Block System

As a form of urban layout, the block system means that buildings are laid out along the sides of an urban block to form an enclosed area. This kind of urban layout was once applied to some Chinese cities in the early 20th century, in particular the international concession areas, but replaced by the pattern of gated community since the 1950s which usually includes several blocks. Compared to the later with walls, fences, or railings surrounding the neighborhood, the block system with a more appropriate scale may increase the density of road network and create open and convenient neighborhood lives.