The Application of Plot-Derived Urban Form to Quantify Plot Characteristics in Different Urban Patterns in Baghdad, Iraq: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The accessibility of urban structures poses an issue for contemporary urban design and development. The character of urban form can be recognised by its plot pattern, which is the smallest generative unit to shape the urban context and has particular spatial configurations and fine characteristics. This study chose four case studies and a limited number of parameters to examine plot characteristics. Two fundamental variables play a key role in formulating the plot’s character, specifically perimeter and size. This paper examines the changes that occurred through the transformation from old traditional patterns (pre-modern movement), which reflect local physical and socioeconomic characteristics and were based on a spontaneous order, to a modern pattern that represents a pre-planned system, from fine-grained activities to pre-determined uses which are driven by new development policies. The study adopts a case study approach to develop an understanding of the disparities between the chosen urban pattern samples. The case study samples were located in different regions of Baghdad city, and the plot-based map was extracted using up to date georeferencing sources. The findings analyse each selected neighbourhood, by making comparisons and identifying correlations among the four chosen samples. The outcomes found that the perimeter and size of plots perform a significant role in creating the block pattern and influence the level of connectivity and accessibility. Also, the transformation from a traditional pattern to a different urban structure impacts the plot parameters, meaning the plot is a miniature generative entity that formulates and affects the urban form.