Urban morphology in North America: History and direction

Abstract

Urban morphology, named as such, is still undeveloped as a strategy for planning and urban design in North America. On the other hand, the New Urbanism and Smart Growth movements have much to gain from the use of urban morphology as an explicit and disciplined research method. In order to provide a clear path for adoption, this paper will exam how the application of various European-based urban morphology research data, interpretation and theories of change are different in North America. How do different conditions of form, particularly the era in which settlements were established, necessitate a different method and recognition of different types and patterns, and even dif-ferent Schools? Because North American researchers are interested with the rapid expansion of cities, the car-centric city, the need for a live-able configuration, and the disorder of most of the urban territory, a new kind of study is appropriate. This method is already arising, but not rigorously defined. The most common voices are those concerned with promoting a particular urban design solution, rather than examining the past or the existing fabrics. This leaves open a space for urban morphology to fill in.