pEople,
pLace, sPace |
|
elp:rdu Experiential Landscape Place Research and Development Unit |
|
| Dr.
Kevin Thwaites BA, Dip LA (Dist), PhD University of Sheffield , UK kevin.thwaites@elprdu.com |
Ian
Simkins BSc, Dip LA, PCHE, FHEA, MI Hort,
MLI Chartered Landscape Architect ian.simkins@elprdu.com |
|
current research
|
|
| This research stems from Beth Helleur’s interest in exploring the characteristics and properties of urban outdoor places associated with delivering restorative experiences to users. Our work here develops on an increasing body of theoretical evidence that there may be certain spatial configurations, present in the natural and cultural world, that are intrinsically restorative because they harmonise with fundamental human needs in urban settings. ELP principles are being applied here to develop understanding of geometrical implications relevant to design. | |||
Restorative
urban open spaces: settings with properties that benefit human well-being
generally by mitigating mental fatigue and stress which can arise
from prolonged exposure to some aspects of urban environments. |
 |
||
|
|||
 |
Networks
of Routinely Encountered Urban Spaces: Yards Building Edges Arcades Colonnades Streets Squares Alcoves Alleys |
||
| An Emergent Spatial Structure: | |||
Centre:
location |
 |
||
 |
Direction:
continuity |
||
Transition:
change |
 |
||
| Restorative Urban Open Space: leeds | |||
 |
|||
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
||
Some
Spatial Characteristics of Restorative Urban Open Space |
|||
| The Network | |||
 |
The Individual Spaces Collectively they should: |
||
 |
|||
| Direction: continuity, a sense of there-ness | |||
Deflective
facades Façade continuity Rhythm of boundary Linearity of floorscape Sense of perspective Sense of mystery Views and focal points |
 |
||
| Transition: transformation, a sense of change | |||
| Threshold | Corridor | Segment |
Ephemeral |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Centre: sensations of location, proximity, here-ness | |||
| Separation
from distraction Provision for access Provision for comfort Contact with nature Social interaction imageability |
 |
||
|
|||
To read more on this research please see the following article: Thwaites.K. Helleur.E. and Simkins.I.M. (2004) Restorative Urban Landscape Settings: Exploring the Spatial Dimensions of Human Emotional Fulfilment in Urban Open Space. Paper and conference presentation at the international Open Space: People Space conference, Edinburgh, 27-29 October 2004. view paper |
|||
SITE
DESIGN: Kevin Thwaites & Ian Simkins |