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An opinion regarding the grid layout as a goal and parameter

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  • Lai, Lawrence W.C.
  • Davies, Stephen N.G.
  • Chiu, Hon Chim
  • Ching, Ken S.T.

Abstract

This opinion paper has the goal of offering two opinions as a guide for further and better research on the grid layout motivated by its coming back to planning research and practice. By analytical reasoning referencing relevant researches and real world examples, it gives from a town planner’s perspective an account for both the popularity and resilience of the grid layout. The first opinion is that the grid layout (gridiron (orthogonal/rectangular)) is a default planning option in relation to the town and country layout or pattern of land apportionment. The second and more important, based on two case studies (one from colonial Hong Kong and another from the southern bank of the River Clyde, in Glasgow, Scotland), is that the conversion of an informal and customary layout into a formal grid land pattern and its subsequent modification is, in the word of Libecap et al. (2011), a major “institutional change” that involves high transaction costs measured in terms of time. Seven research issues are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lai, Lawrence W.C. & Davies, Stephen N.G. & Chiu, Hon Chim & Ching, Ken S.T., 2025. "An opinion regarding the grid layout as a goal and parameter," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:151:y:2025:i:c:s0264837725000146
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2025.107481
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gary D. Libecap & Dean Lueck, 2009. "The Demarcation of Land and the Role of Coordinating Institutions," NBER Working Papers 14942, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Robert C. Ellickson, 2011. "Two Cheers for the Bundle-of-Sticks Metaphor, Three Cheers for Merrill and Smith," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 8(3), pages 215-222, September.
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    7. Lai, Lawrence W.C. & Davies, Stephen N.G. & Chan, Edwin H.W. & Chua, Mark Hansley & Lin, C.L., 2020. "The production and consumption of land use planning: A neo-institutional economic perspective & three Taiwan case studies of planning layering," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
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