The Meaning of Panopticism in Spatial Configurations

A building then becomes socially significant over and above its functions in two
ways: first by elaborating spaces into socially workable patterns to generate and
constrain some socially sanctioned and therefore normative pattern of encounter
and avoidance; and second by elaborating physical forms and surfaces into patterns
through which culturally or aesthetically sanctioned identities are expressed. (Hillier
1996, 24)
This thesis investigates the role of spatial configuration in shaping resident's
experience of their neighbourhood. Studies to date have found that spatial
configuration affects spatial behaviour and movement patterns (e.g., Hillier et al,
1993), however there has been little investigation of the cognitive processes that
might underlie this relationship. Other research into cognition of the urban
environment suggests that local spatial factors may play a role in cognitive
processes (e.g., Hart & Moor, 1973), however these studies have not addressed
global spatial configuration in quantitative terms. No studies to date have sought to
integrate cognitive, behavioural and configurational factors within a single
framework. Using Hillier's (1996) definition of intelligibility as the relationship
between local and global configurational factors, this thesis investigates the
relationship between resident's cognition, observed patterns of movement and the
spatial configuration of an area. Two adjacent areas in Hampstead Garden Suburb in
North London were investigated in detail. One area is relatively intelligible, the other
less so. Structured interview surveys were carried out with local residents to elicit
aspects of their cognition of the local area and detailed observations were made of
movement patterns in the two neighbourhoods. Analysis of the spatial
characteristics of the two areas using 'space syntax' methods provided a common
basis for analyses of these data. The findings confirm that spatial configuration,
spatial cognition and space use patterns are all related to one another. The main
finding is that the degree of intelligibility of the area is the most significant
intervening variable in relations between the three variables. The more intelligible
area showed more powerful correlations between spatial configuration and patterns
of movement, as well as giving rise to perceptions of greater legibility and increased
neighbourhood size by local residents. Strong correlations were also identified
between residents' cognitive maps and observed patterns of movement in the area.
The correlations were again found to be stronger in the intelligible area than the
unintelligible area. These findings suggest that spatial configuration may play an
important role in determining people's daily spatial experience by increasing or
reducing their sense of autonomy. By reducing the ability to predict either one's
precise location within his/her global context, or the likely behaviour of others in
space, unintelligible urban configurations may result in perceptions of a lesser sense
of personal control over one's own actions in the environment. The thesis concludes
that 'architectural intelligibility' may be a basic aspect in achieving human spatial
needs.