Research on geographical urban morphology is pertinent to both describing and prescribing the spatial structure and character of the built environment, but its application in planning and managing the urban landscape has been slow to develop. On the basis of the relationship between morphological periodicities and the stratification of urban form, the recognition of urban landscape units is fundamental to the understanding and planning of urban areas. Stimulated by the increasing demand for business and housing, the historical inner suburb of Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand is experiencing great pressure for change. The District Plan that underpins urban landscape development in this suburb on the basis of land-use zones has been of limited effectiveness in guiding change to the historical urban environment. In seeking more integrated development control, a morphological coding alternative is suggested, which is derived from spatial analysis of the composite structure of urban landscape units.
