Since its inception in the 1970s, space syntax has matured into a theory and a method comprising a set
of recurring theoretical and analytical concepts, as well as new ones emerging through the years. How
can we trace the evolution of the field through language? How can we analyse the development of ideas
in space syntax research? What can we learn from this evolution about knowledge creation in this area?
Recognising that language is central to the development of ideas in any field, this paper uses automated
text-analyses, focusing more specifically on all papers published in the space syntax symposia
proceedings from 1997 to 2017. The purpose is to trace the trajectory of ideas as they were elaborated,
used and perhaps changed in the collective work of authors researching within this field in different
parts of the world. Firstly, we identify concepts and technical terminology in the field through a
combined quantitative and qualitative text analysis. Secondly, we statistically assess the use of these
terms, revealing patterns and trends in the evolution of knowledge in space syntax. Thirdly, we compare
patterns between established concepts and categories that stabilise over time with concepts emerging
more recently. The results from our analysis of networks of concept relationships suggest that: (i)
concepts and terms evolve in dependent trajectories; (ii) ideas have evolutionary developments, with
some emerging and gaining growing attention, while others showing clear signs of stability, and others
losing centrality over time, including networks of what can be termed as ‘canonical’ concepts. We have
also identified (iii) an overall decline in the use of early space syntax concepts rooted in social theory
and anthropology; (iv) a trend of decreasing conceptual novelty over time; (v) traces of increasing
influence by other fields; and finally (vi) signs of a clear ‘technological turn’ in the field
