Contemporary European Architecture: Does the Landscape Move, Or Do I?

9/30/12

Does the Landscape Move, Or Do I?

By: Denver Sells

It is hard to think of landscapes as a moving entity, but if you start to really analyze the space, you can usually find something that makes the landscape move. For instance, even just the addition of people can change it into a moving landscape, because then the people become part of the space. For instance, The High Line in New York City could be considered a moving landscape because of the addition of people moving through the space from one end to the other. It starts as an elevated train track converted to a garden space with paths that don’t cut straight through, but meander their way through the space, from one end to the other, thus when people are added, whether they are moving upstream or down, they are still moving within the space.

Also, people can be influenced to move through the space by not just the paths, but also fencing. Fencing can act as a movement item as well because it can block you and force you to change direction and thus move in a different way than expected, or it can run parallel to a path and help to guide or define a path, especially if it creates a corridor effect, which could signify rapid movement. Additionally, a ramp can have somewhat of a similar effect in the space. If you have a circular ramp, I know at least from personal experience, I am going to want to explore it, thus moving through the space. This sort of hide and seek effect can be a powerful way to move people through a space and can sometimes provide a very strong reveal of a vista or lookout of the space or at least an opportunity to look back at where you just came from or are going. This hide a reward is something that I have experienced in very well planned spaces.

Another interesting aspect of a space that can make it a moving space, is something completely natural and can not be changed by humans: the seasons. However, one can celebrate the season change or even the change in light during the day. For instance, if you have a promenade, the light and shadows are going to change along the entire length of it, on a daily basis. Then, when it gets to the opposite end of the year, in a different season, the shadows will be completely different just because of the natural change in position of the earth in relation to the sun. This can create a remarkable effect, and something that gives the space that little something extra that really invites you in and makes you want to stay.

Moving spaces to me are more interesting, and certainly more dynamic. And I think it takes more effort to effectively make a moving landscape, thus why when you find one of these places, you want to spend a lot of time there, because it invites you to, it welcomes you, it puzzles you, and rewards you along the way. Humans like a challenge, especially if it comes with a reward such as an amazing view or a cool shadow.