Material Engagement Theory and urban formation: Notes towards a theoretical synthesis

Abstract

Material Engagement Theory (MET) theorizes artefacts as the emergent outcomes of non-linear processes of formation in which both human and non-human forms of agency are involved. It has proved a useful framework for exploring the architectural design process – which typically involves the mobilisation of multiple tools and materialities – but has not yet been applied to urban design. This paper argues that MET can be applied to the analysis of urban form, helping explain the distributed processes of urban formation. In sketching out an outline theory of urban material engagement, the paper facilitates a dialogue between MET and two theories of urban morphogenesis – SIRN and Space Syntax theory – which explain formal emergence in the urban surface and the urban grid, respectively. Exploring these theories’ analyses of urban formation – and the relationship between urban form and urban social behaviour – the paper outlines a theoretical synthesis which centres on the artefactual nature of urban form.