JRose_Prose

 How do water features create a larger sense of place within urban fabrics?     Ever gaze upon a water feature and wonder, what does it all this mean within the city context? To a more specific point, does it tie in to the Critical Regionalism of culture, or a wider sense of Universal Modernism? In a way, water features can become a "fourth dimension" to architecture that can tie large urban fabrics together. It can aid in urban heat island effects environmentally, draw together people to create triangulation within communities, draw significance from the historical context, help to build communities, and contains an element of physical attractivity. Diagrammatic Representation of Water Features creating a Sense of Place      The Historical, Cultural, and Environmental Context of a Water Feature     Historically, water features were meant to convey a deep sense of meaning through symbolism and cultural ties (whether literal or figurative). For instance, many of the fountains

 So far... Water, Nature, & Culture by Veronica Strang Exploration of relationships between humans & water throughout history and culture. Agriculture, transportation, & spiritual practices Blue Architecture Water, Design, and Environmental Futures by Brook Muller Environmental concerns for water in urban spaces Stance is that we NEED more water features and goes IN DEPTH with graphical analysis on exactly why water systems built into buildings are necessary for the health and well being of humans and the environment. Other LIT Reviews... The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces by William H. Whyte Book & film observes how people act within large and small public spaces within a large urban setting. KEY ELEMENTS TO A SUCCESSFUL URBAN SPACE  Comfortable seating Food and drink options Mix of activities that cater to a diverse range of people (of all backgrounds and ages). Access is lacking in public water features within the United States! "It is not right to put water

What is the design urban experience of water?       In short, Water Nature and Culture by Veronica Strang alludes to the idea of history and cultures being what draws relationships between water and humans through modes like agriculture, transportation, and spiritual practices. There is a strong need for water features within urban fabric, because it is what meets the needs and desires of people living in large concrete jungles. Without them, people become disconnected from nature and their cultural roots. It also leaves less opportunity for people to engage with one another in some urban spaces depending on the circumstances.     Blue Architecture by Brook Muller discusses urban heat islands, sustainability in architecture/landscape design, and is concerned with creating a culturally rich urban environment. To Muller, water in urban spaces has the ability to craft a much more meaningful and fulfilling urban experience.  What are some ways water features an be incorporated into urban s

       This building takes on the "River of Life" water feature, which is really just a simple runnel that runs through the central outdoor space. It is interesting how stagnant water begins to define the space in a new way I've never seen before https://www.salk.edu/about/history-of-salk/

      As I dive further in, pun intended, to how urban spaces can be defined by water I'd like to look into Chicago. Specifically, the history, lakefront trail, and  river walks that line the center and outskirts of the city. Having been to Chicago less than a year ago, this will greatly enhance my already basic understanding of the treatment of its water in the present day. Researching this city will heavily contribute to the question of how exactly water can define an urban space, and it serves as a prime example of how exactly the nature supported by water, natural resources created by water, and urban development can all play into one another to develop a city as large and diverse in architectural style and culture as Chicago.     Firstly, I'd like to talk about the history of Chicago and its relationship to the river. Founded in 1830, the city quickly became an ideal water hub for the Midwest for meatpacking and lumber. Before then, the river supported wetlands, marshes, a

     Last class, it was decided that I should begin to think more broadly about the city and its relationship with water in general. Due to last week's travel I'd like to start with Los Angeles. Some questions I now have to address are;  What differs in the relationships between water by city? Are certain aspects similar, or do they vary more on the basis of culture, weather, and other circumstances? What specifically is the relationship between American cities and water, and what sort of relationships could we benefit from that other countries have already created? How can we protect our freshwater supply, and still utilize it in public spaces?      These guidelines will be used in every analysis of each major city in the coming weeks. For American cities I'd like to analyze New York City, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Denver, Anchorage, and Washington D.C. I have chosen these due to the fact that I have travelled to all of them at this point, so it will add an extra layer