CampusAnalyst – spatial analysis tools for innovative university planning

University campuses are important elements of a knowledge city and have a strong impact on urban development. In addition, there is clear evidence that their spatial structure influences the “flow of technology” (ALLEN, 1984), a link that has been widely explored in academic literature. However, these findings are rarely applied during the planning stage of university campuses and buildings. Therefore, here we present a comprehensive methodology for spatial analysis based on research of the Space Group at University College London (HILLIER & HANSON, 1984; HILLIER, 1996) that can close this gap. The two new campuses of the university Hamm-Lippstadt serve as a case study. The spatial analysis methods were applied during the planning process and supported the decision making with sound evidence. Further research about the performance of these two campuses will be carried out in a subsequent step.

13.01.2012 | Christian Schwander, Christine Kohlert (München) & Eva Friedrich (London)