Wayfinding in complex spaces. Vol. 1-2
Abstract
This thesis is primarily a theoretical examination of people
environment relationships directed towards the performance requirements
of buildings for human occupation. It commences with a review of
extant behavioural models used in the fields of Life Fire Safety
Engineering and Wayfinding. The review includes several other
interconnected disciplines and areas of interest such as space syntax and
cognitive science.
Extant behavioural models are described as essentially mechanical
however there is also another, less familiar and not yet fully understood,
symbiotic model. The symbiotic model is expanded and a new form of
spatial analysis, developmental syntax, presented. Symbiotic models
seem capable of providing a theoretical base for both the mechanical and
also more subtle and complex relationships between space, social
interaction and personal knowledge.
Case studies are included as tentative explorations of developmental
syntax and the symbiotic model in use and recommendations are made for
further research into both developmental syntax and the symbiotic model.