A brief introduction to the field of Urban Morphology with a historical perspective on the evolution of London

1. URBAN MORPHOLOGY
A Brief History
&
London

2. MRG CONZEN
• Began the relatively new discipline in UK around 1968.
Alnwick, Northumberland
• Took inspiration from the Italians – Saverio Muratori,
Gianfranco Caniggia
• Luigi Candida (1959) – study of formal characteristics / process
of addition in Veneto rural houses
• Thus, carried out Study of plots (lots in US), streets and block
patterns right up to settlement patterns and its development
over the ages
• Now specifically called ‘Conzenian Urban Morphology’

3. Muratori – ‘operational history’ Source: saveriomuratori.blogspot
Source: monumentiaperti.com
Source: archiwatch.files.wordpress.com Source: flickrhivemind.net

4. Caniggia – town planning tool
Quinto, Genova
Source: google maps
Source: w3.uniroma1.it

5. Conzenian Morphology
Alnwick, Northumberland
•Subdivision of
plots
•Vennels & Yards
•Growth Rings /
Fringe Belt
•Burgage Plots
Source: google maps
Source: vitruvius.com.br
Source: let.rug.nl

6. London – Cities & Growth
•Queen Elizabeth I – Growth ring
Source: thestuartkings.tumblr.com
•Away from wind sweep
•Westwards

7. London – Roman
Source: stevewagner68.blogspot.com

8. London – Roman
Source: illustratedmaps.info
Source: museumoflondon.org.uk

9. London – the Great Fire 1666
Source: history.co.uk
Wren Proposed
Source: thestuartkings.tumblr.com
Wenceslaus Haslar - Cartographer
Extent of Destruction

10. London – Settlement & Thames
Jacob’s Island
Southwark & Bermonds’ey’ (1827)
•‘ey’ meant at one point an island
•Shifting shoreline changed landform
and hence settlement pattern
Source: pettardsofbermondsey.blogspot.com
Source: hsomerville.com

11. London – Settlement & Thames
Shifting Street
Pattern
Source: maps-of-london.com

12. London – Fleet River to Farringdon Road
Source: metafilter.com
Source: british-history.ac.uk

13. London – Modernisation & Industrialisation
Source: google maps
Liverpool Street
Angel, Islington