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Space Syntax Theory: Urban Applications (spatial configuration)
Space Syntax Theory: Urban Applications (spatial configuration)

IEREK Workshop

  • 24, Jun / 26, Jun 2024
  • University of Salento, Italy
Workshop Email
[email protected]
Introduction

Space syntax theory seeks to explain why the built environment takes shape in relation to corresponding socio-cultural activities from a spatial standpoint. The configuration of the network is the primary shaper of the pattern of movement, so there is a fundamental link between the structures and functions of cities. Space syntax, as a quantitative method, describes patterns of spatial layouts that demonstrate the effect of urban grid configuration on existing movements. It assesses integration, which is synonymous with accessibility. It describes the average depth of space in relation to all other spaces in the system, indicating the preferable potential movement destinations.

Workshop Description

This workshop is designed to enable the participants to analyze, compare, and contrast urban examples, alternatives, and forecast movement patterns within an action area.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to do the following:

  • Understand the spatial configuration of a selected urban action area using Space Syntax;
  • Choose the appropriate methods of spatial analysis;
  • Analyze the current situation of a selected case study, compare different cases, and forecast any future spatial

Equipment and software

  • Using ‘Depthmap’ software and its application to urban examples
  • Using QGIS for large-scale urban areas
Instructor

Nabil Mohareb is currently an associate professor at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Department of Architecture, School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE). He was the former director of Faculty of Architecture – Design & Built Environment, Beirut Arab University, Tripoli Campus, Lebanon. He has worked for distinguished universities in Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. Recently he has been an honorary research fellow at the University of Liverpool Virtual Fellowship in Heritage Program Award for 2020-21. Mohareb has earned his second PhD from the University of Liverpool (UK) in 2015.

His research focuses on the relationship between architecture and urbanism; he is interested in social behavior activities, their mutual effect on both spatial and economic variables in urban spaces, and their interrelationship with architectural design. Mohareb uses theoretical and experimental methods in his research including but not limited to Space Syntax, GIS, and recently introducing drones and artificial intelligent (AI) in the field of object monitoring and detection of patterns of behavior at different scale levels (micro/macro scales).

He has several published papers in refereed journals and international refereed conferences. He has participated in number of international funding research related to understanding social behavior activities. He has delivered more than nine workshops in Egypt, Italy and Lebanon, testing experimental methods of analysis, he also has delivered a TEDx talk in Tripoli’s Azmi Street (Lebanon). He serves as an editorial board member of a number of renowned journals: for example, regional editor - Middle East and Africa for the International Journal of Architectural Research Archnet-IJAR, and member of the editorial review board of open house International journal, Emerald Group Publishing.

Research Interest

  • Spatial cognition analysis in buildings and urban spaces
  • Social behavior and patterns of movements in urban and architecture spaces
  • Architectural design
  • 3D documentation using photogrammetry techniques
  • Space Syntax and GIS analysis
Workshop Outline
  • Why think spatially? Theoretical basics of spatial network analysis
  • Space Syntax (historical background, scale of analysis, different tools (VGA, Isovist, Agent-based, axial lines and segment lines))
  • Important readings and references
  • Depthmap and other software of spatial configuration analysis
  • Introducing axial lines: drawing by hand and depth
  • Preparing for the site visit (Introducing the Gate system, identifying the action area of the case study) (group work)
  • Introducing axial and segment analysis (Game 1 &2)
  • Methods of analysis: understanding movements and navigation methods
  • Urban Analysis (Introduction)
  • Convex space + JGraph analysis (case studies) (individual/group work)
  • Visibility Graph analysis (VGA) + Isovist analysis (individual/group work)
  • Case study as an exercise
Workshop Fees

Held in-person at University of Salento, Italy. the fees below guarantee your attendance for the workshop and all days of the International Conference on Geographic Perspectives on Climate Change Mitigation in Urban and Rural Environments

 

Workshop Attendance 

EUR 200

 

  • Know More about the other GCUE 2024 Workshops here
  • If you’re interested to attend more than 1 workshop, ask for your discount ([email protected])
  • Special prices are available for University of Salento, Italy.
Venue
University of Salento
Piazza Tancredi, 7, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy.
 

Your Trip To Lecce

Lecce is famous with the best-knowns sights in Italy that it would take weeks to see everything in it, also it is one of Europe’s most popular cities. It has many breathtaking views and tourist attractions from museums to churches and palaces.

The following are some suggestions of places to visit while you are in Lecce, Italy:

Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Sant’Oronzo

The highlight is the large Roman amphitheatre which once seated 14,000 spectators on its two tiers, although only the lower tier remains. Sometimes concerts still take place here.

In the piazza, you can also see the column of Sant’Oronzo and an unusual 20-meter-high bronze clock, the Orologio Delle Meraviglie, created in 1955 on the wall of the Banco di Napoli.

Lecce Cathedral

Lecce’s Cathedral is on one of the most beautiful squares in Lecce, the Piazza del Duomo.

Piazza del Duomo has a more intimate feel and is enclosed by ornate buildings including the bishop’s residence and seminary.

The Cathedral was originally built in 1144 and was rebuilt in the 17th century by architect Giuseppe Zimbalo in the decorative baroque style that now characterises the city.

Lecce’s Portas

The three remaining city gates of the previously walled city are useful landmarks for navigating the city, and all are decorative and worth seeing.

Once you pass through the gates, you leave the historic centre behind for the modern part of the city which is less attractive, but it does have some good restaurants and shops.

The main city gate is Porta Napoli built in 1548 for a state visit from Charles V and modelled on a Roman triumphal arch. Just outside the arch is the obelisk and beyond this is the university area.

Basilica di Santa Croce

Lecce’s most extravagant baroque church is Santa Croce, also designed by Zimbalo. If you only visit one church in Lecce, make it this one.

The facade features intricate carved figures and a rosette window, and inside are ornate columns and a decorative ceiling, next to Santa Croce is another Zimbalo creation, the Palazzo dei Celestini, now the seat of the local government.

After admiring the exterior, you can walk through the courtyard and out the archway to reach Lecce’s park, just beyond the church and palace is a lovely little street full of wine bars—perfect for a light lunch or aperitivo.

 

Travel Information

By Train

You can reach Lecce easily by direct Trenitalia train from cities such as Brindisi (30 minutes), Bari (1.5 hours), Rome (5.5 hours), and Bologna (7 hours). From Naples you’ll have to change trains at Caserta (5.5 hours total).

You can check timetables and book tickets in advance for the best rates from the Trenitalia website. You need to use Italian place names (i.e. Torino not Turin). 

The Bari to Lecce Trenitalia train stops at a number of places in Puglia including Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Cisternino, and Ostuni.

By Plane

The nearest airport to Lecce is Brindisi (30-minute drive), while Bari airport is a 2-hour drive away.

You can rent a car at Brindisi airport or take a shuttle bus from the airport to Lecce (40 minutes).

By Car 

From Bari (150Km), via a freeway. Just follow the signs to Brindisi-Lecce. Rental cars are available in the main Italian airports, including the airports of Brindisi and Bari. This could be a good idea if you wish to join a visit to the South of Italy to the conference.

Overview

As one of the leaders and most avid supporters of the research and academic community, IEREK has always endeavored to develop and enrich innovative production. Constantly advocating for forward-thinking became our modus operandi.p>

Because of this driving passion, we've hosted many successful workshops where participants were able to widen their horizons and feed their love of their craft using real-life applications and concentrated, global, expert knowledge. We've hosted schools abroad in such locations as culturally rich Italy and the diverse United Kingdom, where our future architects received an enriching and engaging learning experience on subjects.

It has taught us what one could gain from investing in themselves. Studying overseas has many fantastic benefits, from helping you find a good job to improving your social life. A few of these benefits are compiled here.