Spatial integration: A space syntax analysis of the villages of the Homol'ovi Cluster

Abstract

Space Syntax theory (Hillier 1996; Hillier and Hanson 1984) postulates that the configurations of space in the built environment can reflect social meaning in the ways that individual spaces can be seen to be integrated or segregated from each other. This research develops an analytical methodology based upon space syntax theory to examine the transition of Pueblo IV Period settlement forms in the Homol'ovi Cluster. Analysis of the villages of the Homol'ovi cluster utilizing space syntax methodology illustrates how the local development of the plaza-oriented pueblo form results in the intensification of spatial integration for residents of the village, while at the same time, decreasing the spatial integration of village spaces for non-residents. If the concept of spatial integration is a suitable proxy measure for the ways that spatial configuration is linked to expressions of social integration by Hillier and his colleagues (1989) and by Peponis and his colleagues (1990) then these findings tend to confirm normative views of Puebloan spatial systems, particularly that plaza and kiva spaces function as socially integrative devices. Implications of this finding and suggestions for further research are explored to highlight the potential applications of spatial integration analysis.