MORFOLOGÍA URBANA. TIPOS DE PLANOS

Urban morphology is the shape of buildings and their distribution in urban space. It can be partially known by walking around the city, but to fully understand it, we need to refer to urban plans or aerial photographs.

The three key elements for analyzing the morphology of a city are the layout of streets, the types of buildings, and the functions of streets. These elements can be examined through urban plans and aerial photography.

Streets' layout, including their width, straightness, and irregularities, provides insights into the history and development of a city. Street layout is less flexible to change compared to buildings.

The predominant types of buildings in a city offer clues about its history and architectural style. Direct observation of buildings is crucial to analyze construction materials, height, and design elements.

Functions assigned to streets and buildings in different urban zones create distinct urban landscapes. Commercial, residential, and industrial areas have unique characteristics based on their functions.

Different city layouts correspond to various historical periods, reflecting changes in urban planning over time. Observing street patterns in a city enables the identification of different geometric forms associated with different eras.

Irregular city layouts lack a predetermined plan and often result in narrow, winding streets. These layouts are common in older cities where buildings were constructed without a systematic urban design approach.

Orthogonal city layouts feature straight street lines intersecting at right angles, creating a grid pattern. This structured layout allows for easy parcel division and infrastructure development.

Radiocentric city layouts are centered around a focal point, typically a square or plaza, with streets radiating out like spokes of a wheel. This layout is common in medieval cities.

Linear city layouts are elongated and often develop along a major communication route. Communication between different city zones may be challenging due to the linear layout.