The development ratio: a model for a humane urban future

Abstract

The thesis aims to develop a theory for an isopolitan approach to urbanization. The thesis commences by considering the relationship between habitable land and its occupation by floor space, and suggests ways of regulating the relationship. After discussing volumetric aspects of urban growth, the first chapter commences construction of the development ratio model by dealing, in the first instance, with the recognition and promotion of social and economic development. The second chapter raises the question of the scale of the model. It seeks a basis for a theory of human scale and discusses its implication in terms of discrete human settlements, which are named towns in the model. Next, the chapter discusses their subdivision as well as their assembly, named township, in the context of examples of spatial organization, found in nature. In the third chapter the model is confirmed and extended by reference to other human scale, isopolitan models which have evolved in history. Also, the model is tested in terms of philosophical criteria. These include the criterion that a theory must advance a prediction which can be tested. The prediction of the thesis is that the development ratio assists in the analysis and integration of the components of town planning. The chapter concludes with such verification by presenting an analysis of the planning of Canberra, Australia; and a conceptual plan for a newtown, Gungahlin, near Canberra. The second book has three chapters, which are parallel to those in the first book. The second book records the background studies, their references and bibliography. Firstly, the book provides information about research after volumetric indicators of urban development, as well as the evolvement, in the seventies, of indicators of social and economic development, as in use by the United Nations and other international organizations. Secondly, Book 2 sets out details of the research after a theory of human scale and measurements, as well as their occurence in informal as well as planned human settlements. Next, background information is provided concerning nature's way of relating form and function. Thirdly, the book outlines relevant particulars of town planning theories which are compatible with or have contributed to the development ratio concept, as well as the general philosophical framework of the selected historical and contemporary town planning theories.