%0 Thesis
%9 Masters
%A Al-Sayed, K.
%B Bartlett School of Graduate Studies, Space Syntax Laboratory
%D 2007
%F discovery:4928
%I UCL (University College London)
%P 107
%T Discursive and Non-Discursive Design Processes
%U https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/4928/
%X This research study investigates the hypothesis that Space Syntax plays a role in  enhancing architectural design as a knowledge-based process by bringing the nondiscursive  design process onto a discursive level, and by making explicit the logic of  processing, evaluating, and reasoning about design. In order to establish an evidencebased  argument for this hypothesis the study will scrutinize the performances and  outcomes of architects solving a well-defined problem. The paper constructs the study on  a literature background exploring the different theories which were concerned with the  analysis and evaluation of design processes and outcomes. The analysis of design  processes was investigated on micro and macro scales and the evaluation of solutions was  considered in terms of spatial configurations and the social organization embodied in  space. The research then goes on to apply some of these analytical studies to a set of  design tasks made by architects who have a background in Space Syntax theory, and  architects with other architectural backgrounds. The question then turns to the influence  of Space Syntax theory on the strategies and cognitive actions of the design processes  and the observational study will attempt to prove whether the knowledge of Space Syntax  can have a positive effect on architects during their design process, taking into  consideration that Space Syntax, as a morphic language, can render the non-discursive  discursive of architecture. In the following step the design solutions are evaluated in  terms of qualities regarding social organization, and in terms of quantities measuring the  values of their spatial configurations. The analysis of the design processes and outcomes  will show differences between the two groups of architects, in addition to some  individual differences between the architects. Thus this research proves that the  knowledge of space syntax may partially enhance the productivity of design process by  making it more explicit.
%Z Approved for UCL Eprints by Dr. L. Vaughan, Bartlett School of Graduate Studies