Thesis
The role of pavement in the perceived integration of plazas: An analysis of the paving designs of four Italian piazzas
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2005
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/302
Abstract
The paving design of a plaza has a strong influence on that plaza’s character, its coherence, and, ultimately, on its meaning. A well-designed pavement can offer human-scale pattern and interest, unite diverse architectural styles, heighten awareness of the volume of space, and relate the plaza to its context. Visual and mental connections between natural and designed elements across a range of scales can support the perception of a plaza as an integrated whole, rather than an assemblage of parts. That perception, in turn, can foster a more memorable and meaningful experience for a person observing and using the plaza. In spite of its significant role in the perception of a plaza, little has been written on the subject of pavement except as a functional or decorative landscape element. This thesis is an exploration of visual and perceptual connections across four scales: pavement, architecture, plaza, and context. Visual considerations include the geometric pattern of the pavement, forms and rhythms in adjacent architectural masses and facades, axes influencing movement through the space, and the plaza’s physical setting. Perceptual factors include symbolism in ground plane forms and patterns, subtle messages in architectural facades, the plaza’s local identity or function, and the cultural or historical significance of the site. A review of plazas worldwide revealed a concentration of design excellence, and related research interest, in the Italian piazza. Four of these plazas were selected as case studies based on the literature, in which they were described as having a timeless and universal appeal, sustained by their integration into a coherent whole. The paving design of each plaza appears to play an important supporting role in that integration; analysis and site visits confirmed this notion. Findings from the four case studies were distilled into plaza paving design guidelines that have the goal of integration. Although the case study pavements were designed in the 14th to 18th Centuries, the resulting guidelines may inform contemporary designers of pavement in plazas and other settings.
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Details
- Title
- The role of pavement in the perceived integration of plazas
- Creators
- Barbara Lien
- Contributors
- Suzanne Snowdon (Degree Supervisor)Phil Waite (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Horticulture, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900524807501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis