Framing the issue: Urban form’s impact on downtown redevelopment

Abstract

Despite many revitalisation efforts, downtowns across North America and Europe continue to struggle in the contemporary urban system. Although the reasons for their challenges are complex, one issue that is seldom addressed is the disjuncture between the historical built environment and the functioning of the contemporary market. Borrowed from the field of urban morphology, the concept of morphological frame is applied to understand how the physical arrangement of the downtown’s streets, lots, and buildings influence its uses. Shopping practices have changed since the stores were built, creating issues for operating in downtown spaces. A case study of a downtown mall demonstrates how urban form has an impact on large-scale redevelopment projects. Despite the limitations that the built environment poses, it is perhaps the core’s greatest strength as it offers a distinct sense of place not found elsewhere in the city.