Author: Kostof Spiro
Place: London
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Year: 2001
Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-0-500-28099-7
Subject: Urbanisation
Sub-Subject: Urban Development
Keyword: Urban Development, Urban Pattern
Classification: 711.4
Shelf: C1R5
Accession No: B203
Contents: Acknowledgments Introduction 1- Organic Patterns 2- The Grid 3- The City As Diagram 4- The Grand Manner 5- The Urban Skyline Notes Bibliography Acknowledgments for Illustrations Index
Abstract: The City Shaped: Urban Patterns and Meanings Through History examines the evolution of urban design through key spatial patterns. It explores organic city growth, highlighting natural, unplanned development, and contrasts this with the structured grid system emphasizing order and functionality. The book analyzes the city as a diagram, reflecting political and ideological ideas, and the grand manner, which creates monumental urban symbolism. It also considers the urban skyline as a modern identity marker. Combining historical examples, architectural theory, and urban morphology, the book reveals how urban forms embody cultural meanings, power dynamics, and societal values throughout history.