Urban Spatial experience by edmund bacon | design of cities | Edu-Archs

Summary

The video explores the concept of spatial experience in architecture, as explained by Bacon. He defines architecture as an articulation of space that shapes how individuals experience and interact with their surroundings. Bacon highlights eight urban design elements, such as meeting the sky, building elements that create city skylines, and points in space that generate tension and harmony. He emphasizes the importance of human-scale design, movement through levels, and the interplay of convex and concave forms. Ultimately, Bacon argues that well-designed urban spaces foster a deeper connection between people and the built environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Architecture is defined as an articulation of space, creating a definitive spatial experience for the viewer, involving them in the space rather than just having them observe it.
• 😀 Bacon identifies eight key urban design elements that are crucial for achieving a compelling spatial experience in the built environment.
• 😀 'Meeting the sky' refers to the way buildings interact with the sky, forming city skylines that serve as a city's signature, with historical references to Greek temples and Baroque architecture.
• 😀 'Meeting the ground' involves the relationship between built forms and the ground, often using elements like staircases as pedestals to provide scale and context.
• 😀 Points in space are used to create tension and dynamic relationships between architectural elements, highlighting specific locations in the urban landscape.
• 😀 Recession planes are employed in urban design to enhance the dramatic power of structures by framing space and giving the viewer a sense of scale and reference.
• 😀 Design in depth is a concept where the alignment of arches and spatial depth creates movement, perspective, and coherence, helping viewers understand the building's scale from various angles.
• 😀 Ascent and descent in architecture manipulate emotional responses by symbolizing concepts such as power (upward movement) or grandeur (downward movement), enriching the urban experience.
• 😀 Convexity and concavity are used to create a relationship between positive and negative forms, shaping the volume of urban space and enhancing its drama.
• 😀 The relationship between architecture and human scale is critical for ensuring that the built environment fosters a connection between people and the spaces they inhabit, making urban form more relatable and meaningful.

Q & A

What is Bacon's definition of architecture in relation to spatial experience?

Bacon defines architecture as an articulation of space that produces a definite spatial experience for the participant. This involves not only how buildings define and articulate space but also how they shape our perception of time through movement between different spaces.

What is the key principle that Bacon emphasizes about spatial experience?

Bacon emphasizes that involvement is key to spatial experience. Architecture is meant to be experienced from within, not just observed from the outside.

What are the eight key urban design elements identified by Bacon to achieve meaningful spatial experience?

The eight key urban design elements are: meeting the sky, meeting the ground, points in space, recession planes, design in depth, ascent and descent, convexity and concavity, and the relationship to people.

How does Bacon view the interaction between buildings and the sky in architectural design?

Bacon highlights how buildings should meet the sky, using the example of the acroterion of Greek temples. He notes that this element is revived in periods like the Baroque and Victorian and can be likened to the city skyline, which serves as the city's visual signature.

What role does meeting the ground play in urban design, according to Bacon?

Meeting the ground refers to the base of buildings where they touch the earth, acting as a pedestal that gives scale and stability. Bacon points out that this element allows people to relate the size of buildings to one another, often using staircases as pedestals in Renaissance architecture.

How does the element of points in space contribute to urban design?

Points in space are used to create tension and dynamic relationships between architectural elements. They serve as identifiable landmarks that help organize and define space within the urban environment.

What is the function of recession planes in urban architecture?

Recession planes are used to heighten the dramatic power of structures by providing reference points for scale and positioning relative to the viewer. They help frame the space and create a more engaging and dynamic experience.

How does 'design in depth' influence spatial experience?

'Design in depth' creates perspective within urban spaces, allowing the viewer to understand the depth of buildings and providing a sense of movement through space. This element also helps define scale and positions egress areas in urban environments.

What emotional effects can ascent and descent levels create in urban design?

Ascent and descent levels evoke different emotional responses from the viewer. Upward movement can symbolize power, achievement, or anticipation, while downward movement can convey depth, grandeur, or exploration.

How do convexity and concavity contribute to urban space?

Convexity and concavity act as both connectors and dividers of urban space, influencing the volume of built forms. Their interplay with the depth of architecture creates a more dramatic and engaging spatial experience.

Why does Bacon emphasize the relationship between built form and human scale in urban design?

Bacon stresses that buildings should reflect human scale, as this establishes a connection between people and their built environment. When done effectively, this relationship enhances the urban experience and ensures that architecture is both functional and meaningful for people.