URBAN FORM AND FUNCTION

FLAT

HILLY

CITIES WITHIN NATURE

CITIES AND NATURE

NATURE WITHIN CITIES

A large circle with radial corridors of intense development emanating from the center.

Radiocentric

Plaza Del Ejecutivo, Mexico City, Mexico

Radiocentric

usually with two corridors of intense development crossing the center, usually found in small cities rather than in large.

Rectilinear

Barcelona, Spain

Rectilinear

radiocentric form with open spaces between the outreaching corridors of development

Star

Palmanova, Northeast Italy

Star

a city build around a large open space

Ring

Arc De Triomphe, Paris, France

Ring

usually the result of natural topography which restricts growth, may also be a transportation spine.

Linear

Volgograd, Russia

Linear

a linear span with connecting arms

Branch

a vast urban area with little or no articulation

Sheet

a sheet accented by one or more central clusters and several subclusters

Articulated Sheet

a series of nearly equal-sized cities in close proximity

Constellation

constellation of cities around a main center

Satellite

Outlying Routes

• can approach architecture or cities in many ways

• traverse the countryside in many ways.

Approach Routes

• a clear route with its own strength of character aids orientation

• The foreground of a city should reinforce a view, not distract from it.

Economic

• A basic and continuing function. The city acts as a producer and marketplace

• Locating cities at strategic points is important for the exchange of goods.

Defense & Protection

• Historic urban functions of the city, though quite obsolete at present

• Cities were once built to withstand sieges from migrating tribes or frequent raids from enemies.

Worship and Government

• The prime function of the city throughout history

• Cities were built around temples, shrines, and pyramids in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome.

• The medieval cathedral was the center of the city, as were renaissance palaces and castles.

Transportation

• Greatly influences the location of cities since they are dependent on geography

• New means of transportation have enabled people to live in much larger more spread out cities.

Education and Culture

• Cities have always been the seat of academy and scholarship and are a continuing function.

• Due to the diversity of people, ideas, jobs, etc. the city is seen as an educator.

• Ancient theaters, religious festivals, city beautification, etc. are a reflection of cultural pride.

Housing

• The largest and simplest function of a city