Technology and Urban Form: A Philosophical and Historical Perspective
Subject Areas : Urban Design
1 - Department of Art and Architecture, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Abstract :
Urban form has undergone tremendous changes throughout history. These changes have stemmedfrom various causes. Technology has been one of the most influential forces in changing the face of cities, leavingdifferent marks on the city form. In fact, technology has gained an increasingly more important and integrative rolein bringing changes to the urban form. In addition, recent plethora of developments and advances in various fieldsof technology more than before necessitates an examination of the relationship between technology and urban form.However, such an inquiry should be based on an understanding of the underlying philosophical and historical foundationsunderlying such a relationship. Throughout human history, a direct relationship has existed between the philosophicaloutlook on the world, the view on technology and its application, technological developments and consequently theireffects on the city. The first step in understanding the relationship between technological developments and urban formchanges and also in explaining the philosophical tenets, underlying urban form changes throughout history, is to realizethe nature and philosophy of technology per se. The present study aims to facilitate and present such an understandingin order to broaden the horizons projecting the relationship between technology and urban form.