Urban morphology is the study of change in the physical form and shape of settlements over time – focuses on patterns and processes of growth and change. Differences in street and block patterns, plot patterns, the arrangement of buildings within plots and the shapes of buildings create very different environments – the different patterns are commonly referred to as ‘urban tissue’ (Caniggia & Maffel 1979, 1984). This dimension focuses on urban form and urban layout, highlighting contemporary preferences for urban blocks and interconnected street patterns. It has also focused on the public space network and the physical public realm – the physical setting or stage for public life.
