Design First Walters fm qxd 2/26/04 7: 50 pm page I

Spatial Enclosure
Spatial enclosure is a function of two main factors, the
proportions of the space – the height of the buildings
relative to the width of the space – and the architectural
scale and character of the building façades that form the
walls to the urban room. We set out some simple rules
of thumb for spatial proportions in Chapter 4 (2 : 1
and 1 : 1 for intimate pedestrian space; 1 : 3 for more
relaxed enclosure, up to a maximum of 1 : 6 for spaces
with people and cars), but climatic factors can affect
decisions on urban proportions differently in Britain
and America. In Britain, it is normal to orientate out-
door public space to receive as much sun as possible. In
the southern states of America it is necessary to create
shade to seek relief from the harsh summer sun and
temperatures regularly above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32
degrees Centigrade). Charlotte is located at 35 degrees
north of the equator on a Mediterranean latitude, level
with Malta and Cyprus, as opposed to London at
approximately 52 degrees north, the same as Nova
Scotia in Canada.
Calculating the shading of space by buildings with
graphic sun studies – projecting sun angles into the
space for different times of year – is always a good
idea (see Figure 6.5). Better still is studying the space
in three-dimensional model form on a heliodon,
where actual shadows can be observed in model
form, or with special computer programs. We also
advise wind tunnel studies for key public spaces if at
all possible. These are harder to achieve in practice,
and impossible in a charrette format, but many
windswept plazas have defeated the efforts of urban
designers to create activity because of increased wind
speeds due to the untested massing and arrangement
of buildings and spaces.
Like any room, a public square or the linear space
of a street has points of entry and exit, and views to
and from the space. The more points of entry and
exit – such as building entrances – the more lively
the space will be. Major openings in the enclosing
walls of an urban space by streets will reduce the
feeling of enclosure, and accordingly these large
openings should be limited. The sense of enclosure
is heightened if views into the space can be termi-
nated by buildings, rather than the viewer’s line
of sight passing straight through the space (see
Figures 6.6 and 6.7). Congruently, views out of the
space to other parts of the city enable the user of
the space to feel connected to a larger urban area. If
there are no views out (perhaps the entry was
achieved by means of a curved street so that the
view back is limited) then the sense of enclosure is
heightened. However, this must be balanced with a
potential sense of being isolated and shut off from
the rest of the urban scene.
The character of these views into and out of any
public space are important in forming a sense of
place and urban character, but equally necessary is
attention to the architectural, landscape and artistic
elements within the space. Many historic squares
contain public art, often in the form of statues of
kings, dukes, generals and other male worthies, and
public art of all types can play an important role in
establishing the personality of a public space. Urban
design should be intimately responsive to this dimen-
sion of community identity and sense of place.
Artwork may be freestanding, like a statue or a foun-
tain, or it may be integrated into its surroundings as
an architectural element. Urban spaces always benefit
more from the inclusion of public art at the design
stage, rather than as an add-on element afterwards
(see Figure 6.8).
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The use of trees within an urban setting will vary
depending on the location of the space. In general,
American cities use more trees in plazas and along
streets than British or European equivalents. In part
this is cultural; Americans are historically suspicious of
cities and urbanity in general (refer back to Chapter 5
for a discussion on this point) and prefer to soften the
urban ambience of a public square with greenery. In