Department of Psychology
James Wise
Spatial Mathematical Models to Connect People and Environment
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People are linked to environments through spatial patterns of interaction on different levels of scale. These interactions are traditionally captured in different knowledge domains, from human factors through environmental psychology and sociology, to behavioral geography. But the mathematical models describing such interactions remain remarkably the same. Dr. Wise has spent most of his scientific career exploring and utilizing such models to quantitatively analyze particular design questions that would otherwise appear intractable.
He and his student team recently developed a spatial syntax analysis software tool that analyzes the connectivity pattern of spaces by using graph theory. The immediate application was to predict the interiors of unknown buildings from limited exterior information. The same tool can be used for historical reconstruction, disaster relief, or analysis of behavior patterns of any kind, like crime, shopping, or recreation. It can also be used to help make building layouts more efficient in terms of people or material movements.
The fractal analysis of spatial patterns fits within this larger research picture. Specifically, it tells what it is about a particular spatial pattern that may be particularly compelling or engaging to individuals. Where sequential or movement patterns of users are concerned, a mathematical tool like spatial syntax becomes appropriate. These and other spatial analysis tools like “Isovists” and “Isokins” become the means to scientifically analyze a wide range of social and behavioral issues that intersect the designed and natural environments.
Contact
Information
James Wise, Ph.D.
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
Washington State University Tri-Cities
Richland, WA 99352
Telephone: 509-372-7239
E-mail: james_wise@wsu.edu
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