FIGURE GROUND MAP
A Figure-Ground drawing is a mapping technique
used to illustrate the relationship between BUILT and
UNBUILT SPACES in cities.
A drawing which shows only building footprints,
rendered in black, with the ground plane left white,
providing an
abstract representation of development density and
the extent that buildings define public spaces. A
figure-ground diagram is a two-dimensional map of
Building footprints an urban space that shows the relationship between
built and unbuilt space. It is used in analysis of urban
design and planning.
Open spaces
WHY FIGURE-GROUND MAP IS NEEDED?
Gives useful information about the shape, scale, pattern, and density of buildings & also
the nature of spaces created btw them.
It is used to reveal the continuity of open space or examine the framework that is
applied. (ie. Street grid, patterns, squares etc)
With this mapping, the area and proportions of various types of urban spaces can be
calculated and analysed.
Helps in identifying which space occupies the larger area in the whole urban area.
With the figure-ground map ,we can calculate
BUILDING AREA
VOID AREA
BUILDING COVERAGE(%)
The quality of the physical form and pattern of a community is influenced by the ratio of building mass
(forms) and voids (open spaces).
When the ratio of building space is high in relation to exterior space, spatial continuity in the form of building
mass , well defined linkages and articulated public & private spaces are possible.
When the ratio of building coverage is low and disconnected in relation to that of exterior spaces, there is often
little building mass continuity, emphasizing free-standing, disconnected & fragmented buildings. In btw
there are undefined voids with little spatial definition.
Compared historically the ratios ,they reveal the erosion of the public realm
over time.
Figure-ground can be very useful as a
shorthand working tool,especially for
demonstrating in public meetings or to
elected officials how new development
will fit in the built environment.
URBAN FABRIC
Urban fabric is the physical form of Components of Urban Fabric:
towns and cities. Buildings and Architecture
"urban fabric," is the result of a Streets and Transportation
harmonious interplay between Networks
various components that come Public Spaces and Parks
together to form the very structure Infrastructure and Utilities
of the urban environment.
Urban grain
'The arrangement or pattern of Fine grained areas have a Course grained areas have
large number of different large blocks and building and
the buildings and streets within
buildings and closely spaces little architectural variety
the built form.’
'The complexity and coarseness streets.
of an urban area.’
Typologies:
coarse grain
fine grain
Fine grained
blocks
coarse grained blocks
it plays a pivotal role in shaping the sustainability of cities.
Understanding how the elements of a city's fabric interact
can lead to more thoughtful urban planning, efficient
resource allocation, and reduced environmental impact.
When cities are designed with a deep awareness of their
fabric, they become more resilient to the challenges posed by
population growth, climate change, and resource scarcity.
By recognizing the interconnectedness of urban components,
planners and architects can create walkable neighborhoods
that reduce the need for extensive car usage, thereby curbing
air pollution and congestion.
The preservation of historical structures within the urban
fabric can anchor a city's identity and foster a sense of
continuity amid rapid development.
Additionally, integrating green spaces and sustainable
infrastructure into the fabric can enhance residents' quality of
life and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
URBAN TISSUE:
urban tissue refers to the environmental level normally associated with urban
design. Tissue comprises coherent neighborhood morphology (open spaces,
building) and functions (human activity).
Urban Encroachment or Urban sprawl
Urban Form
Urban form is the physical characteristics that make up built-up
areas, including the. shape, size, density and configuration of
settlements. It can be considered at different. scales: from
regional, to urban, neighbourhood, ‘block’ and street
