Researchers and practitioners have been modeling the street networks of metropolitan and geographical regions using space syntax or configurational analysis since the late 1990s and early 2000s. Some models even extend to a national scale. A few examples include the island of Great Britain, within the national boundaries of England, over half of the Combined Statistical Area of Metropolitan Chicago and the entirety of Chatham County, Georgia and the City of Savannah in the USA, and the Chiang-rai Special Economic Zone in northern Thailand bordering Myanmar and Laos. Researchers at Qatar University constructed a space syntax model of Metropolitan Doha in 2018. It covered a land area of 650 km2 , encompassing over 24,000 streets, and approximately eighty-five percent (~85%) of the total population (~2.8 million) in Qatar. In a short time, this model led to a deeper understanding of spatial structure at the metropolitan and neighborhood level in Doha compared to other cities of the world, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The paper presents the initial results of expanding this model to the State of Qatar, which provides ideal conditions for this type of large-scale modeling using space syntax. It occupies the Qatari Peninsula on the Arabian Peninsula adjacent to the Arabian/Persian Gulf, offering natural boundaries on three sides. Qatar also shares only a single border with another country to the southwest, which Saudi Arabia closed due to the current diplomatic blockade. The expanded model includes all settlements and outlying regions such as Al Ruwais and Fuwayriţ in the far north, Al Khor and the Industrial City of Ras Laffan in the northeast, and Durkan and Zekreet in the west. Space syntax is serving as the analytical basis for research into the effect of the newly opened rail transportation systems on Doha's urban street network. Researchers are also utilizing space syntax to study micro-scale spatial networks for pedestrians in Souq Waqif, Souq Wakra, and other Doha neighborhoods. The paper gives a brief overview of this research's current state with an emphasis on urban studies.
This paper presents some of the findings of a study comparing the form and function of two traditional markets on the Arabian Peninsula: Souq Mutrah in Muscat, Oman, and Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar. Globalization and rapid urbanization characterize both Doha and Muscat, which share similar historical origins as coastal settlements despite stark differences in topography; Oman is mountainous, whereas Qatar is flat. We investigate the urban morphology, land use and function of the two souqs using several representational techniques typical of morphological research, including space syntax analysis. The purpose is to develop a deeper understanding of (1) the evolution of space and form in these marketplaces over time, and (2) the possible implications for their functioning as urban places. The analysis demonstrates the critical importance of the contextual relations at the macro- and micro-scale of the urban environment for understanding the complex nature of these souqs as places today, helping to deepen our knowledge about traditional markets in the Middle East.
Constructed in the 1980s, the BCR Corridors complex is the most iconic building at Qatar University (QU). However, it is also notorious for way-finding difficulties. The problem appears to derive from the repetitive similarity of individual parts in its modular design. Elevators, stairwells, screens, and temporary installations also create impediments to user readability and visibility. Collectively, this tends to complicate its relationship to the immediate context of the university campus. Recently, researchers at QU conducted a post-occupancy evaluation (PoE) of the BCR Corridors. It included (1) direct observation of movement flows and static occupation of space in common areas, (2) room use and photographic surveys, and (3) computer modeling of the spatial layout using space syntax. Space syntax is an international research program of academics and practitioners studying the role of built space in society from the single building to entire cities. The purpose of the PoE study was to understand observed patterns of movement and space use with reference to the problems for way-finding in the BCR Corridors. Based on this, researchers developed proposals for design alterations to enable easier use of the complex. The findings of the study support the above hypothesis about navigation problems in the building.
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