CITIES AS MOVEMENT ECONOMIES
Author: Bill Hillier (1996)
Sraddha k
8828
The Physical City and the Functional City
Cities combine physical elements (buildings, streets) with functional
processes (economic, social, cultural).
Sustainability requires understanding how physical forms support
functional needs.
Challenges:
Disconnect between planners (focused on function) and urban
designers (focused on form).
Lack of integration between large-scale planning and local urban
design.
Multifunctionality and the part whole problem
Multifunctionality:
Urban spaces must serve various purposes: economic, social,
aesthetic, and climatic.
Functions change quickly, but physical forms evolve slowly.
Part-Whole Problem:
Cities are made of interconnected parts (neighborhoods, districts).
Difficulties arise in understanding how these parts contribute to the
larger city system.
Form and Function in Space Are Not Independent
Space and function are deeply interconnected.
The concept of "natural geometry"—how people move and interact in
space creates patterns that influence city design.
For example:
People naturally move in straight lines, forming paths.
When they gather, they create visually connected spaces (convex
spaces) where everyone can see each other.
These spatial patterns affect how spaces are used and
experienced.
By organizing space with these patterns in mind, designers can predict
and enhance functionality, making cities more intuitive for users.
The Shape of Space in the City of London
The city’s design balances local spaces and global connectivity.
Two-line Logic: Spaces are connected by visible paths for intuitive
navigation.
Integration of Scales: London combines local spaces (e.g., streets,
squares) with larger urban grids, linking small-scale areas to the city
as a whole.
Long streets connect districts, while short streets create detailed local
environments.
Example: Lombard Street and Cornhill showcase how spatial design
supports movement
The Principle of Natural Movement
Movement in cities is determined by the urban grid, independent of
specific attractions.
Impacts:
Highly connected areas naturally attract more movement.
Movement shapes land use and density patterns.
Shops and activities cluster in areas with high natural movement.
This principle explains how cities evolve organically, with movement
shaping their economic and social patterns.
Multiplier Effects and the Movement Economy
the concept of the "movement economy,:
Connected spaces attract movement.
Increased movement supports higher density and economic
activity.
This attracts further development, amplifying activity.
For example, areas with well-integrated grids become bustling hubs,
as their spatial design encourages movement and interaction. This
feedback loop explains why vibrant neighborhoods emerge in
specific locations.
Disurbanism
Modern urban design often disrupts natural movement economies by:
Reducing densities.
Isolating areas into specialized enclaves (e.g., gated communities,
single-use zones).
Breaking connections between local and global movement
systems.
These practices, diminishes urban vibrancy and sustainability. Instead
of facilitating interaction and connectivity, they create fragmented,
less functional spaces. For example, poorly designed housing estates
often feel disconnected and fail to integrate with the surrounding city,
leading to underuse and even social problems.
Reflections on the Origins of Urbanism and the
Transformation of the City
Historical evolution of cities:
Early towns were designed as grids to maximize movement and interaction, allowing people to live densely without conflict.
This urban grid became a powerful tool, creating continuous spaces that encouraged contact between people and places.
However, during industrialization, cities were reimagined as overcrowded. Urban planning shifted to prioritize dispersion and isolation,
undermining the grid’s benefits. This anti-urban ideology persisted into the 20th century, leading to fragmented urban forms that disrupt natural
movement patterns.
Restoring the grid’s principles can create sustainable, vibrant urban environments.
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