Author(s)

T. Shen

Abstract

What is the relationship between urban morphology and transportation infrastructure? As neutral reference lines for future urban organization, the transportation have not only influenced the initial urban structure, but also behaved as the carrier of dynamic circulations. Although such highway and railway systems have underpinned the city vitality, stimulated productivity and population mobility, these large-scaled structures have also led to the urban splintering. Taking Algiers as case study, this paper examines the inter-dynamic elements between transportation development, urban morphology changing and social collective activities. On the one hand to illustrate, these infinite infrastructures tend to segregate the metropolitan regions, traverse the urban form and constrain regional organization. On the other hand, as Made in Tokyo suggests, such new spaces shaped by transportation infrastructures are actually valuable, not only because they are opportunities for making the best of limited space in the dense city center, but also revitalising accessibility from the center to the surrounding area. While one indicates a regional planning perspective, the other deals with an existing plan, architecture and social aspects.

Keywords

urban morphology, transportation infrastructure, circulation, interactional relations, urban splintering, urban sprawl.