A comparative case study on forum shopping centers in Istanbul through syntactic analysis

In this study, the impacts of configuration and tenant types on user movement in shopping malls are examined using space syntax techniques focusing on natural movement theory. One of the main statements of space syntax methodology is the "natural movement theory" where human movement is effected by the configuration of space (Hillier et al., 1993). It is also set forth that spatial behavior is dependent upon individual evaluation and relative assessment of spaces (Downs, 1970). In this context, the study is examined as a comparative case study in two frequently visited shopping malls of Istanbul independently but with the same methodology depending on the observation of users and data collection methods. The selected malls have similar approaches in terms of user interfaces, configuration, and the brand distribution that have independent display spaces within the mall. Furthermore, they are built and managed by the same company and have similar architectural and management layouts at different locations of Istanbul. In that sense, how plan configuration and shop types affect users' behaviors is investigated by space syntax methodology through the awareness of visual perception, shopping behavior, integration of spaces, the order in circulation areas, and the level of interaction between the spaces as well as the people that are visiting these malls. The goal is to examine whether the spatial layout or the content is affecting individuals' decisions, and what kind of dominant effects they have on user movement at these shopping malls. According to some results in this study, spatial configuration is more dominant on users' movements where it has a strong syntactic value such as connectivity or integration, however content is dominant where syntactic value is not very strong. The further discussion is how these findings may affect the future of shopping malls in terms of architectural design and spatial configuration in connection with the interior design decisions.