Besnik Murati

Research

Subject

The origin(s) of urban structure: Is genesis, growth, stability and hierarchy of urban form prestructured?

First and second supervisors

Abstract

This PhD investigates origins of code-structure that govern genesis, growth and stability of urban form. Where does this code arise from; are genesis and growth hierarchically prestructured and morphologically preconditioned processes; and, what is the background of structural stability and family likeness? are the questions this study aims to address.

All common possibilities – randomness, causality, division of labour, trial-error, and knowledge – fall short to render them. Randomness is biased by unfair chance-setup; causality and division of labour are compromised by different social organisation and modes of production; trial-error process is disputed by morphological similarity of urban form across various anthropo-geographical regions. Bill Hillier suggests that family likeness of urban form and structure, transformation laws and morphological stability are organically prestructured and preconditioned. To examine the nature of code-structure, autonomy and governing power, this study investigates Hillier’s et.al. fundamental concept – namely prestructure – from pre-syntax period, relative to current debates in the field of (Bio)semiotics, Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics, and Deleuze’s philosophy.

Theoretical and conceptual conjunctions between these fields are furtherly explored and cross-examined, supported with four case studies, in relation to Hillier’s view on genesis. Organic origins of structure would not just add to space syntax view on genealogy, transformation laws and hierarchical stability of urban form and family likeness – solidifying in this way space syntax’s position in design process – but it would expand Hillier’s notion of prestructure beyond the urban domain. In the fields of biosemiotics, non-equilibrium systems and Deleuze’s philosophy on genesis, particularly to the concept of assemblages, it adds a component of organic solidity in their construction.

Biography

Besnik Murati is an architect and urban analyst. He studied an integrated Bachelor and Master’s programme at Pristina University, Kosovo, before completing the Space Syntax: Architecture and Cities MRes at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL.

Actively engaged in architectural practice, Besnik is a founder of the HORIZONS group – urban and architecture design and consultancy firm. He has signed over 100 small- and large-scale projects. Additionally, he holds the position of analyst for strategic investments at Prime Group Construction. Currently, Besnik is a PhD student at The Bartlett School of Architecture, with interests in genesis, growth, and stability of urban structures. His interdisciplinary research engages with Space Syntax Theory, (Bio)semiotics, Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics, and Deleuze’s philosophy.

Publications: Murati, Besnik. (2019). ‘Trialogue on centrality: Space Syntax, Urban Morphology, and Actor-Network Theory’, The 12th International Space Syntax Symposium (12SSS). Beijing Jiaotong University, 8-13 July.

Image: Origins of Urban Structure, by Besnik Murati. A group of sketches, including an apple, a bird and a DNA strand.