Urban Morphology and Residential Typology: a Case Study Approach of Expanding Cities in Venezuela

This thesis deals with the morphological problems of urban expansions in the towns and small cities in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela, which in their physical structure contain the major elements and patterns of the colonial grided settlement. The morphology of the urban-scape constitutes the spaces and the volumes that define them, also referred to as urban form. Many small cities in Venezuela are experiencing growth and raise the problem of continuity between the traditional and modern city planning concepts. A polemic and a proposed resolution of these two conflicting models of the urban environment are the major concerns of this thesis The present rules or ordinances governing urban expansions in Latin America have become what I call, bureaucratized versions of the City in the Park. My main concern in this work is to propose a different model of urban form which attempts to explore the generic potential of the traditional fabric, while adapting and restructuring it to cope with modern needs. 3 The major part of the work is a design study dealing with a projected growth for a smallcity in Venezuela. This method of physical projections seems appropriate because it offers verifiable proof of architectural ideas, reinforces as well as generates theories, and last but not least can be subjected to constructive criticism. Another part of the thesis contains the dimension of issues and urban design positions relevant to the alternative urban growth form developed in the design. Some of the important aspects are: * The capabilities of a continuously built environment and strategies which can be used at the different levels of urban design. * The implementation tactics underlying the development of the new expansions of the growing cities. e The process of decision making for the suggested alternative, and its relevancy to current needs of Venezuelean cities. Finally, a partially annotated bibliography for expediting future studies in the area of Colonial Urbanism and the elaboration of theories and alternatives regarding this theme, is presented. Thesis Supervisor: Imre Halasz Title: Professor of Architecture