2015 Volume 19.1
Editorial comment
Seeking an integrated approach to urban form: tasks ahead
Articles
Morphogenetic analysis of architectural elements within the townscape
P. S. Sanders and S. A. Woodward {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 24MB 
]
ABSTRACT: When a new form is inserted in an existing townscape, its
consonance within the urban fabric is dependent on the level of attention paid
to the evaluation and management of its architectural elements. However,
despite the established principles and methods of urban morphology that
enable the systematic analysis of the built environment, a formula for ensuring
that new development relates to its context so as to achieve congruent
outcomes is still lacking. This paper proposes a new method of evaluating and
measuring architectural elements within evolving urban forms, with particular
emphasis on a three-dimensional study of buildings. In a case study, detailed
mapping of both current and past forms provides the basis for evincing
predominant characteristics that have changed over time. Using this method,
it is possible to demonstrate objectively how the townscape has been affected
through changes in its architectural configuration.
The fringe-belt concept and planned new towns: a Brazilian case study
K. S. Meneguetti and S. de A. Pereira Costa {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 20MB ]
ABSTRACT: There is a degree of consensus about the theoretical foundations
underpinning the fringe-belt concept, but relevant empirical research carried
out in different cultural contexts still raises important questions. In this paper
the methodology of the British urban morphology school is applied in a
planned new town in Brazil in order to draw comparisons. The identification
of fringe belts in Maringá city confirms the validity of the methodology. The
planned city configuration may be compared to the formation of ancient walled
cities, attesting the strength of fixation lines in the creation of inner fringe
belts. Middle and outer fringe belts are more fragmented. This difference is
partly related to the fact that the time-span over which these fringe belts have
been formed is very short.
Urban morphological processes in China: a Conzenian approach
J. Zhang {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 1.2MB ]
ABSTRACT: The method of plan analysis developed by M. R. G. Conzen is
employed in part of the core of Guangzhou, China. Though the main concern
is with the urban ground plan, links are made to two other interdependent
components of the townscape or urban landscape: building fabric and land
use. Physical changes in the townscape are divided into morphological stages
between feudal times and the present day. The geographical structure of the
built-up area is explained in terms of morphogenetic types of plan units that
express key facets of economic and social processes. Analysis of the processes
underlying the development of a specific small area contributes to a wider body
of knowledge of Chinese urban form. This perspective is distinct from that
developed by historians and architects investigating Chinese urban form.
The longevity of Persian urban form: Maibud from late antiquity to the fifteenth century
E. Esfanjary {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 26MB ]
ABSTRACT: Urban morphology has developed mainly in Europe, where a wealth
of historical maps, plans and other records exist. Such documents are
comparatively rare in most Iranian cities. But the history of these cities over
thousands of years is embodied in their urban development. This paper
explores the morphological development of the medium-sized Persian city of
Maibud, giving particular attention to its street pattern. The types of street
patterns are the twisting alley, the orthogonal pattern and the geometric
system. Each is linked to a phase of history, and together they connect late
antiquity to the early modern city. The overlapping of the first two of these
types of patterns is where the Jami) mosque was erected and the early Islamic
hub developed. This suggests a zone of transition between the pre-Islamic and
Islamic periods. These street patterns are fundamental to the process of early
Islamic development of the region.
A comparative study of urban form
V. Oliveira, C. Monteiro and J. Partanen {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 25MB ]
ABSTRACT: This paper compares four different approaches to urban
morphology: historico-geographical, process typological, space syntax, and
spatial analytical. It explores in particular the use of four fundamental
concepts proposed in these approaches: morphological region, typological
process, spatial configuration, and cell. The four concepts are applied in a
traditional gateway area of the city of Porto, Portugal. The area includes
considerable variety of urban form. The main purpose is to understand how
to combine and co-ordinate these approaches so as to improve the description,
explanation and prescription of urban form.
Viewpoints
Urban morphology as a framework programme for research A. Niković
The recent economic downturn and fringe-belt creation in Reykjavík, Iceland S. Kristjánsdóttir
Further thoughts on research and practice in urban morphology: a British perspective M. Barke
An urban morphological bible? A view from China X. Xiong
Research and practice: a Finnish retrospective M. Kirjakka
[Viewpoints, PDF ]
Reports
Planning for sustainable urban form, Karlskrona, November 2014 S. M. Whitehand
Urban morphology and design, ISUF Italia, Rome, November 2014 G. Strappa
Eighteenth General Assembly of ICOMOS, Florence, November 2014 A. Sinding-Larsen
[Reports, PDF ]
Book reviews
C. D. Coelho (ed.) (2013) Os elementos urbanos F. Dufaux
W. Wu and P. Gaubatz (2013) The Chinese city K. Gu
P. J. Larkham and M. P. Conzen (eds) (2014) Shapers of urban form: explorations in morphological agency P. Gauthier
F. Tonkiss (2013) Cities by design: the social life of urban form S. M. Bussiere
Y. Tian, K. Gu and W. Tao (eds) (2014) Urban morphology, architectural typology and cities in transition J. Chen
[Book reviews, PDF ]
Book notes
[Book notes, PDF ]
Notes and notices
- First PNUM workshop on urban morphology
- Obituary: Mariusz Kulesza, 1950-2014
- ISUF 2016: Urban morphology and the resilient city
- ISUF 2015: City as organism: new visions for urban life
- Meeting of the Council of ISUF
- Elections to the Council of ISUF
