Urban fringe belts and planning practice: a systematic framework

The concept of the fringe belt, formulated by Herbert Louis and then developed by M.R.G. Conzen and promoted by J.W.R. Whitehand, addresses the process of urban growth and change. The ‘fringe-belt concept’ has not been sufficiently referenced by local planners and other agents responsible for the urban landscape. This stems from two major aspects. The first is the lack of a consistent and systematic framework for the mapping process of fringe belts, and the second is the unclear definition of the role of the ‘fringe-belt concept’ in planning practice. In this regard, this paper sets out two main objectives. The first is to enhance the applicability of the ‘fringe-belt analysis’ by offering a systematic methodology. A three-order hierarchy of fringe belts has been proposed. In the first order, the ‘fringe-belt formation’ is examined. In the second order, modifications are considered, and in the third order, forms and uses are addressed. Afterwards, a clear framework of the role of the ‘fringe-belt concept’ in planning practice has been revealed. The hierarchical identification of Urfa’s fringe belts introduces an explicit and systematic way of fringe belt application. This methodology provides a strong foundation for the utility of ‘fringe-belt analysis’ in planning practice and in the field of urban morphology.