The book presents a new theory of space: how and why it is a vital component of how societies work. The theory is developed on the basis of a new way of describing and analysing the kinds of spatial patterns produced by buildings and towns. The methods are explained so that anyone interested in how towns or buildings are structured and how they work can make use of them. The book also presents a new theory of societies and spatial systems, and what it is about different types of society that leads them to adopt fundamentally different spatial forms. From this general theory, the outline of a 'pathology of modern urbanism' in today's social context is developed.

‘ … a highly recommended, galvanizing, and very significant contribution to architectural theory.’

Source: Journal of Environmental Psychology

‘No doubt the book will create controversy and attract criticism. but this is a function of its great importance for the development of theory in architectural and urban studies, in which it will open up whole new areas of debate and investigation.’

Source: Architects’ Journal

‘My welcoming of this long-awaited book has at least two sources. First, it is a big step in attempts to develop a truly theoretical discourse on built form, and secondly, it represents a substantial groundwork towards an intelligent understanding of the social nature of binding and urban spaces. The incredible shallowness of much of design criticism can and should now be tackled with a much richer tool box than before.’

Source: Design Research