Timeline

● Ancient Greece is usually considered to

have lasted from around 1,200 BC to
around 600 AD. ancient Greek
civilization, the period following
Mycenaean civilization, which ended
about 1200 bce, to the death of
Alexander the Great, in 323 bce.

● The Roman civilization is considered to

have lasted from around 753 BCE until
its fall in 476 CE.
 THE GREEK POLIS

“The spartans are the equal of any men when they

fight as individuals; fighting together as a collective,
they surpass all other men. “ - DAMARATAUS
 ● Each citizen was expected to participate in the polis in
regard to its :
Political life
Economic relations
Spiritual worship
Social events (e.g. dramatic performances)

● Source of Greek creativity

● A self-governing city-state
● Not large cities
GREEK CITIES ● ‘Plato’ thought ideal city should have 5,0000 citizens

CHARACTER ● Athens at its peak had a bit over 1,00,000 citizens

SITE & CULTURE :

● No floods
● Abundant and diverse resources
(fish, grains, grapes, olives,figs)
● Many isolated valleys and islands
● Sea
● Isolation meant greater security,
so power took a less aggressive
form both externally and internally
 ● Greeks build small towns appropriate for human scale
● Natural borders for the town
● Parts of the town were planned according to geometrical patterns
and others according to defensive measures
● Democracy,
Buildings of poor and rich
Public baths

AGORA
• Gathering place and market
• Place for public event
• Agora on the road from the harbour in the center and includes : (Assembly
halls, council hall, chamber hall)
• Bordered by temples, workshops, vendors’ stalls, statues

GREEK •
ACROPOLIS
Elevated temple district
• Contained various temples
TOWNS • Architectural “vocabulary” used well into 20th ce for banks, courthouses, town
halls, etc.
• Periodic processions to acropolis also celebrated the polis

Separation of church and state was indicated by distance between the

agora and the acropolis
AEROPHAGUS
The Areopagus, or Areopagus Hill, is a prominent rock outcropping located northwest of
the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It has significant historical and cultural importance for
several reasons:
• Ancient Court: The Areopagus served as a key judicial council and court in
ancient Athens, where it was responsible for overseeing serious crimes such as
murder, treason, and religious offenses. This council, known as the Areopagus
Council, was composed of former archons, or high-ranking officials, who held
significant influence in Athenian society.
• Religious and Political Significance: The hill was named after Ares, the
Greek god of war, and was believed to be the site of his trial for the murder of
Poseidon's son. It also had religious significance and was associated with
various cult practices.
• Meeting Place: The Areopagus was used as a venue for public debates and
meetings, and it played a role in the governance of Athens, particularly in times
of crisis or when urgent decisions were needed.
• Historical Context: The Areopagus played a crucial role in the transition from
aristocratic to democratic rule in Athens. It was one of the last bastions of
aristocratic power before the establishment of full democracy by Cleisthenes in
the early 5th century BCE.
• Modern Significance: Today, the Areopagus is a popular tourist site and offers
panoramic views of Athens and the Acropolis. It also holds historical
significance for its role in the early legal and political systems of Athens.
The Areopagus remains an important symbol of ancient Athenian justice and
governance, reflecting the city's transition from oligarchic to democratic rule.
PARTHENON

The Parthenon, a magnificent temple dedicated to

the goddess Athena, was constructed between
447 and 432 BCE on the Acropolis of Athens
during the height of the Athenian Empire under
the leadership of Pericles. Designed by the
architects Ictinus and Callicrates and adorned
with sculptures by Phidias, the Parthenon
epitomizes the Doric order and classical Greek
architectural brilliance, featuring a rectangular
floor plan, a colonnade of fluted columns, and
intricate sculptures and friezes depicting various
mythological scenes, including the Panathenaic
procession and the birth of Athena, making it a
symbol of ancient Greek cultural and artistic
achievement.
CHARACTERISTICS
● Doric Order: The Parthenon primarily follows the Doric order,
characterized by simple, sturdy columns without bases, fluted shafts, and
plain capitals.
● Proportions and Symmetry: The building is celebrated for its harmonious
proportions and symmetry, embodying the Greek ideals of balance and
order.
● Use of Marble: Constructed entirely of Pentelic marble, it showcases the
high quality and durability of the material, which glows with a golden hue in
sunlight.
● Peristyle: It features a surrounding colonnade (peristyle) with 8 columns
on the shorter sides and 17 on the longer sides, creating a rectangular floor
plan.
● Sculptural Decoration: The Parthenon is adorned with intricate sculptural
works, including the metopes (depicting mythical battles), the frieze
(depicting the Panathenaic procession), and the pediments (showing
scenes from Athena's life).
● Cult Statue: Inside, it originally housed a massive chryselephantine (gold
and ivory) statue of Athena Parthenos, crafted by Phidias.
● Cultural Symbolism: The Parthenon symbolizes the height of Athenian
power and artistic achievement during the Classical period and serves as a
testament to the religious devotion to Athena, the city's patron goddess.
 CITY PRIENE

• 400 Dwellings with 4000 population

• Agora surrounded by public
buildings and residential blocks
• Each resi. Block - ⅘ houses
• Broad road approx. 23’ wide
• Short road ‘T’ - 10’ wide

G - AGORA MARKET
A,B,C - GATES
D,E,F,H,M,P - TEMPLES
I - COUNCIL HOUSE
L,Q - GYMNASIUM
N - THEATRE
O - WATER RESERVOIR
R - RACE COURSE
CITY BABYLON

The history of Babylon maps traces the city's evolution from

its founding by the Akkadians around 2300 BCE, through its
rise to prominence under Hammurabi in the 18th century
BCE, and its zenith during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II in
the 6th century BCE when it became a major center of
Mesopotamian culture and architecture, featuring landmarks
like the Ishtar Gate, Etemenanki ziggurat, and the Hanging
Gardens, and continues to its rediscovery and excavation by
European archaeologists in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, which provided detailed maps of the city's layout
and significant structures.
 CITY BABYLON
• Ishtar Gate: One of the most iconic structures, the Ishtar Gate
was a grand entrance decorated with glazed bricks depicting
dragons and bulls.
• Hanging Gardens: Although their existence is debated, the
Hanging Gardens of Babylon are often listed as one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Ziggurat: The Etemenanki ziggurat, often associated with the
biblical Tower of Babel, was a massive temple complex
dedicated to the god Marduk.
• Polytheistic Religion: Babylon was a center for worship of
many gods, particularly Marduk, the city’s patron deity.
• Festivals: The Akitu festival, celebrating the New Year, was one
of the most significant religious events.
• Trade and Commerce: Babylon was a thriving trade center due
to its strategic location near the Euphrates River.
• Agriculture: The fertile lands of the Mesopotamian plain
supported robust agricultural activities.
• Astronomy and Mathematics: Babylonian scholars made
significant advancements in astronomy and mathematics,
including the development of the base-60 number system.
• Literature: The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known
literary works, was part of Babylonian culture.
• Class Structure: Babylonian society was stratified, with a clear
hierarchy from the king and priests to merchants, artisans, and
slaves.
 Hippodamus of Miletus, an ancient
FIRST Greek architect and urban planner
of the 5th century BCE, is often
considered the "father of urban
ARCHITECT planning" for his pioneering use of
the grid plan in city layouts, most
notably implemented in the design
of Piraeus, the port city of Athens,
as well as in the cities of Thurii and
Rhodes, influencing urban planning
concepts throughout history.
ANCIENT
WALKTHROUGH
Urban Planning in
Ancient Rome
Importance of Urban Planning in Ancient Rome
Urban planning in ancient Rome was crucial for organizing and managing the sprawling
cities of the empire. It facilitated efficient transportation, sanitation, and administration,
contributing to the overall functionality and prosperity of Roman urban centers.
Ancient Rome City Plan
Roman cities typically followed a grid-based layout, with
streets arranged in a perpendicular pattern, dividing the
city into distinct blocks or insulae. Major thoroughfares, such
as the Via Sacra in Rome, connected important landmarks
and public spaces.
•The city was divided into quarters by the creation of two
perpendicular streets the cardo and the decumanus
Key Features of the Roman City Plan
● Grid-Based Layout: Roman cities were laid out on a grid pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles to form a network of
straight roads. This grid layout divided the city into rectangular blocks known as insulae, creating a sense of order and uniformity
in urban development.

● Perpendicular Streets: Streets in Roman cities were arranged in a perpendicular fashion, running parallel to each other and
intersecting at right angles. This layout facilitated ease of movement and navigation within the city, allowing residents and
visitors to traverse the urban landscape with relative ease.

● Distinct Blocks: Each block or insula in the Roman city plan was bordered by intersecting streets, creating clearly defined
boundaries for residential, commercial, and public spaces. These distinct blocks served as the building blocks of urban
development, accommodating various functions and activities within the city.

● Thoroughfares and Landmarks: Major thoroughfares, such as the Via Sacra in Rome, served as arterial roads that connected
important landmarks and public spaces. These thoroughfares were often lined with significant buildings, monuments, and
temples, serving as focal points of civic life and cultural activity.

● Zoning and Land Use: The grid-based layout of Roman cities facilitated zoning and land use planning, with different areas
designated for specific purposes. Residential areas were typically located on the outskirts of the city, while commercial and civic
functions were concentrated in the central districts. This zoning helped to organize urban space and optimize the efficiency of
infrastructure and services.

● Public Spaces: Roman city plans included ample public spaces, such as forums, marketplaces, and plazas, where residents could
gather for commerce, socializing, and civic events. These public spaces served as the heart of urban life, fostering community
cohesion and cultural exchange.
Characteristics of Grid-Based Cities in Ancient Rome
● Simplicity and Orderliness: The grid-based layout of Roman cities was marked by its simplicity and orderliness. Streets were laid
out in a perpendicular pattern, intersecting at right angles to form a grid network that divided the city into rectangular blocks.
This straightforward layout facilitated straightforward navigation and facilitated the organization of urban space.

● Straight Roads: One of the defining features of grid-based cities in ancient Rome was the prevalence of straight roads. Streets ran
in straight lines, intersecting with each other at regular intervals to form a grid pattern. This geometric arrangement enhanced
connectivity and accessibility within the city, allowing for efficient movement of people and goods.

● Ease of Movement: The grid layout of Roman cities facilitated ease of movement for residents and visitors alike. Straight roads
and uniform block sizes made it simple to navigate the city, whether on foot, by cart, or on horseback. This facilitated commerce,
communication, and social interaction, contributing to the vibrancy of urban life.

● Optimized Land Use: The grid-based layout allowed for efficient land use planning and development. Rectangular blocks created
by intersecting streets provided clear boundaries for residential, commercial, and public spaces. This zoning facilitated the
allocation of land for different purposes, optimizing the use of urban space and resources.

● Standardization: The grid layout of Roman cities was characterized by its standardization and uniformity. Streets were typically
of consistent width, and blocks were of similar size and shape. This standardization simplified construction and maintenance
efforts, allowing for efficient urban development and infrastructure management.

● Expansion and Adaptability: The grid-based layout of Roman cities was adaptable to expansion and growth. New streets and
blocks could be easily added to accommodate population growth or changing urban needs. This flexibility allowed Roman cities to
evolve and adapt over time, ensuring their resilience and longevity.
Key Benefits of Urban Planning in Ancient Rome
● Efficient Transportation: Urban planning in ancient Rome facilitated the construction of well-organized road networks, such as the famous Roman roads,
which connected cities across the empire. These roads enabled efficient transportation of goods, troops, and travelers, facilitating trade and communication.

● Sanitation: Roman urban planning included the implementation of sophisticated sanitation systems, such as aqueducts, sewers, and public baths. Aqueducts
supplied fresh water to urban centers, while sewers carried away waste, preventing the spread of disease and ensuring public health. Public baths provided
hygiene facilities and social spaces for residents.

● Administration: Urban planning in ancient Rome involved the establishment of administrative centers, such as forums and basilicas, where government officials
conducted business and dispensed justice. These centralized hubs facilitated governance and civic life, allowing for efficient administration of public affairs.

● Social Cohesion: Well-planned cities in ancient Rome promoted social cohesion and interaction among residents. Public spaces, such as forums and
marketplaces, served as gathering places where people from diverse backgrounds could come together to exchange goods, ideas, and information.

● Economic Prosperity: Urban planning contributed to economic prosperity by fostering commercial activities and trade within cities. Markets, shops, and
workshops were strategically located to accommodate the needs of residents and visitors, stimulating economic growth and prosperity.

● Military Strategy: Urban planning in Roman cities often had military considerations, with defensive walls, gates, and fortifications strategically positioned to
protect urban centers from external threats. The layout of streets and neighborhoods also influenced military logistics and troop movements during times of
conflict.

● Aesthetic Beauty: Roman urban planning emphasized aesthetic beauty and architectural harmony, with well-designed public buildings, monuments, and
landscaping enhancing the visual appeal of cities. Urban spaces were adorned with statues, fountains, and gardens, creating a sense of grandeur and civic pride.
● Aqueducts and Water Management: The construction of aqueducts was a remarkable
feat of Roman engineering, allowing for the transport of fresh water from distant
sources to urban centers. Aqueducts supplied water for drinking, bathing, and irrigation,
supporting the growth and prosperity of Roman cities. The Pont du Gard in France is a
stunning example of Roman aqueduct technology, showcasing the mastery of hydraulic
engineering.

● Urban Planning: Roman urban planning was marked by its grid-based layout, straight
roads, and organized public spaces. The creation of forums, marketplaces, and public
baths served as focal points of urban life, fostering social interaction and civic
engagement. Roman cities were meticulously planned to accommodate the needs of
residents and promote efficiency in governance and commerce.

● Urban Planning Concepts: Urban planning principles and concepts were thoroughly
documented in the dictionary, including grid-based city layouts, zoning regulations, and
infrastructure planning. It provided guidance on city design, street layout, and public
space allocation, helping planners create functional and aesthetically pleasing urban
environments.

● Infrastructure and Utilities: Infrastructure and utilities essential for urban life were
also covered in the dictionary. This included aqueducts, sewers, and public baths, as
well as roads, bridges, and street lighting systems. Information on water supply,
sanitation, and transportation infrastructure was essential for ensuring the health,
safety, and convenience of urban residents.
 Street Layout:
• Roman cities were known for their orderly grid patterns. The
two main streets, the cardo (north-south) and decumanus
(east-west), intersected at the forum, the heart of the city.

• Plenty of towns in invaded areas medium towns to keep

agriculture around.

• Division of agricultural land into rectangular parcels

• Grid pattern for most of roman cities

• The city was divided into neighborhoods and quarters with

their own centres

• Two major and central intersected roads

ROMAN CITIES Cardo :North South
CHARACTER Decomanus : East West
Forum:
•The forum was the central public space and
marketplace, surrounded by various important
buildings like temples, basilicas, and government
buildings.The forum: at the intersection of the two
major roads the central public space
The forum was their version of the agora (this
one is in pompeii, a city preserved in volcanic
ash of mt. vesuvius from the 1st century)
Bordered by everything important: temples,
offeices , jails , butcher shops
Public processions and ceremonies took place
there
For mainly pedestrian population, the surrounding
colonnade was a very important urban design
feature
Aqueducts:
•These impressive
structures were built to
bring fresh water from
distant sources into the
cities. The aqueducts
are a testament to
Roman engineering
skills.
Amphitheaters:
•These large, circular or oval open-air
venues were used for events such as
gladiator combats and public
spectacles. The Colosseum in Rome is
the most famous example.
Important “furnishings” for a roman city
Amphitheater
Theater
Baths
Public Baths:

•Roman baths were not just places for bathing,

but also social and recreational centers. They
often included hot and cold baths, saunas, and
massage rooms.
•Romans took public bathing to an extreme:
hot, cold, and luke warm pools, places to get a
massage or work out, even reading rooms.
Temples and Religious Structures:
• Roman religion was an integral part of daily life, and
temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses were
prominent in cities.
•Theromans were very practical but they also carried
remnants of an older mystical video of the city
•Augury (an animal was cut open in order to examine its
entrails for signs their it was a good or bad place for a city)
•At founding of a city a priest would plow the outline of the
city to ritually mark it off from the surrounding wilderness
Theatres and Odeons:
• These were used for plays and musical
performances, showcasing Roman culture and arts.
•Mass slaughter as entertainment
Upto thousands of human an animal lives
taken in one “game” day .
Performers included christians and lions
gladiators, exotic wild animal, captive and
prisoner .
Bodies dumped unceremoniously in enormous
stinking pits at edge of town.
175 game days a year by end of the empire.
People left the colosseum by the vomitorium
named after the special purpose room in a house
dedicated to purging ( after typical roman binging)
Housing:
•Roman cities had a range of housing, from
luxurious villas for the wealthy to crowded insulae
(apartment buildings) for the poorer citizens.
•Fora few hundred years their aggressive,
exploitive culture appeared to be eternal
•Pax romana the roman peace was a form of
civilization

ISSUES
•The core of the empire the city of rome
Roman insula (apartment buildings ) often
burned or fell down, had no air
conditioning plumbing or heating
Sewers were often open air and were not
connected to housing above the 1st floor:
dismal for a city of million
Deprived entertainment
Stagnant economy
 Roads and Infrastructure:
•Roman roads were famous for their durability and efficiency, connecting
cities across the empire. Sewer systems and public latrines were also
advanced for their time.
•When it comes to roads the romans understood the highway better than
the city street
• Easy to layout
• Easy to administer
• Breezes could flow through for natural ventilation
• Easy to defend if walled

Issue
•The intersection of the cardo and decumanus created a terrible traffic
jam in the middle of the city
•Wheel rims on stone streets made a terrible racket (1st known traffic law
was a ban of wheeled traffic during daylight hours imposed by julius
caesar)
•Night time noise was reported to be deafening
Grid ( or gridiron ) plan
WALLS AND GATES:
• City walls were built for defence, with gates allowing
controlled access to the city.
•Their passion for size and excess pushed them to unsustainable
levels of consumption and territorial expansion
•They aqueducts were not strictly needed they were as much
about demonstrating imperial power as about gaining access to
water
•City of rome had 1352 fountains and 967 free baths
 COLLAGE CITY

"Collage City" remains influential in architectural and

urban theory, encouraging designers and planners to
embrace complexity, historical context, and diversity
in the urban environment
Biography of Colin Rowe
Name: Colin Rowe
Birth: June 21, 1920, in London, England
Death: June 6, 1999, in Austin, Texas, USA

Early Life and Education

Colin Rowe was born in London and had a background in the arts.

He initially studied architecture at the Architectural Association School of

Architecture (AA) in London, where he was exposed to a range of
architectural ideas and influences.

His early education was marked by a strong interest in both contemporary

and historical architectural forms.

Book outcome

The book emphasizes the importance of understanding and incorporating

the historical and cultural layers of a city, suggesting that a successful urban
environment should reflect a mosaic of different influences and periods. By
doing so, it can offer a richer, more engaging experience for its inhabitants.
CONCEPT OF COLLAGE CITY:
1.Embracing Complexity

● Diverse Influences: Collage City supports integrating

multiple architectural styles, historical elements, and
urban forms. This diversity creates richer, more vibrant
environments that reflect the dynamic nature of cities.
● Adaptability: Cities are constantly evolving, and a
collage approach allows for new developments to
blend with existing structures in a meaningful way.

2. Historical Layers
● Historical Continuity: It acknowledges the value of
preserving and integrating historical layers within urban
design. This helps maintain a sense of place and
continuity in the urban fabric.
● Contextual Design: The concept encourages designs
that respect and respond to the historical and cultural
context of an area rather than imposing a new, uniform
style.
3. Critique of Modernist Planning
● Against Uniformity: Modernist planning often sought to
impose strict, utopian visions on urban areas, which
sometimes led to monotonous and disconnected
environments. Collage City challenges this by
advocating for a more eclectic and less rigid approach.
● Human Scale: By embracing a collage of elements, the
approach prioritizes human-scale interactions and
environments, countering the often impersonal nature of
large-scale modernist projects.

4. Flexibility and Fragmentation

● Dynamic Urban Form: Cities are seen as organic and
evolving entities. The collage approach reflects this
dynamism by allowing for a more fragmented and less
monolithic urban structure.
● Incremental Development: It supports the idea of
incremental and opportunistic development rather than
grand, top-down planning schemes.
5. Creativity and Innovation
● Creative Freedom: The concept encourages architects
and urban planners to explore creative and innovative
solutions, drawing from various sources and styles.
● Unique Urban Identity: By integrating diverse elements,
cities can develop unique identities that differentiate
them from one another.

6. Public Engagement
● Participatory Design: Collage City suggests that urban
spaces should be shaped by a variety of stakeholders,
including the public. This participatory approach helps
ensure that developments meet the needs and desires
of the community
Analysis of Modernist Principles

1.Functionalism and Zoning:

Functional Zoning: Modernist planning often emphasized functional

segregation, where different areas of the city were designated for
specific uses (residential, commercial, industrial). This was intended to
create efficiency and clarity.

Critique: Rowe and Koetter argued that this strict zoning led to
monotonous environments and disconnected urban spaces. The
rigid separation of functions often ignored the complex, mixed-use
nature of traditional urban areas.

2.Form Follows Function:

Simplicity and Efficiency: Modernism held that the form of a building

or urban space should be a direct response to its function. This
principle led to minimalist designs that prioritized efficiency and
stripped away ornamentation.

Critique: Rowe and Koetter felt that this approach led to a lack of
character and human scale. They believed that by focusing solely
on function, modernist designs neglected the rich, historical, and
contextual aspects of urban spaces.
Slide 3: Overview of "Collage City"

● Publication Year: 1978

● Co-Author: Fred Koetter
● Main Theme: Critique of modernist urban planning and advocacy
for a more eclectic, layered approach to city design.
Slide 4: Key Concepts

● Collage Technique:
○ Urban environments should be a mix of different styles and
periods.
○ Emphasis on adding new elements to existing urban fabric.
● Critique of Modernism:
○ Modernist planning often ignored historical context and
cultural layers.
○ Rowe advocates for a more historical and contextual
approach.
●