Urban form index for quantitative urban morphology and urban design analyses

Abstract

As two sides of the same coin, understandings of urban morphology should lead to better urban design. The rising goal of urbanity in urban design requires deeper insights in urban morphological elements and their effects on urbanity. Nevertheless, qualitative-based and manual-based classical urban morphology cannot fulfil this need. Advances in quantitative morphological analysis tools and the widely use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) bring the new possibility towards addressing such need.

This study aims to develop a quantitative-based analysis, Urban Form Index, which is able to identify various prototypes of urban forms and their degrees of urbanity, thereby enhancing urban design practices. Urban Form Index is a combination of emerging quantitative analysis tools with qualitative urban morphology tradition. It integrates a set of spatial analysis tools including Space Syntax, Spacematrix, and Mixed-use index (MXI) through GIS to measure the morphological features of streets, buildings and blocks, and functions. This capacity of Urban Form Index in reflecting urbanity is preliminary tested through GPS tracking of the intensity of optional activities which works as a good proxy of urbanity.

Urban Form Index also helps in the understanding of inherent evolving logic of urban form. Based on the study in urban morphology, Urban Form Index could work as an analytical tool in many phases of the urban design process for promoting urbanity. Furthermore, morphology-led understandings of urban design theory can inform urban design practices. This study attempts to introduce quantitative thinking into urban morphology and urban design to help to develop a lively built environment and pursue more vibrant place-making.