Intensity Mapping: a Non-Essentialist Approach to Methods in Urban Morphology

In assemblage theory, all entities have extensive and intensive properties and intensity is one of the core concepts that explains the processes of morphogenesis. Extensive qualities are related to the material features and define boundaries, whereas intensive properties are linked with becoming and dynamic processes that are forming the identity of an entity. Both aspects are
interdependent. In urban morphology the analysis has often focused on the extensive properties and their permanence. There is a limited exploration of the dynamic aspects of the extensive qualities or intensive properties that guide change. Thus, this paper asks, how can we apply the intensive and extensive properties in studies of the built environment? How can the concept of intensity be explored in the analysis of urban morphology? The paper begins with defining the concept of intensity in assemblage theory based on the difference and uses a case study approach to apply and test various intensity mappings. The aim is to discuss the potential contribution to the analysis focusing on intensive mappings. Intensive maps are visualising dynamic phenomena and the paper is comparing intensive with extensive results. The maps are using ArcGIS and standard deviation to generate intensity data and compare the spatial characteristics of various intensities. The results contrast a range of interpretations of the intensity and their visualisation.