architecture + infrastructure consultants for real property • expert services

Space analytics uses technically superior tools to analyze architecture and infrastructure in their real estate context. Our approach combines scientific methods, hands-on experience, and in-depth knowledge. In addition to the skilled use of analog and digital data sources, ongoing research & development and effective written, oral and graphic communication, we rely on two principal techniques and bodies of knowledge described below.

We conduct a in-depth competitive and management analysis on several levels. For example, in the case of a shopping center, confidential interviews of store managers and owners identify preferences, perceptions, attitiudes and facts about signage, traffic flow (in, out and circulating), parking and maintenance and other physical factors affecting CAM charges and other revenue and cost. Data are developed on tenant mix patterns and how these relate to demographics, sales by segment (food, general merchandise, etc.), the market area and other stores in it.

We study brokerage relationships by interviewing local brokers on information availability, working with landlord reps, acquiring information on leases, pricing, CAM charges, web site, LOIs, etc. We analyze other centers within the appropriate competitive radius to understand factors affecting tenant mix and related conditions and ownership. These are put into a larger context that considers local and national trends, policies and technologies.

Diagnosis of spatial and visual configurations

Shape-networkTM analysis is a proven, innovative approach to modeling built patterns. It is a rigorous and unobtrusive process that decomposes a configuration like a floor plan, site plan or elevation into underlying shapes and then transforms these shapes into a network enabling quantitative and graphic analysis. Derived from communication theory and qualitative reasoning, it is one of a class of methods using discrete geometry that have been scientifically verified and court tested. Shape-network methods provide clear evidence of differences — before-after; functional-dysfunctional; total-partial; ours-theirs; standard-substandard — useful in making economic, social and cultural comparisons.

Shape-networks can be applied to exterior contexts to refine location/site analyses. Shape-network analysis will help diagnose a layout to identify weaknesses affecting a variety of performance outcomes and will show how to configure interior spaces to optimize productivity and exterior spaces to make them lively and attractive. It will help identify informational regularities and irregularities in visual patterns and show these can be perceived. The difference between this approach and conventional analytic approaches in these areas is the difference between an MRI and an x-ray image. A brief example is in this pdf.

Design forecasts

Along with quantitative and qualitative techniques, shape-networks help forecast supply-side evolution patterns and compare them to trends and determine their impacts on function and utility. Many buildings and site arrangements become obsolete long before they significantly deteriorate. As a result, gaps between trends and any piece of real estate’s ability to map onto the trend begin to appear.

Recent books like Nudge and Irrational Exuberance indicate that classic rational decision-making models leave important parts of reality somewhere in economic and financial wonderland. Real estate and real estate decisions frame and are framed by psychological, cultural and social factors rarely accounted for in classic economic or financial frameworks.

The growth of behavioral economics, neuroeconomics and behavioral finance recognizes the inability of traditional financial economics to account for decision-making contexts. Knowing these behavioral contexts assists in addressing issues such as latent conditions, foreseeability, habituation, dysfunctionality, counter-factuality and obsolescence.

Failing to grasp how buildings and places shape preferences and decisions can have unfortunate economic and financial consequences affecting acquisition, due diligence, location, pricing, design, and other aspects of portfolio management.