Density Constitution As A Strategy For Urban Spatial Morphology

Density here is taken as an incisive method to observe the urban spatial phenomenon brought by the rapid urbanization in contemporary China. Density in architecture reflects the proportion of the building mass in certain area, which also shows the balance between the inner and outer space of the buildings in a block. This dissertation deduces a dominating principle of density constitution from the morphological compare among the urban space in Chinese and Western traditional cities and modern cities, which has a direct effect on the urban spatial character and the life and culture formed and developed in cities. Density constitution principle is taken as the key subject to study, because so much information is concealed in it, which prevents us from seeing anything more than the solid and the void. Still, density also has a tight relation with scale, morphology, function and human behaviors, which are the main dimensions for people to experience the urban space.This dissertation analyses a density constitution strategy, emphasizing on its effect on urban space forming. Also, examples are given to elaborate how the strategies work in practice. This dissertation has four chapters, focusing on density constitution in both morphology theory and urban design practice. The first chapter is the foreword. The second and third chapters discuss mainly on the definition of density and its influence factors in urban space; the fourth chapter analyses the urban design practice in Lishui Shuige Commercial Center, and explains how to take density constitution as an urban design strategy and its effects on modern cities.This dissertation is aiming at re-comprehending density and density constitution and its effects on urban morphology. Also, discuss the possibility to take density constitution as a design strategy. Still, analyses urban design practice to elaborate the meaning of density constitution strategy in new district construction in modern China, in order to make a brief guidance for urban designers and city managers.