The Space Syntax Symposium aims to bring together scholars, practitioners and students who are currently working on Space Syntax and related approaches all over the world to share knowledge, to discuss theoretical and methodological advances as well as practical applications, and to explore directions for further collaborations with other disciplines.

The symposium’s themes also aim to address concerns that many of us, involved in building and urban studies, share, enriching in parallel the development of an evidence-based or research-led design methodology. Urban planning and design, as well as management and governance, are called to respond to complex, urgent and multifaceted urban challenges, mitigating environmental burdens and risks and creating the conditions to enable a high quality of life through effective and just supply and distribution of resources and infrastructures. Addressing such challenges requires different kinds of data gathering, analytical approaches supported by multidisciplinary expertise, practical experience in implementing urban planning policies and design projects, as well as the ability to visualise and communicate research findings to local authorities, private stakeholders and civil society. Evidence-based approaches to urban design and planning are necessary tools to ensure that urban challenges are addressed effectively and sustainably, based on sound knowledge and understanding of the impact of design and planning decisions.

These shared research interests of a number of Cypriot researchers emanating from earlier education at schools of urban studies abroad, have been channelled into research, teaching and practice in the local context of the island; such a background, brought an invaluable perspective for analyzing and describing the built environment with rigor and anchored local research from then on, in a long tradition of urban studies in Europe and beyond, aspiring in creating a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among researchers in the field who have a specific interest in Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.

The location of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean, offers an interesting venue at the confluence of three continents and a multitude of cultures that face unique urban challenges. Many of these challenges are the result of not only long-standing local urban issues but also of issues that have emanated from recent upheavals in the surrounding region, providing a unique opportunity for research and scientific knowledge to contribute towards them.

Following the footsteps of earlier symposia, we look forward to welcoming you to Cyprus and to the city of Nicosia, located at the centre of the island.

The SSS14 conference will have a hybrid format: onsite but also broadcasted online for people who may not be able to travel

The SSPhD2 conference will be online

ORGANIZERS