URBAN FORM AND

FUNCTIONS
PLANNING 2
WHAT IS URBAN FORM?
Urban form refers to the-
• Physical layout and design of the city
• Spatial imprint of an urban transport system
• Adjacent physical infrastructures
Jointly, they confer a level of spatial arrangement to cities.

• Urban form or city form defined as-

“The spatial pattern of human activities at a certain point in time”.
LANDFORM

• Topography
• Relationship with nature; cities within nature, cities
and nature, nature within city
SHAPE
 RADIOCENTRIC
• a large circle with radial
corridors of intense
development emanating from
the center
 RECTILINEAR
• usually with two corridors of intense
development crossing the center; usually
found in small cities rather than in large.
STAR
Radiocentric form with open
spaces between the outreaching
corridors of development
 RING
• A city built around a
large open space
 LINEAR
• Usually the result of natural
topography which restricts
growth; may also be a
transportation spine
 BRANCH
• A linear span with connecting arms
 SHEET
• A vast urban area with little or no articulation
 ARTICULATED SHEET
• A sheet accented by one or more central clusters and several subclusters
CONSTELLATION
• a series of nearly equal sized cities in close
proximity
 SATELLITE
• constellation of cities around a main center
CITY FUNCTIONS
Economic
• A basic and continuing function.The city acts as producers and marketplaces
• Locating cities at strategic points is important for the exchange of goods

Defense and Protection

• Historic urban functions of the city, though quite obsolete at present
• Cities were once built to withstand sieges from migrating tribes, or frequent raids from
enemies

Worship and Government

• The prime function of the city throughout history
• Cities were built around temples, shrines, and pyramids in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome
• The medieval cathedral was the center of the city, as were renaissance palaces and castles
TRANSPORTATION
• Greatly influences the location of cities since they are dependent on geography
• New means of transportation have enabled people to live in much larger more spread out
cities

EDUCATION AND CULTURE

• Cities have always been the seat of academy and scholarship and is a continuing function
• Due to the diversity of people, ideas, jobs, etc., the city is seen as an educator.
• Ancient theaters, religious festivals, city beautification, etc. is a reflection of cultural pride.

Housing
• The largest and simplest function of a city
• Through the years, housing functions of the inner city have shifted to outlying area