Griffiths, Sam; (2012) The use of space syntax in historical research: Current practice and future possibilities. In: Greene, M and Reyes, J and Castro, A, (eds.) Proceedings of the 8th International Space Syntax Symposium. (pp. pp. 1-26). Environment and Ecology: Santiago, Chile.

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Abstract

Space syntax theory and methods have long been deployed in a wide range of research with a substantial historical component. By facilitating the comparative study of urban form through time space syntax research has opened up a number of possibilities for exploring the relationship between urban transformations and social activity. Some historical disciplines, notably archaeology, have engaged with space syntax methodology at various times. However, it is notable – given the well established interest of the field in the study of the past – that the insights of Hillier and Hanson and the wider contribution of space syntax researchers have received little attention within the discipline of urban history itself. However, this is perhaps not surprising when the contrasting disciplinary research traditions are taken into account. This paper proposes that a dialogue between space syntax theory and urban historians could advance understanding of the extent to which historical modes of spatial organization in urban communities have bearing upon the possibilities for urban communal life. Such a consideration should also help space syntax researchers to reflect critically on how they use history. To explore the proposition this paper reviews a number of historical studies produced by space syntax researchers in the light of the distinction made by the historical geographer Baker between ‘spatial histories’, ‘histories of spaces’ and ‘place histories’. While these categories are found to be broadly useful in characterizing different approaches to historical space they are also found to be problematic in their overriding concern to draw well‐defined boundaries between research involving spatial analysis and more qualitative and interpretative approaches. By discussing examples of the author’s own historical research into social and cultural change in Sheffield c.1750‐1900 the argument is advanced that while the theory and methods of space syntax have a positive contribution to make to historical research these should not be restricted to a single spatial analysis ‘mode’ but be integrated within a multifaceted research framework in which their latent descriptive and hermeneutic potentials can be developed.

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