Skip to main content
Log in

Identifying trends in masterplanning: A typological classification system

  • Original Article
  • Published:
URBAN DESIGN International Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This article reports research carried out to develop a new typological method for the analysis of masterplans. This quantitative method of analysis can be used to produce comparative data that will help in the comparison of urban design typologies and their development over time. This article sets out the research to date, describing how the initial aims have developed from simple analysis to the creation of an analytical tool with wide applications. Comprising a detailed taxonomy of urban design features gathered from a wide database of recent and emerging masterplans, the system provides opportunities for further study such as trends, qualitative comparison against quantitative measurement, and comparison of aims and outcomes. This article will describe the methodology and process of research, while elaborating on the potential of the tool.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alexander, C. (1987) A New Theory of Urban Design. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baer, W.C. (1997) General plan evaluation criteria: An approach to making better plans. Journal of the American Planning Association 63 (3): 329–345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berk, P. and Godschalk, D.R. (2009) Searching for the good plan: A meta-analysis of plan quality studies. Journal of Planning Literature 23 (3): 227–240.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bentley, I., Alcock, A., Murrain, P., McGlynn, S. and Smith, G. (1985) Responsive Environments: A Manual for Designers. London: Architectural Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bobic, M. and Urhahn, G.B. (1994) A Pattern Image – A Typological Tool for Quality in Urban Planning. Bussum, North Holland: THOTH Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Broadbent, G. (1990) Emerging Concepts in Urban Space Design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Caniggia, G. and Maffei, G.L. (2001) Architectural Composition and Building Typology. Florence: Alinea.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conzen, M.R.G. (1960) Alnwick, Northumberland: A Study in Town-Plan Analysis. Institute of British Geographers Publication 27. London: George Philip.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cullen, G. (1961) The Concise Townscape. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cuthbert, A.R. (2007) Urban design: requiem for an era – review and critique of the last 50 years. Urban Design International 12 (4): 177–223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duany, Plater-Zyberk & Co. (2001) The Lexicon of the New Urbanism.

  • Gosling, D. and Maitland, B. (1984) Concepts of Urban Design. London and New York: Academy Editions.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hillier, B. and Hanson, J. (1984) The Social Logic of Space. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, J. (1961) The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York: Random House.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser, E.J. and Godschalk, D.R. (1995) Twentieth century land use planning: A stalwart family tree. Journal of the American Planning Association 61 (3): 365–385.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Katz, P. (1993) The New Urbanism: Toward an Architecture of Community. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kostof, S. (1991) The City Shaped – Urban Patterns and Meanings Throughout History. London: Thames & Hudson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kostof, S. (1999) The City Assembled – The Elements of Urban form Through History. London: Thames & Hudson.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krier, R. (1979) Urban Space. London: Academy Editions.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koetter, F. and Rowe, C. (1979) Collage City. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laurian, L. et al (2007) Evaluating plan implementation: A conformance-based methodology. Journal of the American Planning Association 70 (4): 471–480.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Llewellyn Davies & English Partnerships. (2007) The Urban Design Compendium 1 and 2. London: English Partnerships.

  • Lynch, K. (1960) The Image of the City. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lynch, K. (1981) A Theory of Good City Form. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, S. (2005) Streets and Patterns. London: Spon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • McClusky, J. (1992) Roadform and Townscape. London: Reed International Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sitte, C. (1965[1889]) City Planning According to Artistic Principles. London: Phaidon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trancik, R. (1986) Finding Lost Space: Theories of Urban Design. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Unwin, R. (1909) Town Planning in Practice: An Introduction to the Art of Designing Cities and Suburbs. London: T.F.Unwin.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Claire Jamieson.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Adam, R., Jamieson, C. Identifying trends in masterplanning: A typological classification system. Urban Des Int 19, 274–290 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1057/udi.2013.24

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/udi.2013.24

Keywords

Navigation