Trends
Cityscapes That Thrive: How Urban Form Influences Liveability
March 24, 2025
Have you ever wondered why the city of Singapore looks and feels different from the city of Paris? Both cities are great for people to live in, but what distinguishes them is the form and density of the built environment in them, giving each place a distinct character and identity.
From port cities to landlocked towns, the natural landscape surrounding an inhabited area influences how a city and its infrastructure are designed. The layout of the infrastructure network often decides a town's potential growth and expansion. We usually see mega Asian cities packed with high-rise buildings in stark contrast to quaint European towns, mainly due to the existing and projected population densities within these areas.
From port cities to landlocked towns, the natural landscape surrounding an inhabited area influences how a city and its infrastructure are designed. The layout of the infrastructure network often decides a town's potential growth and expansion. We usually see mega Asian cities packed with high-rise buildings in stark contrast to quaint European towns, mainly due to the existing and projected population densities within these areas.
Besides master planning of the city, intricacies of the built environment, such as the architectural style and building materials, establish a unique identity for a place. These are often closely linked to the local history and culture of the people.
The interplay of built and open spaces defines the atmosphere and spirit of neighbourhoods. The spatial pattern formed by the specific arrangement of buildings and layout influences how humans interact between themselves and their surroundings. In the previous article, we saw how cities can be designed to be more people-oriented. In this article, we will understand how urban form can help us to make people feel more comfortable in their habitats.
The interplay of built and open spaces defines the atmosphere and spirit of neighbourhoods. The spatial pattern formed by the specific arrangement of buildings and layout influences how humans interact between themselves and their surroundings. In the previous article, we saw how cities can be designed to be more people-oriented. In this article, we will understand how urban form can help us to make people feel more comfortable in their habitats.
"We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us."
Winston Churchill
A city’s layout evolves over time and is shaped by economic, environmental, and political factors. Studying urban history is akin to an archaeologist piecing together the past and understanding the origin and development of urban areas. This study of the evolution and transformation of urban landscapes is known as urban morphology. It is often described as the city's DNA.
Street networks, land use patterns, building typology, and public spaces shape the built environment. The combination of these elements defines the inhabitants’ relationship with the city. Urban planners can use these principles to create environments that are functional, sustainable, and responsive to human needs.
While lifestyles were previously defined the settlement patterns, adaptations are made over time to support contemporary needs. Today, city design affects how we live, work, and commute.
Street networks, land use patterns, building typology, and public spaces shape the built environment. The combination of these elements defines the inhabitants’ relationship with the city. Urban planners can use these principles to create environments that are functional, sustainable, and responsive to human needs.
While lifestyles were previously defined the settlement patterns, adaptations are made over time to support contemporary needs. Today, city design affects how we live, work, and commute.
Environmental and Climatic Considerations
On a scorching summer day, a particular well-shaded neighbourhood with trees in the city may feel much cooler than the rest of the town. The orientation of buildings with respect to other built forms and the street also influences the quality of urban space. These are usually controlled by building and city regulations.
The thoughtful design of the building envelope can enhance energy efficiency, support passive heating and cooling, and help mitigate environmental challenges. It is recommended that buildings should be designed to maximise natural daylight along with shading mechanisms to maintain optimal indoor temperatures.
Urban densification also influences wind flow within a city. Tall buildings may act as windbreaks or funnels. Avoiding wind tunnels by strategically shaping buildings and designing fenestrations for efficient natural ventilation is crucial.
Contextual built-form design ensures that buildings leverage natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial energy sources. By aligning buildings to optimise sun and wind paths, cities can significantly lower their carbon footprints.
Visual and Aesthetic Impact
From New York to Tokyo, a city's character is deeply tied to its visual appeal. The silhouettes of its tallest and most distinct buildings form the city skyline. Iconic landmarks and historical structures lend a unique identity.
With their blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture, cities like Singapore and London showcase how varied master planning creates remarkable visual compositions. Maintaining visual harmony and alignment with historical precincts is essential while modifying and expanding existing city centres.
Pedestrian-friendly streets make for a thriving urban environment, while buildings that maintain human-scale proportions foster a sense of enclosure and comfort.
From New York to Tokyo, a city's character is deeply tied to its visual appeal. The silhouettes of its tallest and most distinct buildings form the city skyline. Iconic landmarks and historical structures lend a unique identity.
With their blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional architecture, cities like Singapore and London showcase how varied master planning creates remarkable visual compositions. Maintaining visual harmony and alignment with historical precincts is essential while modifying and expanding existing city centres.
Pedestrian-friendly streets make for a thriving urban environment, while buildings that maintain human-scale proportions foster a sense of enclosure and comfort.
"Think big but always remember to make the places where people are to be, small. "
Jan Gehl
Social and Community Aspects
Well-designed urban morphology can promote societal well-being, inclusivity, and a sense of community. Access to open spaces increases the liveability of an area: parks, gardens, and community spaces promote everyday exchanges, recreation, relaxation, and allow for public events. Mixed-use developments promote multi-use, flexible, and transformative spaces. These create a dynamic and lively environment that is active throughout the day and night.
Spatial arrangement that supports walkable neighbourhoods improves connectivity and reduces dependency on vehicles. Mobility and easy access to public transport are essential. Smaller building blocks and strategic setbacks create a seamless and engaging urban flow. One such example is the city of Barcelona, which has a structured grid system that is more human in scale and prioritises pedestrians and cyclists.
As another example, Singapore’s urban landscape consists of varied city-planning strategies that result in distinct community experiences. T
Well-designed urban morphology can promote societal well-being, inclusivity, and a sense of community. Access to open spaces increases the liveability of an area: parks, gardens, and community spaces promote everyday exchanges, recreation, relaxation, and allow for public events. Mixed-use developments promote multi-use, flexible, and transformative spaces. These create a dynamic and lively environment that is active throughout the day and night.
Spatial arrangement that supports walkable neighbourhoods improves connectivity and reduces dependency on vehicles. Mobility and easy access to public transport are essential. Smaller building blocks and strategic setbacks create a seamless and engaging urban flow. One such example is the city of Barcelona, which has a structured grid system that is more human in scale and prioritises pedestrians and cyclists.
As another example, Singapore’s urban landscape consists of varied city-planning strategies that result in distinct community experiences. T
The HDB Estates, where 80% of Singaporeans live, reflect pragmatic development that balances high-density living with the integration of parks and community centres, promoting a sense of familiarity and community cohesion.
In contrasting, Marina Bay showcases bold, vertical volumes with skyscrapers dominating the skyline. This modern area is designed for high-density commercial and luxury residential use.
Conclusion
Urban morphology acts as a tool for architects, urban planners, government agencies and policymakers to shape the future of cities. It can help boost the land value through access to amenities by better zoning and improving the built environment.
A city revitalisation can be done by analysing the successes and failures of urban planning. Cities must become more human-centric. A great living experience will ultimately enable and empower everyone to thrive.