Abstract

Abstract: The presentation discusses methods of investigating urban growth patterns illustrated with a number of case studies from the UK, USA and Europe. These studies rely on detailed historical data to reconstruct the physical evolution of metropolitan areas over extended periods of time with unusually high level of spatial and temporal resolution. The objective of this research is to understand the main forces shaping the patterns of urban growth. The findings provide support for a hypothesis that the spatial relationships between land uses and the physical environment are remarkably consistent through time. This conclusion suggests the existence of an underlying “genetic code” of urban growth, which determines the spatial signature of land development regardless of the specifics of historical context. The idea outlines a promising path for improving the effectiveness of public policies aimed at managing urban development.

Biography: Kiril Stanilov holds degrees in architecture, urban planning and urban design. Prior to joining the ReVISIONS team, he was an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati and a Marie Curie fellow at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, UCL . His research interests are centred on explorations of contemporary patterns of urban growth and change, and the evolution of urban form.