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64. pOOLS AND STREams

30/7/2018

 
Water plays a fundamental role in our psychology however in cities it seems to be out of reach. Collect rainwater in open gutters and allow it to flow above ground, along pedestrian paths and in front of houses. Create swimming, ornamental and natural pools, streams, fountains, tiny garden pools and reservoirs. To ensure they are appreciated, give the place immediately around the water to contemplation. (Alexander 1977)

Le jARDIN sECRET

Marrakech, Morocco
​Water is a fundamental element of the Arab Muslim gardens & the fountains in the centre of the riad's are the beating heart of the house. If you follow the water paths you can see the  way in which the gravity fed water from the Atlas Mountains, is distributed throughout the riad. 
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61. Small Public Squares

30/7/2018

 
A town needs public squares as they become the public rooms of the town. According to Alexander squares that are larger than 10m-20m in diameter can become deserted and unpleasant as people can feel exposed in vast spaces. (Alexander 1977)
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CaixaForum

Madrid, Spain
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The removal of the base of the old power station left a covered plaza under the brick shell. The building now defies the laws of gravity, defining the entry, offering shade, meeting spaces and cross access beneath the building into the now activated Small Public Square. The adjoining green wall and fountain brings contrast and life to the plaza noted by people lingering on a 40+ degree day.

The New Bazaar

Tirana, Albania
The small squares scattered between buildings and activity nodes (Open air markets, The New Bazaar, parks etc.) creates pockets of life. Their efficiency can be contributed to their short diameter which allows people to feel comfortable and unexposed. 
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Grimshaw Architects are working on the expansion of Tirana's master plan. This includes a sequence of public squares or 'living rooms', placed along the boulevard to respond geometrically to existing patterns of Tirana's Mediterranean outdoor culture. 
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223. Deep reveals

15/7/2018

 
Windows with sharp edges where the frame meets the wall creates a harsh glare that make rooms uncomfortable. Make window frames deep with splayed edges so that daylight gives a smooth transition.

Bahia palace

Marrakech, Morocco
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​This nineteenth century palace was built by Ahmed Ben Moussa for his mistress, hence the name Bahia meaning "the beautiful, the brilliant". Like many Riads and Palaces of Morocco, the use of Thick Walls allows for Deep Reveals. 
​​The angled edges lets a soft filtration ​of light into the rooms adjoining the courtyards. The use of Low Sills also provides a seat on either side of the window. A woman sits on the window sill to observe the garden.
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le jardin secret

Marrakech, Morocco

museo di castelvecchio

Verona, Italy
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    Archives

    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018

    Categories

    All
    100. Pedestrian Street
    104. Site Repair
    108. Connected Buildings
    115. Courtyards Which Live
    116. Cascade Of Roofs
    147. Communal Eating
    206. Efficient Structure
    207. Good Materials
    223. Deep Reveals
    232. Roof Caps
    249. Ornament
    250. Warm Colours
    31. Promenade
    39. Housing Hill
    44. Local Town Hall
    46. Market Of Many Shops
    4. Agricultural Valleys
    55. Raised Walk
    61. Small Public Squares
    64. Pools And Streams
    66. Holy Ground

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  • Home
  • About
  • Concept
  • Blog
    • Patterns
    • Countries >
      • Italy
      • Albania
      • Montenegro
      • Bosnia
      • Serbia
      • Croatia
      • Germany
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Morocco
  • Contact
    • About Me