2016 Volume 20.1
Editorial comment
Recent changes in urban morphology
Articles
The epistemology of urban morphology
B. C. Scheer {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 3.2MB
]
ABSTRACT: A very broad conceptual diagram of the epistemology of the field
of urban morphology is provided as a first step to illustrating the potential
connections between different schools of thought. A study of the methods
of generating knowledge in this field shows that there are many conceptual
and methodological practices that are shared. This shared epistemology can
become a basis for comparing the kinds of theories and knowledge generated
by different schools of thought. The methods used, the bases for judging their
validity, and the scope of enquiries are considered. A systematic definition
of the elements that morphologists use for their interpretations is proposed.
Muratorian urban morphology: the walled city of Ahmedabad
M. Maretto and N. Scardigno {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 15MB
]
ABSTRACT: This paper investigates the complexity of the urban fabric, from
the urban scale to the building and neighbourhood scale, by using the
concepts and tools of urban morphology according to the Muratorian School.
Specifically, basic concepts such as ‘urban polarities’, ‘routes hierarchical
system’ and ‘building neighbourhood’ are used. They are deployed in the
walled city of Ahmedabad, India, which has a rich architectural heritage
clearly recognizable in Indo-Islamic monuments and particularly in
aggregative structures called pols.
The study of urban form in the Netherlands
N. Marzot, R. Cavallo and S. Komossa {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 2MB
]
ABSTRACT: The study of urban form in the Netherlands has been heavily
influenced by the Modern Movement and characterized by strong
disciplinary specialization. On the one hand there is the distinction between
art and engineering and on the other the search for instrumental universal
rationality. This helps to explain the increasing interest, initially within
academe, in the first English and German translations of some outstanding
works of Italian researchers, who were at the time already acting as leaders
in new perspectives in the fields of urban form and architecture. In keeping
with the Dutch practical attitude, these investigations contributed to
urban developments of the post-industrial era, beginning at the end of the
1970s. Today much of the study of urban form entails investigation of how
global trends affect local systems and how local systems can be improved
by analysing best practices. In that respect the Netherlands has been able
to establish a leading role in contemporary architecture that is widely
recognized within Europe.
A double urban life cycle: the case of Rome
G. Cataldi {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 10MB
]
ABSTRACT: Rome is distinguished from the large majority of cities by the
double life cycle of its long history. In this paper attention is focused on
the permanent substratum structures that ensured ‘continuity in change’
during this city’s transition from Antiquity to the Middle Ages: for the
Muratorian school this is the basic principle of ‘cyclic law’ that regulates
the life and history of the city. In Rome this phenomenon of rebirth is
particularly clear: the basic buildings of the medieval city, attracted by
the new religious centre of the Vatican, were located spontaneously in the
planned fabric of the imperial special buildings in Campo Marzio. On
an urban scale, this implemented the ‘medievalization process’ theorized
by Gianfranco Caniggia, following Saverio Muratori’s studies of Rome’s
urban history.
Viewpoints
Johannes Fritz and the origins of urban morphology A. Simms
Muratori or Rossi? A Chinese perspective H. Deng
Does the typological process help to build a sense of place D. Gokce and F. Chen
The study of urban form and disasters: an opportunity for risk reduction M. Montejano-Castillo
Urban morphology and energy: progress and prospects M. Silva, V. Oliveira and V. Leal
[Viewpoints, PDF
]
Reports
Second International Seminar on Urban Spaces, Krakow, 2015 A. A. Kantarek
First Symposium of the Turkish Network of Urban Morphology, Mersin, 2015 T. Ünlü
Twenty-Second International Seminar on Urban Form, Rome, 2015 H. Neis
ISUF business meetings, 2015 S. M. Whitehand
[Reports, PDF
]
Book reviews
F. Wu (2015) Planning for growth: urban and regional planning in China F. Song, L. Ningting and Y. Dai
A-M. Châtelet, M. Denès and C. Mazzoni (2014) La ville parfaitement imparfaite P. Gauthier
G. Strappa (2014) L’architettura come processo: il mondo plastico murario in divenire F. Dufaux
A. Simms and H. B. Clarke (eds) (2015) Lords and towns in medieval Europe: the European Historic Towns Atlas Project C. M. Hewitt
A. M. Ramos (2011) El efecto Cerdà. Ensanches mayores y menores S. P. Fernandes
[Book reviews, PDF
]
Book notes
[Book notes, PDF
]
Notes and notices
- Meeting of the Council of ISUF
- ISUF Conference 2016
- ISUF 2017: City and territory in a global era
- Journal of Space Syntax
- Journal of Urbanism
- Second PNUM Workshop
- Cutting into the substance of urban form
- Understanding historic towns