The atlas of Marseille focuses on the morphological and urban development of the city. The analysis includes the development of Marseille from Greek settlement to modern metropolis. To analyse this time period, the atlas is subdivided into eight main sections that relate to the most important developments in the city.

Within Marseille the distinction between typical urban fragments is so visible, that those areas in the city which have been selected, one for each student, are considered as exemplary in explaining and condensing the term of “patchwork” as a urban morphology phenomenon. This attitude of defining the city has led to the title of this work: Marseille - Patchwork City.