FIGURE 4

Conceptual representation of the impacts on the local level (three geometric shapes denoting three settlements) by proscriptive meta-principles, and by prescriptive imposed laws. The diagram on the left represents a settlement's ability to respond freely to local conditions and requirements, but restrained by an overarching set of meta-principles. This would result in settlements that are diverse in their physical form and exhibit distinct local identity. The diagram on the right represents how prescriptions from a top-down central authority, far removed from a locality, inhibits creative solutions to local problems. Over time the settlements would tend to become similar to each other. Drawing by the author.