Coelho Matos E Silva Wunderlich, F; (2010) Place-temporality in Urban Analysis and Design: uncovering place temporal aesthetics through the mean of rhythm at Fitzroy Square. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), University College London.

Abstract

Places are temporal milieus. They are sites for social and spatial interaction where the orchestrated patterns of social activities, cycles of nature, movement and other spatial repetitive events suggest the tempo of a place. The tempo of a place is inherently rhythmical, varying its pace and evocative phrasings throughout the day, the week and the season. In an urban place, patterns of people movement, encounter, and rest that recurrently negotiate with the cycles of nature and the architectural context merge into expressive bundles of rhythms that offer a place its temporal distinctiveness. This research defines place-temporality as the intersubjective time perceived through and whilst practising everyday-life in urban space. Place-temporality is experienced as a rhythmic flow that affects equally the aural, the visual and the haptic sense. As a spatial-temporal experience it has aesthetic significance. Place temporal aesthetics is sensual and performative and in this way it is similar to musical aesthetics. At the core of musical aesthetics lie notions of rhythm, performance and tonality. Based on these notions this research proposes a conceptual and analytical framework for the study of the intersubjective time of places in the city. Focusing on Fitzroy Square in London, and using film, photography and notation drawings it explores the continuum and unique and, consonant and dissonant urban rhythmic groupings and patterns which make up the temporal identity of this place.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONCSVXML

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as CSVXMLJSON

Archive Staff Only

View Item