The Impact of Plot Configuration on the Patterns of Spatial Change: A Diachronic Approach to the Urban Redevelopment Processes in New York, Melbourne and Barcelona

Abstract Investigation of the patterns of urban (re)development and identification of the laws behind these processes are critically important to understand how cities evolve under different material conditions. Without denying the effect of socio-economic, cultural and historical peculiarities, it could be argued that ‘urban form’ itself is also an important aspect guiding future patterns of redevelopment. This research aims to examine morphological conditions created by plot structures and their impact on the patterns of urban redevelopment in three international case studies: Midtown Manhattan (New York), Central Melbourne (Melbourne) and Eixample (Barcelona). Physical changes that occurred in each selected site during identified analysis periods are mapped and measured by relying on a longitudinal geospatial database generated from various cartographic resources. The relationship between patterns of physical change and selected quantitative urban form descriptions of plots (plot size, accessible plot density, plot frontage, accessible plot frontage and accessible plot size diversity) is analysed in a diachronic manner. The empirical investigation indicates that character of plot configuration plays an important role in guiding long-term physical change. Critical discussion of these morphological parameters will contribute to our understanding of urban redevelopment processes and help to achieve resilient and adaptable urban spaces by providing specific design conditions.