This lecture provides students with a parametric analytical tool to study several environmental
phenomena and behaviour patterns observed in the existing context. The main goals of this
lecture are to introduce the profound digital tool of Space Syntax developed by Bill Hillier to our
senior or master level students to allow them to explore the research theme mentioned above.
Through this lecture it is possible to urge students to re-examine established spatial theories,
such as Defensible Space by Oscar Newman, etc., and to tease out a proper cutting-edge ideology
for practical references in the fields of architectural domestic design or urban spatial
configuration studies or design. Problems solving based and scientific research and design
exhibit the key philosophy of this digital tool per se.
This English lecture consists of four parts. The fundamental theory of Space Syntax will be
introduced firstly, then quantificational process and software (Depthmap) training will follow. At
the third stage, application of the Space Syntax tool on the studies of environmental
phenomena and cognitive behaviour patterns and their correlations to spatial configuration
will be illustrated via several distinctive research dissertations often cited in the Space Syntax
community. Finally, the exploration of creative thinking on architectural and urban design from
the adaptation of Space Syntax parametric models with other generative parametric tools,
such as Grasshopper, will be further introduced to those who are keen to acquire some
advanced knowledge on spatial forms and skins in relation to users behaviour patterns.

This lesson provides students with a parameter analytical tool to study several environmental
phenomenonna and behavior patterns observed in the existing context. The main goals of this
lesson are to introduce the extensive digital tool of Space Syntax developed by Bill Hillier to our
senior or master level students to allow them to explore the research theme mentioned above.
Through this lesson it is possible to urge students to re-examine established spatial theories,
such as Defensible Space by Oscar Newman, etc., and to tease out a proper cutting-edge ideation
for practical references in the fields of architectural domestic design or urban spatial
configuration studies or design. Problems solving based and scientific research and design
exhibit the key philosophy of this digital tool per se.
This English lesson consists of four parts. The fundamental theory of Space Syntax will be
introduced firstly, then quantificational process and software (Depthmap) training will follow. At
the third stage, application of the Space Syntax tool on the studies of environmental
phenomenonna and cognitive behavior patterns and their correlations to spatial configuration
will be illustrated via several distinctive research dissertations often cited in the Space Syntax
community. Finally, the exploration of creative thinking on architectural and urban design from
the adaptation of Space Syntax parameter models with other generalized parameter tools,
such as Grasshopper, will be further introduced to those who are keen to acquire some
advanced knowledge on spatial forms and skins in relation to users behavior patterns.

1. Simon Shu (2014) Parametric Thinking & Making Through Space Syntax, power point files.
2. Hillier, Bill & Julienne Hanson (1984) Social Logic of Space, Cambridge University Press.
3. Hillier, Bill (1996) Space is The Machine, Cambridge University Press.
4. Hanson, Julienne (1998) Decoding Homes and Houses, Cambridge University Press.

1. Simon Shu (2014) Parametric Thinking & Making Through Space Syntax, power point files.
2. Hillier, Bill & Julienne Hanson (1984) Social Logic of Space, Cambridge University Press.
3. Hillier, Bill (1996) Space is The Machine, Cambridge University Press.
4. Hanson, Julienne (1998) Decoding Homes and Houses, Cambridge University Press.