The Social Logic of Space

by Bill Hillier, Julienne Hanson

Overview

The book presents a new theory of space: how and why it is a vital component of how societies work. The theory is developed on the basis of a new way of describing and analysing the kinds of spatial patterns produced by buildings and towns. The methods are explained so that anyone interested in how towns or buildings are structured and how they work can make use of them. The book also presents a new theory of societies and spatial systems, and what it is about different types of society that leads them to adopt fundamentally different spatial forms. From this general theory, the outline of a 'pathology of modern urbanism' in today's social context is developed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781139929950
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/27/1989
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	8 MB

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction; 1. The problem of space; 2. The logic of space; 3. The analysis of settlement layouts; 4. Bindings and their genotypes; 5. The elementary building and its transformations; 6. the spatial logic of arrangements; 7. The spatial logic of encounters: a computer-aided thought experiment; 8. Societies as spatial systems; Postscript; Notes; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"No doubt the book will create controversy and attract criticism. But this is a function of its great importance for the development of theory in architectural and urban studies, in which it will open up whole new areas of debate and investigation." Architects' Journal

"...a big step in attempts to develop a truly theoretical discourse on built form and...a substantial groundwork towards an intelligent understanding of the social nature of building and urban spaces." Design Research

From the Publisher