University of Conference: Securing the Urban Renaissance: Policing, Community and Disorder 16 & 17 June 2005

Appropriate Typologies for City Centre Living: The Reformed Urban Block Dr Wolfgang Sonne University of Strathclyde Department of Architecture 131 Rottenrow Glasgow G4 0NG

Tel: +44 (0)141 548 3008 Email: [email protected]

This paper will focus on the urban form and aims to set standards for city centre living by analysing successful examples from the early 20th century. The problem is: even if good political, social and economic strategies are in place the success of an “urban renaissance” is not yet guaranteed. A further irreducible factor is the urban form, ranging from typology to architectural details, which has an essential impact on the success of urban neighbourhoods. Just the numerous examples of suburban typologies next to Glasgow’s city centre may illustrate this point.

But urban living does not have to be entirely reinvented. There are outstanding examples of reformed urban blocks from the early 20th century including both social and private housing which are the result of an advanced discourse on housing in the city. The paper will analyse selected examples from major European cities like London, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, including new material from a research project recently granted by the RIBA.

From analysing these well tested and successful examples conclusions will be drawn for typology and design standards for metropolitan dwelling quarters. These include: clear separation of public and private spaces, separation of “urban” and “rural” sides, mixed-use- typologies which follow the street-line, facade design with urban character, use of time- resistant materials, advanced building culture, respect to local typologies and architecture. As a by-product the paper will also revise urban design historiography: early 20th century housing discourse was not dominated by the Garden City Model and suburban typologies but also included relevant examples of deliberately metropolitan dwellings.