Nahid Mohajeri

Research title:

Effects of external constraints (landscape) on the general shape and internal geometric patterns of cities

My current research focuses on understanding the dynamics behind the geometric (lineament) patterns of complex natural systems and man-made systems, how these patterns evolve, and how they can be explained within the framework of geomorphology and physics. There are many natural and artificial lineament patterns, but the focus here is on street patterns. The development of street patterns within cities is partly related to internal, socio-economic factors and partly to external, primarily landscape (geographic/geological) factors. Here the emphasis is on how landscape features affect the evolution and overall shape of a city, with particular attention on the city street patterns. These include geographical features such as valleys, rivers, isolated hills and mountains, mountain fronts, lakes and the coastline.

The complex geometric patterns of many natural systems have been subject to intensive studies in recent decades, using a variety of techniques, including some principles from physics such as thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. My aim is to understand how these natural systems change their configurations through time so as to provide insights into man-made complex systems. To do so, I use concepts from thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, focusing on the entropy of a general probability distribution, and also physical principles such as minimum potential energy. 

Supervisors:

Professor Jon French

Professor Michael Batty

Research interests:

Landscape and urban morphology

Urban growth

Transportation and street patterns

UCL Department of Geography
University College London
Pearson Building
Gower Street
London.
WC1E 6BT.

Enquiries: +44 (0)20 7679 0500
Fax: +44 (0)20 7679 0565