Architecture and the Urban Experience - Hardcover

Curran, Raymond J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0442212089 ISBN 13: 9780442212087

Publisher: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1983

Synopsis

Dust jacket notes: "Why do certain cities seem more human, more comfortable and 'supportive' than others? Why do many cities of earlier eras often appear visually rich, meaningful, and 'legible' while many modern cities appear stark and confusing? This book is based on the premise that our experience of cities is affected not only by individual buildings but equally by the way they relate to each other and to the public spaces which comprise the public domain. Indeed, the character and quality of the public domain and the way architecture affects them are questions which have become of increasing concern in recent years. In Architecture and the Urban Experience Rayond Curran provides a simple analytic technique for examining the impact of design choices on the public domain and their effects on people on a daily basis. This is done through the grouping of various 'components' of the visual environment under three basic headings: the form of buildings and spaces, the treatment of building facades, and the treatment and furnishing of the public spaces defined. In focusing on the expressive qualities of each component, this technique provides a practical introduction to the city as a visual language. It also provides a holistic tool with which to assess the consistency between design and land use choices. With the use of hundreds of photographs taken by the author and numerous analytic sketches, Architecture and the Urban Experience helps you focus your attention on the urban environment with a new level of awareness and clarity."

Edition details

• Publisher: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company
• Publication date: 1983
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0442212089
• ISBN 13: 9780442212087
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Over 250 B/w Illustrations (including Plans)
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 221