Urban morphologies for the 'thinking hand'

The paper draws inspiration from Caniggia’s research on the graphic interpretation of urban forms and the study of urban stratification evident in restructuring processes. It aims to contribute epistemologically to understanding urban form, presenting a graphical depiction of the culture of a place and the time it was created, intricately tied to the original foundation and natural landscape of the area. This study aligns with research in Italy, rooted in the historical underpinnings of cities and initially shaped by Giovannoni’s thinking. Over the past century, numerous other experts have engaged in interpreting urban texts, transitioning from thoughtful contemplation (in Pallasmaa’s terms) to project implementation, including architectural design. Figures like Rossi, Tavora, Siza, Rogers, as well as Aymonino, Monestiroli, Muratori, and particularly Caniggia, have notably contributed to developing and translating research using the architect’s tools. Their diverse approaches to studying urban forms in cities and territories now allow us to explore intrinsic meanings and semantic suggestions found in transformations and subsequent geometries resulting from varied concepts of urban ‘organisms.’ These principles, which have fundamentally shaped the original form, primarily cater to functional conveniences in utilizing and engaging with natural spaces. Today, they offer valuable insights for defining the objectives and structure of architectural and urban designs.