Methods for Geometrical Examination of Physical Settings: In the Quest for a Modus Operandi in Culture Specific Urban Design

Abstract

The current paper develops and extends the methodology of the geometrical description of urban outdoor places, formerly defined as the index keys method. The previously defined features of street and square profiles and skylines, i.e.: Central angle, regularity and corrugation, are further completed with variations which develop into a clear, mathematical explanation of the basic notions defining genius loci, including the scale and atmosphere of a place. Altogether, the geometrical analysis defined here stems from the descriptions of urban settings with regard to culture related issues. It also reveals some of the morphological processes in the transformation of urban settings which took place in the discussed locations. The algorithmic method, namely the use of Grasshopper scripting, has been applied for the automation of the process. The preliminary results of analyses are presented as well as further research pathways.