A city block (also called a building block or urban block) is a contiguous group of buildings bounded on all sides by streets, canals or other public spaces. The city block is one of the fundamental forms of urban design and largely determines the character of a neighbourhood or city.
Characteristics of a City Block
A classic city block has the following features:
- Closed perimeter — the facades face the street and form a continuous wall
- Courtyard — the interior is used as a garden, courtyard or parking area
- Consistent building line — all facades follow the same setback line
- Mixed use — often shops on the ground floor and housing on the upper floors
Application
City blocks come in various forms in urban planning:
- Closed block — all sides are built up, typical of 19th-century urban expansions
- Semi-open block — one or more sides are open, admitting more light and air
- Open block — freestanding buildings in green space, typical of post-war developments
- Superblock — a large block with internal roads and amenities
Urban Planning Advantages
- Efficient land use — compact development saves land
- Lively streets — facades on the street provide natural surveillance
- Sheltered courtyard — residents enjoy a quiet outdoor space
- Flexibility — different uses can be accommodated within the block
Related Terms
- Building line
- Zoning plan
- Plot ratio
- Facade
- Urban planning
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