Visual Analysis of Symbolic Buildings LocationsIn the University Sites - Administration Building as an Example

Abstract

One of the main aspects in urban design is to choose the appropriate location for the dominant buildings because of its effect on the image ability, legibility and way finding in addition to the aesthetic aspect. Administration building of University has an important symbolic value through its main function and responsibility that includes managing of all components of the campus. The relationship between visual organization properties of administration building of University and the building location represents phenomena that lacks adequate research endeavors, despite its importance in organizing Campus site. So there is a need for a clear and precise vision of this relationship. Four universities were selected as case studies, include designed university as Baghdad University, and accumulatively grown universities as Mosul University, Cairo University and Kufa University. Visual analysis and space syntax approach were applied to determine and compare the visual attributes of administration buildings of Universities using relevant softwares. The study outcome showed some similar and different indicators among universities.