¹Department of Architecture, University of Strathclyde, 131 Rottenrow, Glasgow G4 0NG, UK. E-mail: ombretta.r.romice@strath.ac.uk

Correspondence: Fei Chen, E-mail: fei.chen@strath.ac.uk

Abstract

This paper analyses the historical process of transformation of the urban blocks, plots and building fabrics in Suzhou, China from the tenth century to the present day using a typomorphological approach, and offers some design suggestions for urban designers and policy-makers based on the examination of the local context. The study aims to propose the western typormorphological concept in Chinese urban design, to maintain local cultural identity in an era of rapid globalisation. The study reveals that typormorphology is an effective tool to solve the current problems in urban developments, and should be adopted in both the urban analysis and urban design of Chinese cities.