3.2 Elements of MUSE
MUSE is a method of analyzing, designing and simulating a city, in which urban physical
elements are defined as parts of the organic system in GIS. The physical elements are classified
into the following 10 types (Figure 3, 4 and Figure 5).
Element-0: Imaginary Walls
Element-I: Subjects (as Physical Dynamic Elements): people, bicycles, cars, trains, etc.
Element-II: Shapes (as Physical Static Elements)
a. Paths (Leading Paths and Secondary Paths): streets, expressways, alleys, railways, etc.
b. Edges: coastlines, riverbanks, long walls, edges of developed districts, etc.
c. Cells: town blocks, etc.
d. Voids: open spaces, public squares, parks, playgrounds, campuses, parking lots, etc.
e. Cores: city halls, ward offices, elementary schools, hospitals, etc.
Element-III: Webs (as Systematic Elements): common ducts, lifelines, water supply, etc.
Element-IV: Nature (as Natural Elements): ponds, lakes, rivers, green belts, farms, etc.
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(a) Total Image of MUSE
| (b) Element 0: Imaginary Wall
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| (c) Element II-a: Path
| (d) Element II-b: Edge
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Figure 4 Image of MUSE (1)
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(e) Element II-c: Cell
| (f) Element II-d: Void
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| (g) Element II-e: Core
| (h) Element III: Web
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Figure 5 Image of MUSE (2)
Element-0: Imaginary Walls
It is important to deal with an area as a closed system. The “imaginary walls” are defined
as invisible walls on the boundaries of the area. Usually the area may be an administrative
district like a city. It is also possible to change the boundaries according to each occasion. The
“imaginary walls” are vertical planes to close off the area. Imagining these walls in the area of
analysis, it becomes possible to divide the city into inside and outside and to measure such
factors as the amount of traffic, traffic density, and the number of distribution channels.
Element-I: Subjects (as Physical Dynamic Elements)
We often compare a city to a stage as described by Lewis Mumford (1895-1990). It seems
that the city has been developed as an artificial stage for people, the actors, and an audience.
Subjects, such as people, cars, and trains, are defined as the principal dynamic element in the
MUSE. In most cases, the materials and some information are transported by the movement of
the “subjects”, like blood in a body.
Element-II: Shapes (as Physical Static Elements)
In the MUSE the main objects are urban physical environments, which are represented by
the “shapes” as physical static elements. By operating these elements and considering these
relationships, we can analyze the city.
Element-IIa. Paths (Leading Paths and Secondary Paths)
“Paths” are linear networked elements on which the “subjects” can travel, such as streets,
expressways, alleys, and railways. The “paths” are public streets for the “subjects” in most
cases; it is possible to put the “nature”, such as trees, on them to make a good view, and to put
“webs”, such as a common ducts, under them for urban safety. The network of “paths” is like
blood vessels and make up the structure of the city. Moreover, according to the size or the
purpose, the “paths” are classified into two types: “leading paths” and “secondary paths”.
Connected to other areas, the “leading paths” lead human activities in the city and can make up
the principal networks of lifelines. In contrast, “secondary paths” are narrow humanscale streets,
such as alleys, which are familiar to the residents.
Element-IIb: Edges
“Edges” are other linear elements which people cannot cross, such as coastlines,
riverbanks, long walls, and edges of developed districts. These elements are useful in preventing
of the spread of fires. By making on “edge” in a dangerous zone occupied by many old wooden
houses, it is possible to lessen the amount of risk of the area.
