Title: When Is a Door More Than a Door? The role of constitution in strongly geometric configurations
Abstract: This paper is about the role of layout and constitution’ in the urban environment. By constitution, it is meant the pattern and distribution of building entrances within a network of spaces. It would seem self-evident that layout and constitution are mutually-dependent aspects of urban function; in that to access one on any journey, it is necessary to access the other. However, it can be argued that in strongly geometric configurations, constitution can take on a more substantive role. In particular, that the pattern and distribution of dwelling entrances can embed the emergent structure’ - as defined by Hillier - of a growing urban layout with a degree of coherence otherwise lacking when using standard representations of the space syntax canon’ (Hillier, 1996). Constitution can play this role by stabilizing’ the emergent patterns of global and local integration. By stabilize, it is meant render with a degree of consistency over time. Why constitution can take on this role arises because of the tendency for the integration pattern in strongly geometric configurations to shift’ with reference to overall shape of the settlement during the process of growth (Major, 1997 and 1999). The effect of constitution on emergent structure is demonstrated by conducting space syntax analysis of the historical growth of Savannah, Georgia (1733-1856). Savannah is an unique and almost ideal model of urban growth, occurring over a sustained period of time in a strongly geometric and highly controlled manner. The paper then builds on Anderson’s earlier arguments about the Savannah plan as a resource’ for interpreting the social and functional structure of the historical settlement (Anderson, 1982 and 1986). It is argued that the findings of the paper could have widespread implications since the location, size and density of built forms - when taken together - can be seen as the essential construct of origins’ and destinations’ in prevailing planning theory. Finally, with the continuing advancement of computational power, it is concluded that constitution can now be seen as the fundamental medium by which we can progress from a purely configurational to more comprehensive approach - incorporating spatial pattern, constitution, floor area and building height - in modelling all types of cities; whether strongly or weakly geometric in layout. It is suggested that a more comprehensive approach could allow us to more significantly contribute to the evolution of design principles, in movements such as The New Urbanism, for the future benefit of all our cities.
Publication Year: 2001
Publication Date: 2001-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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