Urban Morphology types and open space distribution in urban core areas

Abstract

Urban cores are primarily associated with economic activity: they are places where people live, work and engage in a range of leisure activities. Natural elements within the environment are recognised as having an important role in promoting quality of life. An investigation into the urban character of Manchester City Centre (UK) combining an analysis of the surface cover with the mapping of urban morphology types (UMTs) shows the extent to which green space permeates the built matrix. Around 20% of the urban core was covered by evapotranspiring surfaces. UMTs were differentiated along axes which were characterised by the intensity of grassland management and the density of building. The results presented here contribute to the on going debate around the development of cities and the relationship between the natural and built environments and provide guidance for those challenged with designing these environments.