Using space syntax analysis in detecting privacy: a comparative study of traditional and modern house layouts in Erbil city, Iraq

Abstract

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA \r /* Style Definitions */\r table.MsoNormalTable\r\t{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";\r\tmso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;\r\tmso-tstyle-colband-size:0;\r\tmso-style-noshow:yes;\r\tmso-style-priority:99;\r\tmso-style-qformat:yes;\r\tmso-style-parent:"";\r\tmso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;\r\tmso-para-margin-top:0in;\r\tmso-para-margin-right:0in;\r\tmso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;\r\tmso-para-margin-left:0in;\r\tline-height:115%;\r\tmso-pagination:widow-orphan;\r\tfont-size:11.0pt;\r\tfont-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";\r\tmso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;\r\tmso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;\r\tmso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";\r\tmso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;\r\tmso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;\r\tmso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}\r Abstract The aim of this paper is, firstly, to examine the parameters which have a role in achieving privacy in using the interior domestic spaces and to what extent it influences on the way of distribution of these spaces; secondly, to investigate the relationship between house layout morphology and the privacy of inhabitants .   In this paper, space syntax theory is used to examine the spatial morphology of both types (traditional and modern) house layouts in Erbil city, in order to detect the level of privacy in their configurations, through an analytical comparative approach. After a sample of house layouts has been analyzed morphologically, it has been researched as to whether the house layout pattern affects the level of privacy and to what degree. The results shows that the traditional house layouts offer better design solutions in terms of privacy because it carries a higher value of (RRA) with a higher tendency towards asymmetry structure comparing with modern house layouts. It is believed that the data that is collected will be valuable in the design process of the future house layouts at least in the city of Erbil.