi reveals an organic, pre modern fabric, where short visual depth, enclosure, and cultural routines drive intense pedestrian movement. By reading cities through isovists, we begin to understand how visibility, enclosure, and orientation influence everyday movement beyond maps and masterplans. Urban form is not only built space, it is also visual experience. Visibility shapes behavior. Movement follows what we can see. #urbanmorphology #isovistanalysis #urbandesign #spatialanalysis #cities

Our library of global urban drivers is a collection of forces impacting cities today and tomorrow, collected using our proprietary scanning methodology. Explore the full library on our website #urbanplanning #strategicforesight #urbanresilience #citymaking #realestatedevelopment foresight urbanfutures futurecities urbaninformatics sentimentanalysis urbanpsychology appliedforesight

FILM | Our approach versus traditional transport modelling In the fourth instalment of our ‘Challenges in Urban Planning’ executive training film series, @tim_stonor describes the advantages of Space Syntax’s approach to urban movement modelling over conventional transport practice: “The benefit of the Space Syntax approach is that we don’t just model the movement of vehicles but also that of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.” “By focusing on the spatial networks through which people move - at every scale - we can then attach location-specific data on the social, economic and environmental performance of cities to produce what we call an Integrated Urban Model.” “That’s our competitive advantage: that we can rapidly create a comprehensive understanding of how the city works for all users at all scales - and before city leaders may have been led down the wrong path towards traffic-based solutions that don’t recognise the big picture.” _____________ This series has been directed and produced by Adam Cohen: https://www.adamcohenfilms.com Animation, graphic design and titling is by Michael Gibbins: https://www.wighthare.com The music has been composed by @richardcoldman _____________ #SpaceSyntax #ChallengesInUrbanPlanning #UrbanPlanning #TransportPlanning #UrbanDesign #Design #Resilience #NetZero #SpaceSyntaxTraining

This diagram illustrates an urban design principle featuring several open perimeter blocks, a hybrid form that combines traditional street definition with modern access and green space ideals. The layout emphasizes connectivity and air/light flow, which are common considerations in sustainable urban planning. Key Features of the Diagram Building Arrangement: The diagram shows four main city blocks, each formed by several L-shaped and rectilinear buildings that partially enclose a central courtyard or open space. Connectivity and Movement: Large, bold orange arrows indicate major axes of movement or desired flow through and around the blocks, suggesting a focus on permeability for pedestrians, wind, or views. Smaller dashed arrows reinforce access and flow through secondary pathways and open corners. Green Spaces: The diagram incorporates internal courtyards and small green areas surrounding the buildings, highlighting the integration of landscape and public/semi-private open spaces. Purpose: This type of layout promotes natural lighting and ventilation by strategically positioning openings in the building perimeters, creating a more pedestrian-friendly and potentially more sustainable urban environment. . . . #urbandesignlab #urbanplanning #sustainabledesign #architecture #cities

How cities are really designed? Here's a brief insight. Most people think cities grow randomly… but the truth is, every road, every park, every building follows a hidden logic. And once you understand it—you can never unsee it. #UrbanPlanning #cities #citiesdevelopment

What one big opportunity has been overlooked in placemaking? At the Space UK conference organized by @space+, we asked place‑focused thought‑leaders what they thought this missed opportunity was, and here’s what they had to say. They echoed that the overlooked opportunity is designing for time: embracing adaptability, stewardship, long‑term thinking, and creating places that evolve throughout the day, the year, the decade, and beyond. An iteration of spaces as enablers of culture was a shared understanding amongst the voices we heard. If we want cities to thrive, we need places that animate life consistently and not occasionally. Places that are not afraid to adapt and are rooted in people, responsive to change, and designed with long‑term care from the outset. The future of place isn’t static. It's a living, breathing entity. 👇 Featuring voices from: - Adam Scott , Experience Foundation - Debra Yudolph, @sayproperty_consultants - Georgie Manly @landsecgroup - Chrissy Cullen , @relatedargent - Mandar Puranik, @ealingcouncil (London Borough of Ealing) - Kat Hanna , Urbanist Read our full reflections from the event on the Concept Culture blog: Link in the bio #Placemaking #BuiltEnvironment #FutureOfCities #SPACEUK #TalkingPlacePodcast #Storytelling #Culture

How do you explain the social, economic and environmental impacts of mobility… in just one session? You don’t lecture. You make people build the system. 👉 The Mobility Fresk @les_shifters A collaborative workshop that helps participants understand how mobility shapes: • urban form • social equity • economic performance • climate and resource use With my architecture students, the objective was simple: Give them the systemic foundations they need to integrate mobility constraints into their urban transformation projects — not as an afterthought, but as a structural driver. In one session, they move from fragmented knowledge to a coherent systems vision. Because mobility is not about transport. It’s about how we design societies. Curious to experience it with your team or students? Let’s talk

If everyone goes digital… what do you collect? For me it’s physical urban design sources,because depth has a different texture when it’s not optimized for speed. If you want my curated reading list, join the waitlist (link in bio).#urbanitarian #urbandesign #architecture #spatialequity #masterplaning