This study provides a descriptive and analytical account of major aspects of urban development and transformation of housing types of Italian Firenze from the 13th century to the 19th century. It is a typo-morphological depiction of urban spatial structure of the extraordinary city, Firenze, the center of Italian Renaissance. And this study has proceeded on the assumption that the evolving form of the urban structure and housing types cannot be understood without reference to the larger context of political, economic, and social life. Based on these backgrounds, the purpose of this study is threefold: to provide a comprehensive discussion of general characteristics of urban spatial structure of Firenze, and to explain the process of formation of working-class neighborhoods by constructing new city wall in later 13th century, and to discuss transformation of housing types of the working-class neighborhood with understanding the mechanism of existence of housing in the newly formed residential neighborhoods. The development of residential neighborhoods was pursued by 'planned' manner through forming square-shaped blocks, and characterized by the subdivision of larger properties into standardized building lots for the construction of houses. On the bases of documentary evidences, several ecclesiastical institutions are identified as the agents of a distinctive type of development. While the institutions did the major role for developing lands, the construction of houses was done by small scale construction agents with moderate amount of properties. The major housing type of working-class neighborhoods of Firenze has been the 'casa a schiera' characterized by the form of narrow front and long depth. The type was generalized by the newly formed middle and working-class of Firenze which grew their body very rapidly, Even though the type assumed very uniform in its fen there were many variations. And through passing time, the casa a schiera developed to be multi-family housing, and the level of variation became deepen. Eventually, transformation of housing type of Firenze was ended by appearance of the 'casa in linea', which was very similar to modern apartment in its spatial organization.

This study is on the organizational principles of Chinese traditional houses. It has been assumed that a common cultural background did influence dwelling construction in most areas of China, some specific concepts are used to build a connection between the culture and architecture. There are four aspects of cultural influence being explored: traditional concept of space by the philosophical influence, religious influence, the Feng Shut method, and traditional system of family organization. The influence of the Chinese culture on dwelling architecture is predominant. Housing types from different areas of China, despite their different physical appearance, have similar spatial concepts. This cultural influence was due to the historic development of the Chinese empire. The organizational principles of Chinese dwelling architecture determined by its own cultural background have five major invariable norms. They are as follows: 1. Internal and enclosed spatial organization. 2. Grouping of buildings around axes. 3. Spatial organization and extension by courtyard. 4. Spatial expansion by adding units. 5. Hierarchical organization of space.