This thesis deals with a critical application of urban patterns and housing typologies through an urban design study for a new town in a desert region.The effects of an arid climate on urban life and the functional organization of a new town are examined together with the impact of cultural traditions of city building. Majes City is to be a component of the Majes Irrigational Project planned for the coastal desert of Peru. The climatic conditions and the geographic situation of the site are seen to be major factors in defining criteria for the spatial configuration of this town. Peruvian urban traditions and urban traditions common in other desert regions in terms of urban patterns are also studied in order to define further criteria for the design proposal. In addition, the design is based on a grid-block system which is an urban pattern with specific housing types in developing Peruvian cities. Hence, the design seeks to simultaneously respond to several contextual issues including: the site, the climate, people's culture and needs, Peruvian urban traditions and modern attempts to improve the urban environment.