*5.2.2 Continuity and integration*

Continuity and integration are manifested in the form and the network. Continuity in form can result from observing the principles of Gestalt theory, such as


*Toward Practical Criteria for Analyzing and Designing Urban Blocks DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90504*

*5.2.1.1 Configuration and spatial arrangement*

*Sustainability in Urban Planning and Design*

[10], and the resulting spatial effects.

*5.2.1.2 Density*

**Figure 7.**

floor space density.

**194**

*5.2.2 Continuity and integration*

Spatial configuration in architectural and urban studies investigates the relationships among properties of spaces regardless of the assessment of these properties in isolation [24]. Arrangements deal with "where" [10] and are closely related to factors such as dimension and the size of the block and the functions of the buildings in the block [25]. In fact, spatial configuration deals with the way the blocks are arranged next to each other, the configuration of the edge of the blocks

*The second step: grouping factors into three categories and the classification of the factors of each category.*

Martin and March [18] and Berghauser Pont and Haupt [19] define density as land occupation, which is related to the dimensions of the block and the resulting pattern [10] and affects the spatial configuration, though different configurations can be created with the same density. Density has different types including residential density, floor area density, open space density, ground space density, and

Continuity and integration are manifested in the form and the network. Continuity in form can result from observing the principles of Gestalt theory, such as


*5.2.2.2 Homogeneity*

homogeneous whole.

*5.2.3.1 Memorability*

*5.2.3.2 Adaptability*

shading.

**197**

*5.2.3.3 Variety*

durability over time.

*5.2.3.4 Connectivity and permeability*

*5.2.3 Longevity and durability*

survive in the conditions of change.

The concept of homogeneity here is the same as "the whole" in Gestalt's theory, which belongs to a psychology school dealing with perceptual processes [27]. That is, components in an urban block and the blocks themselves should be put alongside each other in such a way that preserves the nature of blocks and superblocks as a

*Toward Practical Criteria for Analyzing and Designing Urban Blocks*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90504*

Durability of urban blocks can be considered as continuity in time, which, of course, requires understanding the underlying structure of the city [22]. Durability can be achieved formally and functionally. Siksna [5] deems the realization of this aspect as dependent on the durability of the formal pattern of blocks that can

Memorability refers to the role of urban blocks in shaping the collective memory [22]. According to Moudon [20], this aspect can be seen in the presence of buildings in a block that have specific semantic dimensions by themselves; examples are public and religious buildings. Sometimes, this is also true for the block itself as a whole, because of the social and functional roles it might have. Memorability is one

Sustainable development in relation to urban form is evaluated by the ability to adapt to changes over time [28]. In the late 1970s, architects and urban designers focused on improving the compatibility of the city's form via various uses and functions [8]. What is considered in this chapter is block adaptability resulting from various functions, as well as attention to the adaptability of uses in new developments as stressed by [22]. Also, there is the issue of climate adaptability, which is related to the arrangement of forms of blocks and factors such as sunlight and

Variety refers to the diversity of functions, forms, individuals, and social groups

The concepts of permeability and connectivity are derived from the relationship between the block and the street. The correct definition of this relationship can add to the durability of these two urban elements (blocks and streets) over time. These

In fact, the distinction between permeability and connectivity becomes clearer in practice. Connectivity refers only to the number of connections between blocks (the number of intersections) and is a quantitative concept, while permeability is defined as the way streets interconnect and depends on criteria such as the width of

in urban spaces [12]. The existence of this spatial quality in urban blocks and superblocks transforms them into more flexible urban spaces, resulting in higher

concepts primarily refer to how the environment is blocked.

of the factors that cause durability of the block during the time.

*Source: Adapted from: Boffet and Serra [21]; Krier [5, 7]; Carmona [2]; Siksna [4]; Talen [10]; Conzen [11]; Jacobs [13]; Maitland [16]; Song and Knapp [14]; Owens and Southworth [17]; Bürklin and Peterek [9]; Rossi [22]; Moudon [20]; Berghauser Pont and Haupt [19]; Oikonomou [23].*

#### **Table 2.**

*Practical checklist to analyze and design urban blocks.*

proximity and similarity, as well as spatial hierarchy in urban spaces. Continuity in the access network is also related to the way pathways are connected to each other [2].

#### *5.2.2.1 Spatial hierarchy*

The spatial hierarchy deals with community and privacy. In the transition from public space to private space, at the level of block, frontage of buildings, and in the space between blocks, the block edge plays an important role [10, 26].
