This article investigates the effects of the spatial configuration of the local environment on residents'spatial cognitions of their built environment by exam ining the relationship between the spatial syntax of sketch maps and the spatial syntax of the environment. Hampstead Garden Suburb in London was investigated in detail. Structured interview surveys were carried out to elicit residents' sketch maps of their local area. Analysis of the spatial characteristics of the area and of the sketch maps using space-syntax methods provided a common basis for analyses of these data. Strong correlations were identified between residents' sketch maps and the spatial configuration of the area. The degree of local integration of spatial configuration is the most significant factor in relations with the two variables of sketch maps, the fre quency of appearance of configurational elements, and the global syntactic character istics of spatial configuration in sketch maps. Findings suggest that spatial syntax of configuration in real environments and spatial syntax of cognitive maps in spatial cognition are closely related. Keywords: space syntax; sketch map; cognitive map; spatial cognition; way findingThe literature on human cognition suggests that configurational aspects of the environment have significant cognitive consequences. Lynch (1960) notes that to be "imageable," an area needs to be apprehended as a pattern of

This study aimed to investigate the association of spatial configuration with social interaction for elderly. A social housing in Seoul was selected for the case study. Using space syntax and social network analysis, the association was examined statistically. This research employed an integration indicator which is most closely related to space use pattern. Questionnaire and interview surveys were conducted to illustrate the pattern of social network. Using the collected data, NetMiner was utilized to conduct a quantitative analysis. Degree, closeness and betweenness indicators were employed to measure relationships in these networks and between individuals. The characteristics of the association established by the statistical analysis between spatial network of housing estate and social network of elderly were discussed. Our results show that spatial network properties can explain characteristics of social network. The accessibility of residential spaces for elderly individuals in social housing apartment complex has an effect on the strength of the social network with neighbours. Also, analysis of the spatial configuration accessibility for the elderly population with integration values has illustrated that the result was opposite to the general theory that ‘the locations with high accessibility could foster more interactions’. Our findings have suggested that we can have a better knowledge to foster more social network among elderly by planning improved spatial network.

We explore the spatial layouts of mega-shelters and suggest better spatial planning strategies. A mega-shelter for refugees contains multiple functions, such as dormitory, dining, medical, kitchen, storage, and community areas. Post-disaster refugees often suffer from PTSD that affects their mental health and spatial cognitive ability. The spatial configuration of a mega-shelter can accelerate their recovery by providing an environment that not only satisfies the basic needs, but one that can improve their spatial cognitive ability and promote a sense of community in this new, albeit temporary, small society. Four mega-shelters in the U.S., Australia, and Japan were analyzed using space syntax methods, specifically axial line analysis and visibility graph analysis (VGA), as well as justified graph analysis. The comparative analysis shows that while specific spatial layouts are different, all shelters were designed from a manager’s perspective. The movements of the refugees were sometimes unnecessarily exposed to supervision and control, and community areas were often found in locations with low accessibility. By incorporating strategies such as siting community space in areas with high global integration values and adopting transition areas, mega-shelters can create an environment that can enhance the refugees’ will to recover and rebuild by promoting communications with neighbors and various community activities.

Numerous pedestrians interact with the subway station space by finding entrances into this closed area to use the subway system; further, they may use transfer transportation facilities or the complex functions nearby, such as commercial. Many studies examine pedestrian behaviors in subway stations, but most focus on special situations such as disasters and evacuation. Because it is important to analyze gait patterns in everyday situations, this study aims to verify the explanatory power of actual gait behavior by using space syntax theory in constructing an optimal agent-based model. To this end, first, pedestrian characteristics and space types are classified using pedestrian data from Gangnam Station. Second, the depthmapX program is used to develop an appropriate agent-based model for stations. Third, a simulation is run to calculate the frequency of the agent movement at each gate, which is matched with the observed pedestrian volume. Fourth, the relationship between the frequency of the agent movement and pedestrian volume is analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The results show that although agent-based models have limitations in explaining pedestrian patterns in the entire subway station, they are capable of explaining these patterns along the shortest paths between ticket gates and station entrances.

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