Who is considered the first architect in urban planning to take advantage of modern methods?

The first architect in urban planning recognized for utilizing modern methods is Biagio Rossetti. He was pivotal in the development of the Renaissance town planning approach, particularly in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Rossetti demonstrated innovative thinking by applying principles of organization and geometry to urban spaces, particularly in the design of the city of Ferrara. His work involved integrating functionality with aesthetic values, reflecting the ideals of the Renaissance which emphasized clarity, symmetry, and rationality in design.

Biagio Rossetti's approach included the layout of streets, placement of buildings, and the consideration of both social and cultural needs, which were revolutionary for his time. His methodology has influenced modern urban planning concepts, focusing on the relationship between architecture and urban environments. This makes him a key figure in the history of urban planning, known for successfully merging architectural brilliance with urban functionality through systematic planning techniques.

The contributions of Hippodamus, while significant in terms of early urban planning, are not viewed through the modern lens of design methodologies as thoroughly as Rossetti's. Indigo Jones and Leon Batista Alberti also made meaningful contributions to architecture, but their work did not emphasize urban planning with the same modern techniques that characterize Rossetti's approach.