A space syntax study on the Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

The design of educational building has become increasingly important concurrently due to the needs interactive and engaging spaces for improved students’ academic performance. Conventional design of educational spaces invariably lack design aspects that facilitate engagement. Therefore, it has become the aim of this research to evaluate the spatial configuration a veterinary institute, based on the space syntax analysis from the spectrum of the level of wayfinding and permeability. The case study of this research is Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine an institutional building that is a globally renowned in the veterinary industry. Being at the forefront of research into animal well-being and the prevention of infectious diseases, the building’s design emphasises providing cutting-edge educational spaces and fostering innovative curricula for educating future practitioners and researchers while also extending vital support to communities worldwide. The study uses the justified graph and visual graph analysis (VGA) based on DepthMapX software to identify the level of permeability and wayfinding of the designed spaces. The analysis demonstrates that a majority of the areas covered in the case study building have moderate integration levels and between high and moderate connectivity levels. Highly integrated and connected spaces are important in spatial design of educational institutions in providing allowing for cross-disciplinary collaboration and outstanding students’ engagement. In essence, the outcome of the study demonstrates the selected building typology case study building has a well-designed spatial configuration that emphasises the building’s main users.