1st Edition
Supergrid and Superblock Lessons in Urban Structure from China and Japan
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.
An Introductory Essay by Barrie Shelton: 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
Difference: 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
Biography
Xiaofei Chen is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning of Qingdao University of Technology. After completing Bachelors (Built Environments) and Masters (Urban Design) degrees at the University of Melbourne, and her PhD from the University of Sydney, she returned to China and to her home city of Qingdao.
Barrie Shelton, author of Learning from the Japanese City and co-author of The Making of Hong Kong (both published in the Planning, History, and Environment series), held senior positions at the Universities of Tasmania, Sydney, and Melbourne. He now lives with his wife Emiko in Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.
‘The classic urban morphological studies tell us not only about the particular places they scrutinize but tend to say something enduring about urban form and society more generally. Supergrid and Superblock is a welcome addition to join the classics and should give both scholars and practitioners food for thought for years to come.’
−Stephen Marshall, University College London
