Living structures across urban hierarchies: a comparative study of five Sri Lankan cities

Abstract

This study explores Living Structure, originated by Christopher Alexander and further developed by Bin Jiang, within urban settings, particularly in Sri Lanka. Utilizing building footprints as proxies for human movement, the research employs a quantitative approach to analyze and compare Living Structure patterns across Sri Lankan cities. Results demonstrate the presence of Living Structure characteristics in all case study cities, manifested through fitting power law distributions. Notably, historical cities such as Anuradhapura, Kandy, Jaffna, and Galle exhibit stronger Living Structure rankings compared to the newly developed city of Hambantota. These variations are attributed to historical backgrounds and the pace of urban development, with established morphologies supporting Living Structure patterns in historical cities. Beyond academic inquiry, the study offers practical implications for urban planners and decision-makers by illuminating the dynamics behind thriving cities and addressing identified knowledge gaps. By integrating Living Structure principles into urban planning strategies, cities can evolve sustainably over time. Through comparative analyses and exploration of Living Structure evolution within specific cities, the research contributes valuable insights into urban dynamics, guiding future planning efforts.