Introduction to Basic Theory of Urban Design

I. Theory of Figure and Background

If we cover the buildings as entities into the open urban space and study them, we can find that the physical environment of any city has a relationship similar to that of "figure and background" in Gestalt psychology. The building is the figure and the space is the background. From this, we can analyze the urban spatial structure, referred to as the "bottom of the map analysis".

II. Connection theory

Connection theory is also known as "associated coupling theory". The object of linkage theory is the "line" that connects the elements of the city. This approach seeks to organize a system of connections or a network to create a structure for orderly space, but focuses on the schematic relationships of circulation rather than on spatial patterns. It argues that movement systems and infrastructures have a prerequisite role in navigating external spatial patterns.

III. Behavioral Place Theory

1. Broad Place Theory--This is a theory and methodology that takes architecture and urban design professionals as the main body, and analyzes the history, culture, and human activities in different architectural places with the help of secondary disciplines, in order to explore new theories and methods of urban and architectural design.

2. The concept of place theory in a narrow sense--that is, the concept of "behavioral place" is based on psychology and behavioral scientists as the main body to study the correspondence between specific micro-places and behaviors: it tries to provide a scientific theoretical basis for the place theory in a broad sense.