Plot Subdivision Heterogeneity and Urban Resilience: Preservation, Multifunctionality, and Socio-Cultural Adaptability Across Global Case Studies
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Lara-Hernandez, Jose Antonio
Melis, Alessandro
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Journal Article
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MDPI AG
Abstract
In an era of rapid urbanisation and climate challenges, understanding how urban land patterns contribute to resilience is crucial for sustainable development. This theoretical review introduces a novel framework positing that greater heterogeneity in plot sizes and land uses enhances urban resilience by promoting the long-term preservation of built environments, multifunctional spaces, and socio-cultural adaptability. Drawing on urban morphology, assemblage theory, and resilience science, we argue that fragmented ownership in small-plot fabrics acts as a barrier to large-scale redevelopment, fostering diversity that buffers against shocks. Through comparative case studies of Venice (Italy), Tokyo (Japan), Hong Kong, Mexico City (Mexico), and York (UK), we illustrate how historical small-plot subdivisions have endured centuries, supporting ecological, economic, and social sustainability. The analysis reveals common patterns: ownership fragmentation preserves fine-grained urban forms, enabling adaptive reuse (exaptation) and inclusivity. The five case studies serve an illustrative function, demonstrating how the theoretical linkages between plot heterogeneity, institutional friction, incremental transformation, and long-term resilience outcomes can plausibly operate in real-world historic urban fabrics. This paper addresses a gap in the literature by synthesising plot-level heterogeneity with broader resilience outcomes, offering policy implications for protecting such fabrics amid global urbanisation pressures. The findings align with land system science, emphasising multifunctionality for regenerative urbanism.Description
Keywords
0502 Environmental Science and Management, 3301 Architecture, 3304 Urban and regional planning, 4104 Environmental management, plot heterogeneity, urban resilience, land subdivision, ownership fragmentation, urban morphology, exaptation, sustainable land use, assemblage theory
Source
Land, ISSN: 2073-445X (Online), MDPI AG, 15(4), 540-540. doi: 10.3390/land15040540
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Copyright: © 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.