Mapping the Spatial Structure of Historic Cities

Research into historic urban environments and urban heritage often focuses on buildings. This short course differs by focusing on the space in between the buildings, exploring how the underlying structure of streets and open spaces in cities influenced the way that people once moved around, interacted and traded. Participants learned principles of mapping that helped in the interpretation of spatial layouts while also exploring how other layers of information—both economic and social—added significance to these maps.

The principles of mapping explored included understanding ideas of ‘spatial configuration’ and the network qualities of space; appreciating the ‘lines of sight’ that people benefited from as they moved around historic urban environments; and examining more micro-level aspects of urban morphology. Participants considered the concept of ‘spatial culture’ and explored how this may have varied both across cities and within cities at different stages of their development. Different tools—such as tracing and hand-drawing, as well as the increasing use of historic Geographical Information System (GIS) technologies—were also discussed.

The course concluded by considering what lessons could be drawn from the historic layout of towns and cities for contemporary challenges, such as the need to create more ‘walkable’ cities. It was therefore relevant to a broad audience of archaeologists, historians, and contemporary architects and planners. By the end of the course, participants were encouraged to think differently about urban space!