Comparing approaches in urban morphology

Comparing different approaches to urban form has been acknowledged as one of the most important lines of research in urban morphology. This challenge has been reinforced over the last decade. While some studies compare different morphological perspectives, others attempt to go one step further, establishing composite views. In both cases, there is still a need to undertake more systematic research supported by rigorous comparisons of findings. Against this background, the paper seeks to demonstrate the benefits of an integrated morphological approach for a better understanding of human settlements. For that purpose, the article compares the separate application of three dominant perspectives on urban form (historico-geographical, process typological and configurational approaches) with an integrated view and methodology, the so-called MAP – Morphological Analysis and Prescription. MAP is framed by a ground-breaking understanding of morphological zoning, typology, and configuration. The comparison is developed in a case study in Oporto, Portugal.