Spatial Organization in Urban Design

A city is comprised of elements, which generate its internal activity patterns. Such interactions culminate in the integration of urban elements creating the spatial order recognized by citizens. Content and meaning of urban elements and their interaction requires a spatial configuration, which creates and enhances urban identity. Each urban space has its specific spatial character. Visual qualities of built and natural elements as well as spatial configuration create this special spatial identity. Different urban design experts have treated this concept of spatial organization under diverse titles, such as ‘urban armature’. Urban armature defines an urban configuration of civic buildings, urban and green spaces, access network, monuments, etc. of a special locality. Thus, urban armature is a tool for analysis of spatial organization. A city experiences evolution processes while transforming from towns to cities and from cities to metropolises: its spatial organization evolves over time, while many of its elements gradually change. In this process, the town forms the central area of the bigger city. Nevertheless, insufficient management of urban evolution leads to a discordant change of elements, resulting in a chaotic urban configuration of the urban core.