Description
Book SynopsisIn this superbly illustrated book Xiaofei Chen presents the first analysis in English of a ubiquitous East Asian urban phenomenon: the supergrid and superblock urban structure. The book opens with an introductory essay by Barrie Shelton in which he sets the scene for what is to follow, emphasizing how alien this structure was to Western urban design culture where radial patterns of development were the norm. Then, in her first chapter, Chen explains the make-up of the supergrid and superblock urban structure and its contrasting Chinese and Japanese forms. In the following three chapters she digs deep into the history, cultural origins, and underlying design philosophy of the supergrid and superblock to show how, under different cultural influences, the model has developed into two distinct forms. Two further chapters (5 and 6) provide detailed analysis of two sample superblocks in China (in Xiâan and Nanjing) and two in Japan (in Kyoto and Osaka) to reveal the relative advantages an
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‘The classic urban morphological studies tell us not only about the particular places they scrutinize but tend to say something enduring about urban form and society more generally. Supergrid and Superblock is a welcome addition to join the classics and should give both scholars and practitioners food for thought for years to come.’
−Stephen Marshall, University College London
Table of ContentsAn Introductory Essay by Barrie Shelton 1. An Eastern Supergrid and Superblock Urban Model 2. Supergrid and Superblock History 3. Culture 4. Theory 5. Practice in China: The Kingdom of Walls and Gates 6. Practice in Japan: The Hidden Floor 7. Supergrid and Superblock: A System for Global Consideration Appendix I: Chronological Outline of Chinese and Japanese History Appendix II: Notes on Data and Method
