Integrating space syntax methods and digital tools to enhance critical reflection and practice in the architecture and urban design studio.

Three action research studies applied space syntax theory and methods as a new tool that generates analytical modelling and representations of 2D and 3D spatial configurations of urban and architectural space requiring architecture students to reflectively evolve their procedural (tacit) knowledge. The aim of the research was to understand how junior and senior architecture students develop cognitive awareness of reflection in action skills within a new design situation. Three unique design situations, i) the spatial transformation of an 2d architectural urban configuration into an art gallery that considered movement, vision and social co-presence; ii) the integration of depthmapX tools for use in environmental performance analysis of site and building configurations; iii) analysis of spatial connectivity and integration of a project site for a new theatre building. students develop design strategies based on the analysis of graph visualizations produced by the space syntax software depthmapX. Research approach applies a survey questionnaire that adapted Donald Schons’ model of reflection with a material situation (seeing-moving-seeing), and analysis of the how students used the new software tool to perform environmental performance analysis for a site and the formative composition workflow for a new building.