Creating transition : from segregated spaces to legible experiences : illustrated through the study of an urban space in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation is an endeavour at reminding spatial designers of a basic human need which is too often overlooked; the need to create strong relationships with the built environment, the natural habitat of human beings. How can this be achieved? This dissertation explores the possibility of achieving such relationships through the creation of well thought out design of transition spaces. The transition space on an urban scale is neither a new invention, nor docs it belong solely to recent architectural history. It is in fact a major characteristic of Baroque cities, towns and squares. The major architectural development which took place in the Baroque era was the linking of public streets and squares into dramatic experiences. This is what today's architecture should inherit from this era. To use a pastiche of ornament for the sake of recalling this past style does in no way pay homage to the grandeur of Baroque. It should be the inheritance of the ingenious solutions of Baroque urban spaces that would be the most fitting tribute to history. One should always strive to improve on what is inherited. The proper design of transition should now be taken deeper into the architectural scene by applying it to all its scales; transition in the city, in public spaces and landscapes, in doors and thresholds into individual buildings. Many architects have developed their designs to include transition space on the latter scale. Buildings have been designed with thresholds which are invisible while others heighten the sensual experience of moving from the outside world to the inside through heavy contrasts. Links in the built environment can only be created once links in the professional world are set. The gaps currently present between architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, interior designers and urban planners should be breached through collaboration. The profession of 'building' should once more find unity in all its parts. This is the only way in which today's spaces can take on meaning and work in harmony to create pleasurable experiences within a tightly knit urban fabric. Collaboration on professional level is often not enough and developers, both public and private should learn to work together on a neighbourhood basis rather than a building by building approach. In an increasingly dense urban environment, the space available should be used and developed to reach its full potential. One cannot design such spaces without first studying behaviour patterns. The built fabric influences human behaviour as much as it is modified by it. The designer must not only strive to make her spaces legible but also to create space potential, that is, to allow her spaces to be complete only when used by the public. Suggestive images provided by the designer will then, through individual interpretation become impressive places. How can suggestive images be designed? Kevin Lynch proposed his theory of paths, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks as a tool to achieve this. It is only through the knowledge of cultural influences, social and behavioural patterns and the way in which physical space can be built up to form strong images, that the designer can reach an adequate decision on the development of any urban space. Finally, this proposal has to be tested and this can only be done through analytical study. One such method has been developed by Bill Hillier and his colleagues at the Bartlett University, namely Space Syntax. This can be used as a tool to predict the way in which the proposed changes may alter behavioural patterns. What is lacking in such analytical methods is the acknowledgement that the relationship between man and environment works both ways such that man also influences and alters the built environment. This is why it is best to adopt an approach which can be described as a hybrid between the two, including the benefits offered by both methods and striving to achieve the most accurate results. This method is used for the analysis of an urban space in Malta and the formulation of a proposal for its development into a legible experience.