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Space Syntax to play key role in making Glasgow a ‘city of the future’

25 January 2013

Spatial analysis map

The Bartlett spin off company, Space Syntax, will play a major role in Glasgow’s development as a ‘city of the future’, following today’s announcement of a £24 million of government investment for the city to host the ‘Future Cities Demonstrator’ by Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts.

The Glasgow ‘Future Cities Demonstrator’ aims to determine how cities in the future should function, and will address some of the city’s most pressing needs, including health, energy supply and improvements to travel infrastructure and mobility.

Using research methods developed at The Bartlett to map and analyse the current condition of Glasgow’s active travel network, Space Syntax will identify and map the active and sustainable modes of transport across the city to increase the number of everyday journeys made by walking or cycling, and reduce traffic and pollution, making a significant impact on the development of ‘Active Travel’ in the city, a key component of the Scottish Government Health Programme to improve life expectancy in Scotland.

Welcoming the announcement, Dean of The Bartlett and a director of Space Syntax, Professor Alan Penn said “This expresses great confidence in the city's ability to invest £24 million in a project which must deliver tangible benefits using new technologies in just under 24 months time. If Glasgow, a city with a great culture and heritage, can use new technologies to restore its former position on the world stage, then that will be a demonstrator worth having.

He added, “UCL research will be playing a role to help make this a success as Space Syntax Limited are involved in the project bringing their expertise in advanced spatial analysis and simulation to bear on the challenges faced by the city”

Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board, which made today’s award commented:

“The global market for innovative approaches to delivering efficient, attractive and resilient cities is growing, and UK companies – supported by our world-class academic and research base – are well-positioned to exploit it. This large-scale demonstrator will show just what can be achieved by innovative use of today’s technology, and will help UK companies develop solutions and technologies for the future, for the benefit of the UK economy.”

Read more about Space Syntax’s involvement in the Glasgow Future Cities Demonstrator.