Some urban design aspects of capital cities

Abstract

This paper will be divided into two parts, firstly, selected aspects of planning theory and history and secondly, case studies of some examples of major capital cities. Since capital city design is multi­disciplinary, the author will mostly discuss his interest in physical planning forms, functions and context. First-hand observation of capitals during international visits will be augmented by means of colour slides and subsequent ideas developed in Masters en Doctoral seminars. Some tentative conclusions relate to sustainability, adaptability, genius loci, design language and non-material values.