Gives a critical review of the evolution of the concept of the urban village as a planning process. Provides an understanding of the process and forces which have led to the articulation of the urban village concept including the influence of both structural and human agency factors which have influenced its constituent attributes. Appraises the processes and forces which have impacted upon the adoption, interpretation, application and implementation of the urban village concept in specific locations and analyses the extent to which urban village design principles have been adopted. Selects three case studies at Bordesley Urban Village, Birmingham, Garston-under-the-Bridge Urban Village Liverpool and West Silvertown Urban Village, Royal Victoria Docks London which illustrate contrasting schemes in contrasting locations. As part of these case studies, interviews were carried out with key involved professionals. Concludes with an investigation into the patterns of life within urban villages assessing the extent to which the urban village accords with the intention and perceptions of those who promote and use it and whether the principles of development accord with user aspirations. References. [Adapted from journal abstract].