2011 Volume 15.2
Editorial comment
Learning the language of urban morphology
Articles
City models in theory and practice: a cross-cultural perspective
E. Ehlers {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 18MB]
ABSTRACT: A range of models of urban form are examined in a cross-cultural perspective. Without claiming comprehensiveness and based largely on the findings of German-speaking researchers, it is argued that there are a number of models of urban form that serve as useful descriptive representations of particular cultural and historical conditions. However, such models are for the most part applicable to the historical urban fabric of a pre-globalized world and are of limited value outside the historical cores of traditional towns and cities.
Berlin and London: two cultures and two kinds of urban squares
G. Fehl {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 0.1MB]
ABSTRACT: The contrasting planning cultures that gave rise to urban squares in London and Berlin in the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries are explored. The differences reflect the different roles played by king or state, the different types of interaction between landowners, builders and their clientele, the different origins of financial resources invested in urban development, the different forms of land tenure and ways of disposing of land for urbanization, and the significance of different ‘conceptual paradigms’ concerning urban open space. In London the concept of rus in urbe entailed primarily the upgrading of a marketable urban product (plots and dwellings), whereas in Berlin the conventional notion of public space related to a ‘representative public stage’ provided by a monarch and serving primarily his own glorification.
Drawing lines on maps: morphological regions and planning practices
P. J. Larkham and N. Morton {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 10MB]
ABSTRACT: The delimitation of morphological regions is a fundamental research activity, particularly for those urban morphologists with geographical backgrounds. Delimitations reflect the origin, development and modification of the urban forms being considered and the different methods of delimitation employed. Clear rationales for the decisions on precisely where to draw boundary lines are sometimes lacking. This paper explores regions and boundaries, drawing upon evidence from a range of studies using detailed measurements derived from digital mapping to assist discussion of differences within and between areas. It also reviews applications of such boundarydrawing processes to contemporary planning issues, including ‘character areas’ and conservation, using work undertaken for local planning authorities in the English Midlands.
Review article: Cities and design rules: an architect's approach
H. Tieben [Full paper, PDF, 0.1MB]
Viewpoints
Italian urban morphology: the geographical perspective of Umberto Toschi E. Ravazzoli
Urbanism, politics and language: the role of urban morphology K. Kropf
Glossaries and dictionaries of urban morphology T. Marat-Mendes
[Viewpoints, PDF]
Reports
ISUF President’s Report M. P. Conzen
Portuguese Network of Urban Morphology V. Oliveira
Spatial technologies and the medieval city K. D. Lilley
[Reports, PDF]
Book reviews
L. Radvan (2010) At Europe’s borders W. Boerefijn
M. Folin (ed.) (2010) Rappresentare la città M. Maretto
E. Firley and C. Stahl (2009) Urban housing handbook B. Jia
R. F. Gatje (2010) Great public squares I. Morley
M. Braga (2010) O concurso de Brasília R. L. Rego
F. Jankó, J. Kücsán and K. Szende (2010) Hungarian atlas of historic towns D. Stracke
D. Vale (2010) Sustainable urban form, accessibility and travel M. Cunha Matos
A. Kusno (2010) The appearance of memory T. U. Atmoko
[Book reviews, PDF]
Book notes
[Book notes, PDF]
Notes and notices
- ISUF Conference 2012
- Society of Architectural Historians
- Heritage 2012
- Cutting into the substance of urban form
- The myth of tradition
- Cities and societies in comparative perspective
- Eighth International Space Syntax Symposium
- Urban transformations: booms, busts and other catastrophes
- Approaches in urban morphology
- Cities, nations and regions in planning history
- Urban coding and planning