The evolution of space syntax over the past two decades: evidence from China

Abstract

China is one of the most researched countries in space syntax. However, the application of the theory in China remains relatively unfamiliar to the international academic community. This study employed keyword analysis to review research themes in Chinese space syntax and used empirical content analysis to trace the evolution of relevant concepts, including spatial scales, study areas, software, models, and measures. By comparing with international studies, this study characterizes the research themes. It emerged that Chinese scholars favor using measures like integration to evaluate spatial accessibility, with the exploration of spaces’ cultural attributes also being a significant theme. Additionally, this study reveals that applied research propels Chinese space syntax, demonstrating characteristics of staged growth and a stratification phenomenon in the usage frequency of relevant concepts. It also identifies cross-regional research strengths and challenges within the field of Chinese space syntax. Ultimately, insights for improving future research and possible research directions are presented. This study provides evidence to analyze the evolution of space syntax theory from China and aids in improving the research framework of the theory. It provides a valuable reference for scholars and can promote the global dissemination of space syntax.