Welcome SSS15                                                         

Welcome to SSS15 Malaysia!

We are delighted to host the 15th International Space Syntax Symposium (SSS15) in Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, from 8th to 12th June 2026. The Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), is honored to continue the tradition of hosting this prestigious event.

For many years, the symposiums have primarily taken place in Europe and the Western regions. However, with the increasing influence of big data in urban studies, the global relevance of Space Syntax has grown significantly. Interest in Space Syntax is also expanding in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, making this symposium a timely opportunity for national and international knowledge exchange among researchers, software developers, practitioners, and educators.

Space Syntax is a methodology for analyzing and understanding spatial configurations and their impact on human behavior, particularly in urban environments. Since its introduction by Bill Hillier and colleagues in the 1970s, Space Syntax has evolved into an essential tool for studying the social, economic, and environmental dynamics of cities.

This approach is especially impactful when applied to enhance connectivity across the Global South—a region experiencing rapid urbanization, diverse socio-economic contexts, and infrastructural challenges. By integrating Space Syntax into urban planning, cities in the Global South can become more resilient, inclusive, and well-connected, better serving their diverse populations.

As a rapidly evolving tropical city, Johor Bahru is undergoing major infrastructural transformations, reshaping its urban landscape. This dynamic change makes it an ideal location for Space Syntax research and discussions, offering a unique opportunity to explore how Space Syntax analysis can improve urban design, public spaces, and connectivity.

The Malaysian team is committed to expanding the symposium’s impact by strengthening the regional network of scholars and researchers across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the broader Southeast Asian and Australasian regions.

This symposium aims to unite a global community of scholars, practitioners, and students to share knowledge, discuss theories, and explore practical applications. We expect this event to further evidence-based, research-led design methodologies and contribute to the continuous growth of the Space Syntax community, as it has since its inception in 1997.

Thank you for considering UTM. We look forward to contributing to the continued success of the International Space Syntax Symposium worldwide.

"The SSS15 conference will follow a hybrid format, with onsite participation complemented by a live online broadcast for those unable to travel. Meanwhile, the SSPhD3 conference, scheduled for 12th June 2025,  will be held entirely online."