Kevin Lynch once stated that there were 3 basic models to urban planning ; cosmic, practical and organic.( Rybczinski, W. (1995)) Within these categories lies the grid, one of the most simplistic form of urban planning as well as the commonest. ( Kostof,S. 1991) Sir William Chambers once said, “ Man walks in a straight line because he has a goal and knows where is going”. ( Kostof,S. 1991). Much of that statement has been implemented into the fundamentals of the grid concept. Its uniform, checkerboard pattern makes the grid exceedingly flexible and capable of adapting into various environmental and situational difficulties. ( Kostof,S. 1991) It can be assumed that because of its capabilities the grid is has been used many times throughout history, dating back the Ancient Greek era.
It is difficult to trace the earliest conception of grid planning. While there are many claims that Hippodamus of Miletus was the father of the grid planning, there is no definitive evidence of him being the first to develop the orthogonal grid. (M, Luigi. 2009) However, it is known that he expanded upon it within the notion of theoretical population division he turned that concept into a plan. (M, Luigi. 2009) The earliest use of the grid plan dates back to 2150 BC in the Indus Valley . (M, Luigi. 2009) Following that was babylon’s grid plan . The streets of Babylon described by Herodotus are parallel, intersecting straight streets.( Kostof,S. 1991). However, Babylon hadn’t utilised the grid to its fullest potential in that it lacked any form of coordinated system such as divided areas of distinct functions. It was in the late 1 millennium BC that Beijing utilised the grid plan as a formal system. ( Kostof,S. 1991) The Chinese grid was specifically designed with a political and symbolic purpose. (Henderson, S. 2002) The city had been built under strict hierarchical and Feng Shui ideas, with the intention of creating harmony between nature and manmade objects. (Henderson, S. 2002) With that said, buildings had been built with differing sizes with the biggest being the most prominent. (Henderson, S. 2002) In addition to that, to ensure that the grid was adaptable to geographical conditions, avenues were built east and west with consideration of wind directions. Courtyards built long enough to ensure the optimum amount of sunlight and the city was built above a waterway , ensuring that there would a good sewage system . (Henderson, S. 2002)
Figure 1. Ancient Beijing Grid Plan. ( The Beijing Report, 2014)
Figure 2 - Babylon’s grid plan (Planology. 2010)
It was not until 1837 that Robert Hoddle implemented the grid into Melbourne’s infrastructure. (Smith, M. 2014) It was built with the intention of trams being the primary method of public transportation. (Smith, M. 2014) Eventually divisions for commercial, administrative and residential were created.There have been other uses of the Grid plan throughout the world e.g. , Barcelona , Piraeus and Los Angeles. The grid’s simplistic , logical nature makes it one of the most reliable plans . However, saying that is simply touching the surface of it’s capabilities.
Upon looking deeper into the plan, it’s easy to see that what makes it so unique is that the basic orthogonal layout present variables that can be adjusted before, during and after development . This allows it to adapt to a varying geographical situations. Kostof outlines what an urban planner might consider when approaching the grid e.g. the size and shape of the block, open spaces , accommodation ,the nature of the street grid, aspects that are imperative during the construction of a city. Aside from that, it was the most militaristic way of approaching planning. The grid building blocks were kept uniform in size unless the buildings were used to display a hierarchy. ( Kostof,S. 1991). In addition to that, divisions were made in respect to the political hierarchy. Kostof suggested suggest that“ the orthogonal plan froze the spatial structure to reflect an unalterable hierarchy: it put in isolated urban envelopes the palace precinct , administration , religion and housing according to class “. ( Kostof,S. 1991). r
Figure 3. La Barceloneta ( Google Maps, 2015)
Angle of the orthogonal layout can be adapted to the grid in such a way that a separate type of planning can be integrated with the grid. This can be seen in Figure 3, where the grid has been isolated to the very edge of Barcelona. Aside from that, the grid functions best in medium to high density.(Knight, P. 2012) Therefore, it improves the walkability of the city’s infrastructure. Navigation throughout the city is never difficult because the streets are parallel and straight. (Knight, P. 2012) Traffic can be rerouted easily if one area is affected by congestion. The list goes on
Unfortunately, the orthogonal grid most defining characteristic is also its biggest flaw. The orthogonal grid , albeit being adaptable and diverse, has to maintain the streets parallel and orthogonal. This results in a lack of imagination in pursuit a logical approach to planning, as Kostof states “ the versatility of program within what is possible to see as a simple-minded , uninspired , unvarying formula has brought the grid many detractors”. ( Kostof,S. 1991) However, coasted rebuts by stating “ any grid holds the potential to become a beautiful city over time depending on how it’s fleshed out. The architect, the social planner have their chance once the two dimensional diagram in place. “ ( Kostof,S. 1991).
With that said, if aesthetics are simply the issue with the grid plan. Is it the best? Or are there any better alternatives ? Our world currently faces a different issue compared to the era before us. With carbon emission increasing, global warming is affecting our climate heavily and climate change is becoming a larger threat. The grid plan was the answer to city that required high efficiency, easy navigation and political symbol. Perhaps the grid is the logical answer in minimising car dependancy and promoting walkability. However it is important to remember that with technology , we can reinvent planning to make it smarter and even more efficient. Perhaps one day , the grid might even be obsolete.
References Google Maps .(2015), La Barceloneta, Spain. Retrieved from < https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/La+Barceloneta,+Barcelona,+Spain/ @41.3811192,2.189196,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x12a4a30709605c93:0x2600fae14082f052>
Henderson, S. (2002), Comparison of The City Grid In Manhattan To Beijing. Retrieved from < http://contactzw.freeservers.com/paper-city%20grip.htm>
Kostof, S. (1991), ‘The Grid’ in Kostof, The City shaped London: pp. 95 - 123. Thames and Hudson.
Knight, P. (2012), Why The Grid Is A Great Asset To Cities. Retrieved from < http:// sustainablecitiescollective.com/theamericangrid/34437/fallacies-against-grid >
Luigi, M. (2009), Plan And Constitution- Aristotle’s Hippodamus: Towards An ‘ Ostensive’ Definition Of Spatial Planning . pp. 1 - 29
Rybczinski,W. (1995) ‘The Measure Of A Town’ in Rybczinski City Life: Urban Expectations In A New World. pp. 35-50
Planology, (2014). “ Babylon’s Grid Plan”. Retrieved from < https://planologie.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/a-brief-history-of-grid-plans-ancient-torenaissance/>
Smith, M. (2012) , Robert Hoddle’s Grid And The Birth Of Melbourne. Retrieved from < http:// www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bydesign/robert-hoddles-grid-and-the-birth-of-melbourne/ 5703114 >
The Beijing Report. (2015), “ Ancient Beijing Grid Plan”. Retrieved from < http://www.drben.net/ChinaReport/Beijing/MapsofBeijing/Historic_Maps_Beijing/Beijing-Layout_Imperial_City.html>
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