Topological configuration in wayfinding and spatial cognition:

a study with real and virtual buildings for design relevance

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the role of topological configuration of building layouts in wayfinding and spatial cognition and with associated design strategies. Topological configuration is the structural hierarchy of individual spaces in a layout that arises due to the topological relationship of each space with all other spaces in the layout. This can be objectively measured by Space Syntax theories and methods. The paper discusses the beginnings of the concept and traces its development in cognition literature. It then describes a series of experiments done in three real hospital buildings and in a copy of one hospital that was produced in a virtual immersive reality (VIR). Those studies were reported individually in previous publications. In this paper a comparative analysis is presented which suggests that (1) wayfinding behavior is very similar in real and simple virtual settings, (2) topological properties of layouts as determined by Space Syntax analysis are important predictors of wayfinding use of spaces and (3) Euclidian and metric properties in spatial cognition do not develop easily in simple VIR's, but they do not hamper wayfinding. The first has implications in using computer models for data collection. The second is important for architects because investigations of topological configuration may suggest design moves to achieve wayfinding friendly plans. The third is important to cognition and wayfinding researchers as it brings attention to the relationship between topological configuration and wayfinding success. Implications of the results in light of the design professionals are also included