2014 Volume 18.2
Editorial comment
The changing face of urban morphology: achievements and challenges
Articles
Quantitative tools in urban morphology: combining space syntax, spacematrix and mixed-use index in a GIS framework
Y. Ye and A. van Nes {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 56MB]
ABSTRACT: A spatial modelling method is presented that utilizes a Geographical
Information System (GIS) to combine the analyses of three constituent elements of
urban form recognized by M. R. G. Conzen. The aim is to produce a spatial
classification system for various types of urban areas, and reveal how they perform
socio-economically. In the proposed method, space syntax, spacematrix, and mixed-use
index (MXI) are used to assess street-network integration, building density, and
land-use mixture. These elements are incorporated into a single framework. The
validity of the method is initially tested through human behaviour records based on
Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking. The method is then used in a comparison
of the various spatial parameters of three new towns and one old town in the
Netherlands. The results show that the old town has higher values of streetnetwork
integration, building density, and land-use mixture than the new towns. The method
functions well as a diagnostic tool for suggesting ways of improving socio-economic
performance in urban areas. For example a spatial diagnosis can be made for new towns
suffering from a lack of vibrant street life. The method helps to reveal the
interdependences of street-network integration, building density, and land-use mixture
in urban transformation processes.
The study of urban form in Brazil
S. de A. Pereira Costa and M. C. V. Teixeira {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 0.1MB]
ABSTRACT: In exploring the multidisciplinary development of urban morphology
as a field of knowledge in Brazil, this paper is an outgrowth from an earlier
contribution to this journal. The main aspects considered are the antecedents
of urban morphology in the colonial era and early decades of independence;
the pioneering work of sociologists and historians in the inter-war period; the
influence of modernist thinking; the contribution of urban design courses; and
the significance of the ISUF Conference held in Ouro Preto in 2007. The main
characteristics and methodological foundations of studies produced in the
fields of geography, architecture and urbanism are considered. The breadth
of urban morphology and the challenge of stimulating further research are
underlined.
The evolution of residential buildings and urban tissues in Guangzhou, China: morphological and typological perspectives
Y. Li and P. Gauthier {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF, 23MB]
ABSTRACT: Based on the typological theories and methods of the Italian school,
a fresh perspective on urban morphological studies in China is presented. A
case study of the Guangfunan area – a suburb immediately west of the old city
wall of Guangzhou, China – utilizes contemporary and historical cartographic
sources, data collected during an extensive field survey, and secondary
sources. The evolution of residential forms and urban tissues from 1840
onward is characterized. After distinguishing significant relationships between
tissue configurations, inherited geomorphological conditions and old
settlement patterns, and identifying architectural types and their variants, a
morphogenetic process is revealed in which urbanization and densification
give rise to a series of residential forms derived from one another. Spontaneous
and purposeful building practices respond both to geographically bounded conditions
and constraints and potential for change ingrained in the morphological system.
Review article: Form-based planning and liveable urban environments
M. Guaralda [Full paper, PDF, 0.1MB]
Viewpoints
Sustainable urbanism: the role of urban morphology M. Maretto
Open space and urban morphology L. Han, Z. Xu and L. Wang
The morphological basis of practice: learning from doing V. Oliveira and C. Monteiro
Interlacing urban morphology and design studio education: the time is ripe W. McClure
Urban morphology: inside and outside the discipline H. Davis
Roman Alnwick: to be or not to be? G. Cataldi
[Viewpoints, PDF]
Reports
ISUF President’s Report G. Cataldi
Twenty-First International Seminar on Urban Form, Porto, Portugal, July 2014 I. Morley
ISUF business meetings, Porto, Portugal, July 2014 S. M. Whitehand
Turkish Network of Urban Morphology: Foundation Workshop T. Ünlü
Portuguese-Language Network of Urban Morphology: Report V. Oliveira
[Reports, PDF]
Book reviews
G. Strappa (ed.) (2005) Edilizia per il culto: chiese, moschee, sinagoghe, strutture cimiteriali A. Camiz
M. Maretto (2012) Saverio Muratori: a legacy in urban design G. Cataldi
S. Angel, J. Parent, D. L. Civo and A. M. Blei (2012) Atlas of urban expansion I. Morley
N. Christie and O. Creighton (2013) Transforming townscapes. From burh to borough: the archaeology of Wallingford AD800-1400 T. Scrase
T. Günzelmann (ed.) (2012) Bamberg: Stadtdenkmal und Denkmallandschaft A. Simms
[Book reviews, PDF]
Book notes
[Book notes, PDF]
Notes and notices
- Tenth International Space Syntax Symposium
- Journal of Space Syntax
- Change of Book Review Editor
- ISUF 2015: City as organism: new visions for urban life
- Planning for sustainable urban form
- Award of Life Membership of ISUF
- New urban configurations
- CHeriScape