Technological Change and Urban Form

In this paper the author previews a current international study of impacts of technological change on urban activities and interactions, and hence on urban built form. He considers various trends and factors of technological change, and the mechanisms through which they are influencing urban form. The nature of this impact is also discussed. The author introduces two basic measures of urban form and interaction, and maps urban activities and interactions onto this two-dimensional space. Some of the broader impacts of technological change may then be considered as movements in this space. Information systems for monitoring the effects of technological change, for quantitative analysis of these impacts, and for prediction of further impacts of change are also discussed. Last, the implications for planning are considered. One possible model for use at various levels in this study is outlined in an appendix.