Abstract:
Urban form has undergone tremendous changes throughout history. These changes have stemmed from various causes. Technology has been one of the most influential forces in changing the face of cities, leaving different marks on the city form. In fact, technology has gained an increasingly more important and integrative role in bringing changes to the urban form. In addition, recent plethora of developments and advances in various fields of 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 foundations underlying such a relationship. Throughout human history, a direct relationship has existed between the philosophical outlook on the world, the view on technology and its application, technological developments and consequently their effects on the city. The first step in understanding the relationship between technological developments and urban form changes and also in explaining the philosophical tenets, underlying urban form changes throughout history, is to realize the nature and philosophy of technology per se. The present study aims to facilitate and present such an understanding in order to broaden the horizons projecting the relationship between technology and urban form.
Machine summary:
The application of technology in different stages of urbanization history (before the post-industrial era) and its effect on the urban form has manifested in different ways despite different degrees of the functional integrity of technology as a concept and a role in the evolution of urban form in different historical eras(Mumford, 1968; Lynch, 1981; Heidegger et al,1998; Rousseau,1960; Ostrowski,1970; Weber, 1966; Pacey, 1990; Benevolo, 1980)(Table 3).
system and architectural machine • Development of suburban high-rise buildings in later years • Emergence of varied industrial buildings in various forms, from large factory complexes in industrial estates to small workshops • Development of a network of physical infrastructures such as • Facilitation of suburb-downtown commute for the white collar urban highways in mid 1950's to 1960's employees and the stabilization of residential life in city centers • Invention of traditional communication means such as telegraph, • Facilitation of functioning speed between business centers telephone, radio and television dependent on white collar work force • Relative decentralization of certain major downtown businesses technology on the city in the industrial age can be recognized in the four areas of transportation systems, utilities, buildings and communication systems.
The Nature of Technology and Urban Form Throughout human history, a direct relationship has existed between the philosophical outlook on the world, the view on technology and its application, technological developments and consequently their effects on the city.
The most pronounced impacts may be seen in city forms and technological solutions intended for urban problems, urban innovation, industrial developments, new economic-social procedures and their indirect spatial impacts and also changes in beliefs and scientific and philosophical views on urban planning, design and management.