Identification, classification, and analysis of urban forms in medium-sized cities: application to the provincial capitals of Castilla-La Mancha

Abstract

The identification and analysis of urban forms becomes relevant for two reasons: (a) it allows us to know how the city has developed, how it works, and what its problems are; (b) it inform and guide intervention processes in the design and urban project. Existing urban form classifications focus on big cities, ignoring the forms and growth logics of small towns and rural municipalities. This paper, based on a recent parametric analysis Spacemate of the physical form, presents an objective and systematic method for the identification, classification and analysis of urban forms that is able to be extrapolated to any population, regardless of its location, size or historical baggage. The information regarding the physical form used by Spacemate has been collected from the Cadastre and processes with the support of Geographic Information Systems. The results allow establishing a catalog of urban forms and identifying basic problems that are an important starting point for intervention strategies in the city