Morpho: a methodology for assessing urban form

Abstract

A methodology is proposed for assessing the physical form of urban areas. Termed morpho, it deals with fundamental elements of urban form: streets, plots and buildings. It includes seven assessment criteria: one for each of the elements individually; one for each relation between pairs of elements; and finally, one linking form and function. The application of this methodology provides a quantitative assessment of the ‘morphological basis’ of an urban area, identifying its strengths and weaknesses. It is argued that morpho can make an important contribution to urban research and practice.