The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego, CA

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/

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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 ins...

How Does Water Define Urban Space in Chicago?

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...

How do water features create a larger sense of place within urban fabrics?

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 wa...

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