1. Bill Hillier
Table of
Contents:
Team 11:
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1. Early life
2. Books
3. Applications of the Space
Syntax Theory
4. Projects
2. Bill Hillier Early Life
• Born in United Kingdom 1937
• Professor Hillier has been associated with The Bartlett School of Architecture, part of University College
London (UCL), where he played a pivotal role in the development of the Space Syntax Laboratory.
• He served as the Chair of The Bartlett Research Degrees Committee, contributing to the academic growth
and direction of the school.
• Worked as assistant secretary of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)
• He is particularly known for his pioneering work in 'space syntax' theory,
which has had a significant impact on the way we understand and design
architectural and urban spaces.
Background and Field of Expertise
Academic and Institutional Affiliations
Birth
3. Space syntax theory
Introduction to Space Syntax
Space syntax theory is an approach used in urban planning,
architecture, and geography to analyze and understand the spatial
layout of cities and how it influences human behavior, movement, and
social interactions. Developed by researchers like Bill Hillier, Julienne
Hanson, and their colleagues, space syntax theory is based on the idea
that the physical arrangement of spaces in a city or building can have a
significant impact on how people use and interact within those spaces.
It also addresses where people are, how they move, how they adapt,
how they develop and how they talk about it
Map of axial lines in Brasília. The colors
show the global integration of the
different streets, measuring the
accessibility of a topological line for the
entire system according to the spatial
analysis of the space syntax.
4. Four components of space syntax
Space syntax comprises four fundamental components, which are used in all space syntax applications.
1. Representations of space
Spatial elements are represented through their geometric forms and how people experience them. They can be
geometrically derived (for example, point, axial line, segment, convex space and isovist) or functionally defined
(for example, rooms in building).
2. Interpretive models
Spatial models are developed to analyze, describe, explain and forecast different kinds of spatial and socio-
economic phenomena. Practically, models are created to investigate empirical phenomena such as urban
movement, urban crime, and centrality as a process as well as for general processes such as spatial intelligibility.
3. Theories
Theories of the relations between spatial and social patterns are established to explore whether and how space
internalized into socio-economic processes through which the built environment is created. This has been done in
two ways. Firstly, theories can be used to look for commonalities in the pattern of models across functions and
cultures. One example is the theory of the generic city. Secondly, theories can use space syntax tools to explore
what happens to spatial patterns if objects in space are deployed and shaped in different ways.
5. 4. Analysis of spatial relations
Space syntax integration
pattern of Greater London
Space syntax choice pattern of
Greater London
Figure A Figure B
Relationships between spatial elements result from their configuration. These relationships can be objectively
analyzed using various measures, included among which are integration(see figure A) and choice (see figure B).
These two measures reflect the two fundamental elements in human movement: firstly, the selection of a
destination, and secondly, the selection of a route. One measures the ease of access (integration) and the other
measures the passing flow (choice).
6. The social logic of space
- Publication year:1990
SPACEIS A MACHINE
- Publication year:1996
SPACESYNTAX THEORY AXIAL LINES
Axial lines are the main
paths, corridors, or streets
that determine the primary
routes for movement and
interaction within a space.
SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
Spatial configuration refers to the arrangement and organization of
spaces within a building or urban area. It encompasses the physical
layout of rooms, corridors, streets, open spaces, and other
elements in a built environment. Hillier also acknowledges that
different cultures and historical contexts influence how spaces are
understood and utilized, emphasizing that spatial configurations
need to consider these variations.
Space syntax is a theory and method
used to analyze and understand the
spatial and functional aspects of
buildings and urban environments. It
focuses on the study of spatial layouts
and their impact on human behavior,
movement, and social interactions.
bOOKS BY BILL HILLIER & mAIN concepts DISCUSSEDin them
CONVEX AND CONCAVESPACES SPATIAL HIERARCHY AND INTEGRATION
Convex spaces are well-connected and prominent,
while concave spaces are less accessible and less
prominent.
This concept explains how well-connected and
prominent spaces are within a spatial network.
7. Projects thatapplied Bill Hillier’s theory
Project by : Tim Stonor , “Foster + partners”
Publication Year: 1996-1997
Completed in : 2003
• The network of public spaces in central London between Trafalgar Square and
Parliament Square is the heart of national government and, for many, the
heart of London. However ,there were concerns regarding the quality of the
public realm ,where:
• Space Syntax provided an initial analysis of pedestrian activity patterns,
which highlighted two key issues:
1. Trafalgar square seems to be cut off and not spatially integrated into its
surroundings
2. Londoners avoided the centre of Trafalgar Square , where only the edges
were utilized ( there were only two corner staircases ) and tourists failed to
make the journey between Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square due to the
lack of pedestrian paths.
Trafalgar square before
The problem
The renovation of Trafalgar square , London
8. “ Fosters + partners “ with the help of “ space syntax limited “ made use of the axial analysis , spaces
accessibility analysis and space vs movement studies mentioned in the space syntax theory to create design
solutions where :
• They sought to balance vehicular traffic with pedestrian use through a thoughtful reconfiguration of
roads and pedestrian zones. Creating direct and well-connected pathways to improve the overall walking
experience.
The solution
More pedestrian pathways Less vehicles roads
9. Centre staircase is added in addition to
corner staircases
Corner staircase Centre staircase
• Studying the spatial configuration, traffic flow, and accessibility patterns, planners created a more
pedestrian-friendly, accessible, and versatile public space.
The solution
11. The solution
• Certain areas within the square were underutilized or less prominent. The renovation project sought to make the
most of these spaces and enhance their functionality. Space Syntax Principles of Visibility and Prominence by adding
more activities spaces to attract the visitors
Skate lounge, Trafalgar square British Film Institute IMAX
12. The OUTCOME
• This project has led to a 250% increase in pedestrian activity; a 900% increase in its use as a pedestrian through-
route; and transformed public perceptions of Trafalgar Square as a destination. More than that, the project has
led to the wholesale transfer of road space away from cars to buses, pedestrians and cyclists.
• The use of Space Syntax directly improves urban environment, and the quality of citizen’s lives.
Current movement pattern and
stationary activities
Trafalgar Square after applying
space syntax theory
13. CREDITS: This presentation template
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