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Exploring Challenges in Space Syntax Theory Building: The Use of Positivist and Hermeneutic Explanatory Models

Author

Listed:
  • Akkelies van Nes

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5020 Bergen, Norway
    Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands)

  • Claudia Yamu

    (Department of Spatial Planning and Environment, Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AD Groningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The planning and building of sustainable cities and communities yields operational theories on urban space. The novelty of this paper is that it discusses and explores the challenges for space syntax theory building within two key research traditions: positivism and hermeneutics. Applying a theory of science perspective, we first discuss the explanatory power of space syntax and its applications. Next, we distinguish between theories that attempt to explain a phenomenon and theories that seek to understand it, based on Von Wright’s modal logics and Bhaskar’s critical realism models. We demonstrate that space syntax research that focuses on spatial configurative changes in built environments, movement and economic activities can explain changes in a built environment in terms of cause and effect (positivism), whereas historical research or research focusing on social rationality, space and crime or cognition seeks to develop an understanding of the inherent cultural meaning of the space under investigation (hermeneutics). Evidently, the effect of human intentions and behaviour on spatial structures depends on the type of rationality underlying these intentions, which is the focus of this study. Positivist explanatory models are appropriate for examining market rationality in cases that entail unambiguous intentionality and that are associated with a high degree of predictability. By contrast, other kinds of reasoning require a hermeneutic understanding.

Suggested Citation

  • Akkelies van Nes & Claudia Yamu, 2020. "Exploring Challenges in Space Syntax Theory Building: The Use of Positivist and Hermeneutic Explanatory Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:17:p:7133-:d:407271
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Lamprecht Mariusz, 2022. "Space syntax as a socio-economic approach: a review of potentials in the polish context," Miscellanea Geographica. Regional Studies on Development, Sciendo, vol. 26(1), pages 5-14, January.
    2. Walid-Mahfoud Djenaihi & Noureddine Zemmouri & Moussadek Djenane & Akkelies van Nes, 2021. "Noise and Spatial Configuration in Biskra, Algeria—A Space Syntax Approach to Understand the Built Environment for Visually Impaired People," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-24, October.
    3. Zhi Qiu & Yi Hua & Binwei Yun & Zhu Wang & Yi Zhou, 2023. "Public Space Planning in Urban Resettlement Community in China: Addressing Diverse Needs of Rural Migrants through Function Programming Based on Architectural Planning Theory," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-26, July.
    4. Remco de Koning & Wendy Guan Zhen Tan & Akkelies van Nes, 2020. "Assessing Spatial Configurations and Transport Energy Usage for Planning Sustainable Communities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-23, October.
    5. Remco Elric de Koning & Hans Jacob Roald & Akkelies van Nes, 2020. "A Scientific Approach to the Densification Debate in Bergen Centre in Norway," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-21, November.
    6. Akkelies van Nes, 2021. "The Impact of the Ring Roads on the Location Pattern of Shops in Town and City Centres. A Space Syntax Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-21, April.
    7. Akkelies van Nes, 2021. "Spatial Configurations and Walkability Potentials. Measuring Urban Compactness with Space Syntax," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-22, May.
    8. Kestutis Zaleckis & Szymon Chmielewski & Jūratė Kamičaitytė & Indre Grazuleviciute-Vileniske & Halina Lipińska, 2022. "Walkability Compass—A Space Syntax Solution for Comparative Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-25, February.

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