Supergrid and Superblock: Lessons in Urban Structure from China and Japan

Description

In 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 Xi’an and Nanjing) and two in Japan (in Kyoto and Osaka) to reveal the relative advantages and disadvantages of how the structure is manifest in the two countries. In her conclusion she discusses her findings to show how and why the supergrid and superblock structure is a valuable urban design model which, with regional adjustments, can be used effectively in cities other than those of East Asia. Cover Half Title Series Title Copyright Table of Contents Preface Acknowledgements An Introductory Essay From Radials and Grids to Supergrids and Superblocks Chapter 1 An Eastern Supergrid and Superblock Urban Model Supergrid and Superblocks A Note on Theory and Approach Chapter 2 Supergrid and Superblock History Origins in the East Transformation in China Contemporary China: Fragmentation, Disconnection, and Isolation Developments in Japan Contemporary Japan: Diversity, Vitality, and Convenience Conclusions Chapter 3 Culture Tendencies: Eastern ‘Areal’ and Western 'Linear' Similarities: ‘Areal’, Multi-Dimensional, Multi-Directional Diff erence: Wall- and Floor-oriented Areal Conception Solid and Void Brightness and Darkness Static and Dynamic: ‘2D + 3D’ and ‘2D’ Areal Conception Part and Whole Centrality and Asymmetry Multi-Petal and Multi-Fugal Structure Discussion Chapter 4 Theory Interconnection: The Interplay between Structure, Movement and Activity Organized Complexity: Interrelationship between Form and Function Interrelationships between Street Network and Activities Integration, Connection, and Interaction Key Measures of Form and Function Discussion Chapter 5 Practice in China: The Kingdom of Walls and Gates Supergrids of Xi’an and Nanjing Superblocks: Jinyuan, Xi’an and Daguangli, Nanjing Movement, Activity, and Interconnection Connection Interaction Integration Discussion Chapter 6 Practice in Japan: The Hidden Floor The Supergrids of Kyoto and Osaka Superblocks: Shijo-Karasuma and Imazato Movement, Activity and Interconnection Connection Interaction Integration Discussion Chapter 7 Supergrid and Superblock: A System for Global Consideration Chinese and Japanese Superblocks Compared Chinese Version: A Missing Link in the Structure Japanese Version: A Lesson on the Importance of Glocal Streets Design Principles of the Two Versions Advantages and Disadvantages Chinese Superblock: Towards a Solution Inset: Directions for the Supergrid and Superblock System in China Appendix I Chronological Outline of Chinese and Japanese History Appendix II Notes on Data and Method Bibliography Index