Report by Ar. Mehreen Muzaffar, Hon. Secretary IAP-RIC
The Institute of Architects Pakistan, Rawalpindi- Islamabad Chapter arranged a one-day workshop on Space syntax in May 2023 at the IAP Secretariat, G-5/1, Islamabad. It was conducted by Ar. Dr. Ubaid Ullah who is currently Head of Space Syntax Research Lab and Member faculty, Department of Architecture and NIUIP at UET Peshawar.
Space Syntax is a theory and research method that was developed by a team led by Professor Bill Hillier in the unit of Architectural Studies in University College London (1976-84). Based on quantitative analysis and geospatial computer technology, it provides a set of theories for spatial configurations at architectural and urban level.
Space syntax is one of the spatial configuration theories that can be applied starting from the micro level (inside buildings) to the macro levels (the city level). The space syntax theory attempts to understand why, from a spatial point of view, the built environment morph into distinct form in relation to corresponding socio-cultural activities.
As a quantitative method, space syntax describes patterns of spatial layouts showing the effect of urban grid configuration on existing movements. It describes numerically and graphically the average depth of a space to all other spaces in the systems, which indicates the preferable potential places to move to as a movement destination.
After the Recitation of Quran, the workshop was started by the Lecture on background, theories, and concepts of space syntax. The workshop had diverse participants, Architects working in public and private sector, urban planners and designers, faculty and Students of Architecture from NCA, Rawalpindi Campus and COMSATS, Islamabad.
The participants were made to understand the spatial configuration of selected action area using Depth map Software with applications of the appropriate methods of spatial analysis on their selected CAD drawings. The analysis of the current situation of selected case study (macro scale analysis) and its comparison between different cases, and forecast any future spatial interventions were done. The comparison and analysis of micro scale analysis of buildings’ syntax by participants and the use of software tools of spatial analysis to base their planning decisions gave them a sound and solid knowledge for their projects.
The certificate distribution ceremony was organized at an Informal Architects & Students Meet & Greet the same evening at the Rear Lawn of the IAP Secretariat at the Sir Syed Memorial Complex, Islamabad. Senior & junior architects of the chapter joined the participants and EC for the ceremony. Chairman IAP-RIC Ar. Fawad Suhail Abbasi & Vice President IAP Ar. Kabeer Malik acknowledged the contributions of our industry partners and the Workshop Instructor Ar. Dr. Ubaid Ullah for conducting the extremely important workshop and joining other colleagues and students all the way from Abbottabad.
The casual evening was enjoyed by all where architects and students participated, sang and played instruments and the audience joined them. It was an exciting evening and a great day spent after a wonderful interactive workshop.
The Convener of the workshop was Ar. Arslan Ejaz who is also the Hon. Treasurer of IAP- RIC.
The Executive Committee is planning more such events in the future including excursion trips, talks, awards & competitions and sports for both female, male architects & students. A friendly hard ball cricket match is already organized in Peshawar between Teams of IAP-RIC & IAP-PC on June 3′ 2023.
