Exploration of the Typomorphology Technique in Urban Design

Perhaps the most central topic in the field of urban design is urban form. In this regard, many theories have been presented to explore and explain this concept, but few of them presented useful techniques for analyzing it and making it an applicable one. In other word, although the need for a close relation between knowledge of urban form and its application in urban design is evident, the nature and application of this relationship is more important. In this article, it is explained that morphological studies in urban planning and design can solve this problem and employ the urban form in analysis and preparation of urban design proposals. Urban morphology as an interdisciplinary field has grown rapidly in last 3 decades. The ideas developed by M.R.G. Conzen have provided a basis for conceptual reconstruction of the urban development process and regionalization of the urban form. This is reflected in the increasing number of related researches in a wide variety of geographical regions, new theoretical advances and attempts to strengthen the contribution of research in urban morphology to the practice of planning and design. According to literature review, typomorphology technique is explored as an applicable useful technique in urban morphological studies. This technique is defined as one that utilizes appropriate morphology elements to divide the urban tissue to uniformed parts in a proper and applicable resolution according to projects’ goals. Apart from its intrinsic importance, it is argued that typomorphology is a fundamental technique in two main stages as following:•Urban form analysis: Analysis helps to establish why things look and operate the way they do. One of the most obstacles in urban form analysis is multiplicity of elements that harden the formation of holistic perception of urban fabric. Typomorphology technique enables urban designers to get rid of individual elements and think to the urban fabric holistically. Moreover, this technique helps them in recognizing the identity elements of urban form and applying them in design process.•Preparation of new urban design proposals: Preparation of guidelines and development codes based on typomorphology is a way of imbedding planning and urban design decisions within the context of the existing city in a systematic and flexible way. Working within the existing typologies also accelerates the process of urban improvement. Also this technique guides urban designers to a more context sensitive design process. Therefore, in preparation of design guideline and development codes, typomorphology technique can lead to make design decisions according to the urban character and identity.In the next part, this article presents three tables that include ingredients and criteria, output and application of typomophological technique in triple scale. At last of this article, Farahzad neighborhood is analyzed typomophological technique.