Georgian Scientists/ . 7 N 2, 2025 144 Georgian Scientists Vol. 7 Issue 2, 2025 https://doi.org/10.52340/gs.2025.07.02.13 , , , Natsvlishvilimari93@gmail.com , , . , . , . , , , , , . , , . , , . : , , , , , . — , . , . Georgian Scientists/ . 7 N 2, 2025 145 , , . . , , — . , . , , . , , ( ), ( ) . 1. (Compact Block) — , . , , . . 2. (Open Block) — , . , . Georgian Scientists/ . 7 N 2, 2025 146 3. — . , . , . 4. – , . , , . , . , , — , . Georgian Scientists/ . 7 N 2, 2025 147 5. Ildefons Cerdà Ildefons Cerdà- , . , , 113 113 20 . , , , . 6. , , . , , 1/3- , , , . Georgian Scientists/ . 7 N 2, 2025 148 7. , Cerdà- , . , . , , Figueroa (2016) , , , . . Georgian Scientists/ . 7 N 2, 2025 149 8. , , . , , . — 1960- , . , , . , — , , . — , " " (mixed-use) . , . Georgian Scientists/ . 7 N 2, 2025 150 . , , . , — , , . : Moudon, A. V. (1997). Urban morphology as an emerging interdisciplinary field. Urban Morphology, 1(1), 3–10. Georgian Scientists/ . 7 N 2, 2025 151 Conzen, M. R. G. (1960). Alnwick, Northumberland: a study in town-plan analysis. Institute of British Geographers Publication. Krier, R. (1979). Urban space. Rizzoli International Publications. Kostava, N. (2012). Urban Transformation in Post-Soviet Tbilisi: The Case of Gldani and Vake. Tbilisi Urban Studies Review, 4(2), 45–59. Ziegler, J. (2008). Morphological analysis of historic urban blocks: methods and implications. Journal of Urban Design, 13(3), 289–312. Types of Urban Blocks and Morphological Analysis Mari Natsvlisvili Georgian Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, Urban Planning, PhD Student Abstract Urban morphology is the study of the structure, form, and developmental dynamics of a city, with one of its central elements being the urban block. The block defines the fabric of urban space and represents a spatial unit, which is often perceived as an area enclosed by buildings. Its structure and typology play a crucial role in both urban planning processes and strategies for preserving cultural heritage. According to typological classification, urban blocks can be compact, open, hybrid, traditional, perimeter-based, or mixed-use structures influenced by new urbanist approaches. Morphological analysis of blocks allows for the assessment of the functional capacity of urban spaces, their degree of density, relation to open areas, and historical development phases. This type of analysis serves as an essential tool in modern urban policy-making, based on principles of spatial coherence, density, and integration with the natural environment. Keywords: Urban Morphology; Block Typology; Urban Fabric; Cultural Heritage; Spatial Logic Urban morphology refers to the study of the structure, form, and developmental dynamics of a city. One of its key components is the urban block — a spatial unit that defines the physical fabric of the city. Typological analysis of urban blocks is crucial for both urban planning and the preservation of cultural heritage. Urban blocks can be defined as spatial areas of a city’s street pattern, subdivided into land parcels intended for construction. This morphological element has been shaped over centuries, according to evolving views and expectations in urban design. A block may consist of a single building or multiple structures, differing in size and character — either detached or forming dense labyrinths. Regardless of their composition, urban blocks are the fundamental units of urban structure and play a critical role in mediating between the public and private realms. Definition and Structure of the Urban Block Georgian Scientists/ . 7 N 2, 2025 152 Typically, an urban block is an area enclosed by buildings, shaped by the topography, street network, and local construction regulations. Blocks may vary in size, form, density, function, and the presence or absence of inner courtyards. Types of Urban Blocks 1. Compact Block Characteristic of older city areas, where buildings form a tightly defined outer perimeter. Tbilisi’s historic districts, such as Abanotubani and Sololaki, exemplify this type, blending residential and commercial uses within a dense structure. 2. Open Block Consists of free-standing buildings surrounded by yards or green spaces. This type is typical of Soviet-era neighborhoods such as Saburtalo in Tbilisi or areas near Gelati Street in Kutaisi. 3. Hybrid Block Combines elements of both compact and open block types. Often found in transitional city zones, such as Avlabari, where older courtyard houses coexist with new buildings. 4. Traditional Block A traditional block is an urban organism that evolves gradually over a long period. It is characterized by a large, dense, and homogeneous mass, often creating a disproportion between built and open spaces. These blocks usually result from leftover spaces within irregular street patterns, producing variable sizes and shapes. Architecturally, they are often enclosed by front façades that may or may not follow a regular configuration — as seen in Haussmann’s Paris, where uniformity and symmetry reflect urban order. 5. Cerdà’s Grid in Barcelona Thanks to the typology introduced by Ildefons Cerdà, Barcelona exemplifies a novel relationship between buildings and streets. His plan embraced the advantages of grid-based systems in terms of circulation, topology, and construction, establishing a 113x113 meter modular block with 20-meter chamfered corners. This model marked a major milestone in urban history, transforming blocks from mere property units into fundamental elements of urban structure. 6. Limitations of the Cerdà Plan Despite its visionary layout, Cerdà’s plan was not fully implemented — particularly regarding its street system. Originally, the blocks included inner parks intended as public green spaces occupying a third of each block. Over time, however, these were largely replaced by built structures. 7. Perimeter Block Inspired by Cerdà’s model, cities like Amsterdam developed the perimeter block. While still shaped by the road network, these blocks, as Figueroa (2016) notes, redefine urban hierarchy through Georgian Scientists/ . 7 N 2, 2025 153 distinctive angles and interior courtyards, which evolved from private gardens into semi-public community spaces. 8. Modern Open Block A contemporary hybrid typology that combines the value of traditional streets and corners while preserving building autonomy. This configuration enhances natural light and ventilation, while pedestrian-friendly pathways intersect blocks and dissolve the boundary between public and private domains. New Urbanism and Contemporary Interpretations New Urbanism emerged in the 1960s as a movement countering the rigidity of modernist planning. It promotes walkable neighborhoods featuring a wide range of housing and workspaces, alongside public spaces and integrated infrastructure. In this paradigm, blocks are no longer seen as technical units but as human-centered spaces — where density, access to open areas, and functionality coexist harmoniously to form resilient urban fabrics. Special attention is given to integrating nature with built environments — manifesting in green corridors, public parks, and mixed-use developments. This approach fosters organically planned layouts with seamless transitions between residential, recreational, and working zones. The Significance of Morphological Analysis Morphological analysis of urban blocks reveals the phases of city development and its underlying spatial logic. For example, Soviet-era open blocks reflect a political ideology aimed at de-densification and increased public space. Such analysis supports urban planners and architects in making informed decisions — such as identifying blocks in need of renewal, suitable sites for modern interventions, and strategies for preserving historical textures. References Moudon, A. V. (1997). Urban morphology as an emerging interdisciplinary field. Urban Morphology, 1(1), 3–10. Conzen, M. R. G. (1960). Alnwick, Northumberland: a study in town-plan analysis. Institute of British Geographers Publication. Krier, R. (1979). Urban space. Rizzoli International Publications. Kostava, N. (2012). Urban Transformation in Post-Soviet Tbilisi: The Case of Gldani and Vake. Tbilisi Urban Studies Review, 4(2), 45–59. Ziegler, J. (2008). Morphological analysis of historic urban blocks: methods and implications. Journal of Urban Design, 13(3), 289–312.