ABSTRACT
The interaction of urban form with meaning and function is also profound in the Chinese context. Chinese urban development is in a critical stage with transformations so dramatic that social and design challenges need to be reconciled. Ways of understanding urban form through typomorphological analysis are central to the discussion of continuity and change in the Chinese context. This chapter shows that typomorphology can be beneficial in terms of providing a theoretical foundation and practical approach for urban design in China, which is to be contextually or culturally responsive. This then leads to an insight into the whole system of Chinese urban design, which is still in its infancy and challenged by the unprecedented urbanisation and development. Urban design needs to play a more important role than it does now in China's urban development if cities are to become places that are relevant to the lives of local residents, be sustainable and adaptable to meet future needs.
