Skip to product information
1 of 1

Xiaofei Chen

Supergrid and Superblock: Lessons in Urban Structure from China and Japan

Supergrid and Superblock: Lessons in Urban Structure from China and Japan

Regular price £70.83 GBP
Regular price £76.99 GBP Sale price £70.83 GBP
8% OFF Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

YOU SAVE £6.16

  • Condition: Brand new
  • UK Delivery times: Usually arrives within 2 - 3 working days
  • UK Shipping: Fee starts at £2.39. Subject to product weight & dimension
Trustpilot 4.5 stars rating  Excellent
We're rated excellent on Trustpilot.
  • More about Supergrid and Superblock: Lessons in Urban Structure from China and Japan

Xiaofei Chen's book explores the supergrid and superblock urban structure, which is a common East Asian urban phenomenon. It discusses the structure's composition, history, cultural origins, and design philosophy and provides detailed analysis of two sample superblocks in China and Japan. The book concludes that the supergrid and superblock structure is a valuable urban design model that can be used effectively in other cities with regional adjustments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd


This captivating book, penned by Xiaofei Chen, delves into the first comprehensive English analysis of a prevalent urban phenomenon in East Asia: the supergrid and superblock urban structure. The book commences with an introductory essay by Barrie Shelton, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters. Shelton highlights the unconventional nature of this structure in Western urban design culture, where radial patterns of development prevailed.

Chen then delves into the composition and distinct variations of the supergrid and superblock urban structure, comparing its Chinese and Japanese manifestations. In the subsequent three chapters, she explores the historical background, cultural origins, and underlying design philosophy of the supergrid and superblock, unveiling how it has evolved into two distinct forms under different cultural influences.

To provide a thorough examination, the book includes two additional chapters (5 and 6), which provide detailed analysis of two sample superblocks in China (located in Xian and Nanjing) and two in Japan (in Kyoto and Osaka). These chapters shed light on the relative advantages and disadvantages of how the supergrid and superblock structure manifests in these two countries.

In the concluding chapter, Chen summarizes her findings and discusses the significance of the supergrid and superblock structure as a valuable urban design model. She emphasizes that with regional adjustments, this model can be effectively applied in cities beyond East Asia.

This captivating book offers a profound exploration of the supergrid and superblock urban structure, providing valuable insights into its origins, evolution, and potential applications in diverse urban contexts.

Weight: 708g
Dimension: 252 x 180 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367478889

This item can be found in:

UK and International shipping information

UK Delivery and returns information:

  • Delivery within 2 - 3 days when ordering in the UK.
  • Shipping fee for UK customers from £2.39. Fully tracked shipping service available.
  • Returns policy: Return within 30 days of receipt for full refund.

International deliveries:

Shulph Ink now ships to Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, India, Luxembourg Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.

  • Delivery times: within 5 - 10 days for international orders.
  • Shipping fee: charges vary for overseas orders. Only tracked services are available for most international orders. Some countries have untracked shipping options.
  • Customs charges: If ordering to addresses outside the United Kingdom, you may or may not incur additional customs and duties fees during local delivery.
View full details