The hidden corruption of American regular grids: Why space syntax doesn’t work in the United States, when it looks like it should

Abstract

Space syntax has made remarkable progress in research and practice around the world over the last 40 years. However, this is not the case in the United States. Space syntax remains on the fringe of American planning and development. This is odd since there seems to be several inherent advantages for widespread application of space syntax in an American context, i.e. ongoing large-scale urban growth, an established research programme at one of the country’s leading universities, and seemingly ‘natural’ allies in professional practice. The paper outlines the financial, institutional, and legal hurdles/pitfalls confronting space syntax in the American market, especially in the private sector. Using a series of ‘back-of-the-napkin’ financial calculations common to the American development process, the paper demonstrates how these challenges can transform into a distinct advantage for advocating the cause of the space syntax in the United States. Given this, the paper concludes by discussing the enormous challenges and opportunities for space syntax in America today.