1998 Volume 2.2
Editorial comment
After Versailles
Articles
The study of urban form in France
M. Darin {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF]
ABSTRACT: This paper reviews urban morphological research in France, mainly since the early 1970s within schools of architecture. Changes in the nature of the studies undertaken are discussed in relation to a number of contextual developments and earlier types of study: first, two historiographical traditions, namely the history of town planning and the topographical histories of individual cities; secondly, studies carried out in the first half of the century; and thirdly, research since the 1960s in disciplines other than architecture.
Taking measures across the medieval landscape: aspects of urban design before the Renaissance
K.D. Lilley {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF]
ABSTRACT: This paper considers the significance of geometrical knowledge and the role of surveying as influences on medieval town plans in Europe. Analyses of selected plans show signs that improvements in methods of measurement made it possible to lay out towns with greater accuracy from the mid-twelfth century onwards, and that surveying techniques based on practical and theoretical geometry were used to produce towns with orthogonal plans. It is suggested that orthogonal town plans had symbolic importance in the Middle Ages.
Authoritarian townscapes and laissez-faire change: understanding central Potsdam's built form
K. Arntz {+}Abstract [Full paper, PDF]
ABSTRACT: Townscapes created by authoritarian planning present particular challenges in subsequent periods of laissez-faire development. Largely the product of the visions of Prussian monarchs in the eighteenth century, what was to become the town centre of Potsdam was created according to internationally fashionable baroque precepts. In the later nineteenth century and early twentieth century its buildings were subjected to pressures for piecemeal change to accommodate new commercial functions and a rapidly growing population. As the grip of royal control slackened, the primary initiators of change were owner occupiers employing local builders. By the time legislation protecting the appearance of the town centre had been passed in 1923, practically all the houses had been modified, and a less harmonious townscape had been created. Consideration of changing attitudes over time contributes to an understanding of changes to historic townscapes, and can inform their future management.
Viewpoints
Space syntax as a research programme B. Hillier and J. Hanson
Gianfranco Caniggia: ten years after G. Strappa
Geographical urban morphology in Germany K. Arntz
Apropos a sounder philosophical basis for urban morphology M.R.G. Conzen
Reports
The 1998 ISUF Seminar I. Samuels
ISUF business meetings K.S. Kropf
International Medieval Congress K.D. Lilley
Tenth International Conference of Historical Geographers M.P. Conzen
Book reviews
Y. Takakashi, N. Yoshida, M. Miyamoto and T. Ito (eds) (1993) Zushuu Nohontoshishi S. Asano
G. Caniggia (G.L. Maffei, ed.) (1997) Ragionamenti di tipologia S. Malfroy
M. Körner (director) (1997) Historischer Städteatlas der Schweiz A. Simms
T. Hall (1997) Planning Europe's capital cities G. Fehl
C. de Seta (ed.) (1996) Citta d'Europa P.G. Gerosa
Notes and notices
- Computers in Urban Planning and Management
- ISUF Internet pages and e-mail lists
- ISUF 1999
- Second International Symposium on Space Syntax
- Ville Recherche Diffusion