In this book, Formation is ideal and utopian thinking, and
Transformation is the adaptation of the ideal to the real or existing
conditions. The book examines the dialectical relationship of these in
the creation of the city. The subject is a contextual theory of urban
design, utilizing Italian Renaissance and Baroque architecture and urban
development of Rome, as a case study. It demonstrates the complexity of
Roman urbanism and the inter-relationship and role of Roman architecture
to its urban context. The theory of urban 'Contextualism' has not been
adequately discussed and presented in regards to this historical city.
Why it is important as a theory and as a method for designing Roman
cities today? And therefore, it needs to be discussed. The book is an
exploration and demonstration of urban analysis and visual diagramming,
it is an urban and architectural analysis of significant Ancient,
Renaissance and Baroque historical developments in the great city of
Rome. There has rarely been a discussion and visual presentation of the
relationship of Roman architecture to its urban context.