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From Isovists to Visibility Graphs: A Methodology for the Analysis of Architectural Space

Author

Listed:
  • Alasdair Turner

    (VR Centre for the Built Environment)

  • Maria Doxa

    (Bartlett School of Graduate Studies)

  • David O'Sullivan

    (Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis)

  • Alan Penn

Abstract

An isovist, or viewshed, is the area in a spatial environment directly visible from a location within the space. Here we show how a set of isovists can be used to generate a graph of mutual visibility between locations. We demonstrate that this graph can also be constructed without reference to isovists and that we are in fact invoking the more general concept of a visibility graph. Using the visibility graph, we can extend both isovist and current graph-based analyses of architectural space to form a new methodology for the investigation of configurational relationships. The measurement of local and global characteristics of the graph, for each vertex or for the system as a whole, is of interest from an architectural perspective, allowing us to describe a configuration with reference to accessibility and visibility, to compare from location to location within a system, and to compare systems with different geometries. Finally we show that visibility graph properties may be closely related to manifestations of spatial perception, such as way-finding, movement, and space use.

Suggested Citation

  • Alasdair Turner & Maria Doxa & David O'Sullivan & Alan Penn, 2001. "From Isovists to Visibility Graphs: A Methodology for the Analysis of Architectural Space," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 28(1), pages 103-121, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:28:y:2001:i:1:p:103-121
    DOI: 10.1068/b2684
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    Cited by:

    1. Kayvan Karimi, 2018. "Space syntax: consolidation and transformation of an urban research field," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(1), pages 1-4, January.
    2. Phil Bartie & William Mackaness, 2016. "Mapping the visual magnitude of popular tourist sites in Edinburgh city," Journal of Maps, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(2), pages 203-210, March.
    3. Huimin Ji & Yunlong Peng & Wowo Ding, 2019. "A Quantitative Study of Geometric Characteristics of Urban Space Based on the Correlation with Microclimate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(18), pages 1-13, September.
    4. Kwang Youn Lee & Jung Il Seo & Kyoung-Nam Kim & Yohan Lee & Hyeongkeun Kweon & Jinki Kim, 2019. "Application of Viewshed and Spatial Aesthetic Analyses to Forest Practices for Mountain Scenery Improvement in the Republic of Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-16, May.

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