Typological Analysis of The Transect and Its Background Theories and Approaches

Transect theory and approach have recently turned into one of the fundamental principles of urban design and planning in the urbanization systems in Europe, the United States and more recently the middle-east, its main goal is reaching the sustainable development patterns in urban areas. A consensus regarding the operationalizability of this theory and approach for creating a sustainable urban form, explains the necessity of analyzing and surveying its generalizability to Iran urbanization system. The following article tries to shed light on this new theory and approach (Transect) and to analyze and discuss its probable advances and weaknesses on controlling and guiding urban form through the typology of its lineage theories and approaches.findings of the research show that the transect model is, in fact, a type of linear cross-section which takes advantage of nature ecological principles to lead and control of urban areas based on the urban character. Also, by reviewing the literature of the subject toward the transect model and its background theories and approaches and to defy its similarities and differences; typology was performed based on 8 criteria: philosophical orientation; elements of concern; how to use ecology as a basic discipline of theory or approach; urban design and planning paradigms; purpose of employing cross-sections; type of considered order; considered elements of the place, extent of theory or approach. Analyzing this theoretical framework shows that the transect theory has a relative improvement based on all of the typological criteria except paradigms of urban design and planning and considered elements of the place. Therefore, theorizing or expanding the theory and approach of the transect is recommended in order to solve its shortcomings and weaknesses along with attending to all of the aspects of the place and synchronizing with the paradigm of evolution as the superior paradigm of urban design and planning.