BRAZIL URBAN DESIGN
a cross cultural townscape study
Starting the journey along the High Street, the observer is immediately welcomed by a 'picturesque' view of Oxford, created by the historical buildings flanking either side of the street. The church spire at the end of the road provides a closed vista ahead, and is enhance the the open width of the road helping to compose a complete picture. The combination of the closed vista and the road curvature, provides the observer with a small glimpse of what lies ahead, drawing the observer onwards.
Turning off the High Street onto Queens Lane, the observer is presented with a calmer space, leaving the hustle of the main road behind. The change in the noise and colour of the street causes pathway to gain an almost private-like feel. The tall walls either side further this, providing a sense of enclosure. Ahead, the observer can see an interesting building, signalling a new space to visit. The resulting 'sense' can be described as a feeling of "Here & There".
Looking up Cornmarket Street, the observer is meet with the hustle of other shoppers, tourist and street performers. The closed vista ahead helps to define the space as a place or destination rather than another walkthrough.
Starting the journey along the High Street, the observer is immediately welcomed by a 'picturesque' view of Oxford, created by the historical buildings flanking either side of the street. The church spire at the end of the road provides a closed vista ahead, and is enhance the the open width of the road helping to compose a complete picture. The combination of the closed vista and the road curvature, provides the observer with a small glimpse of what lies ahead, drawing the observer onwards.
Oxford - the 'picturesque' city
In Cullen's analysis, Oxford is often used as an example to define a 'picturesque' townscape. With its historically defined street layout, many paths in the city are not merely straight, but curve, twist and turn. This has a profound impact on the vitality of the city's townscape. The 'observers', the people who experience the street, are kept intrigued as they walk round Oxford's many paths. Not always able to see what lies ahead, observers are consistently drawn onwards to explore the city. Architectural detail, handsome shop fronts and regular street rhythm only serve to enhance this feeling as the observer walks round Oxford. However, as 'picturesque' as the city centre is, Oxford is, perhaps, too defined in parts as private space. While we may walk round in awe of space such as Radcliffe Square, we are not made to feel like we belong and openly appropriate the space.