Understanding Urban Formation

It might seem as if towns and cities are always developed according to top-down urban plans. However, Hélène Noizet and Anne-Sophie Clémençon can show that most urban form is made through ‘unthought’ processes. Instead of focusing on major building initiatives, this book deliberately looks at how ordinary urban areas are produced.

The authors adopt a long-term overview, providing innovative ways of understanding the interaction between urban morphology and social function. They map out the dynamics underlying the formation – and constant rebuilding – of urban tissue using numerous examples, mainly from Europe. Despite the different historical contexts they cover, ranging from protohistory to the present day, the forces at work are shown to be similar.

As we face the current climate crisis, our planet is becoming increasingly urban: this is one of the key issues we face. In order to address it effectively, we need to know how urban areas are really made.