Picturesque studies Sequentional analysis - Technische Universiteit ...

Gordon Cullen“ Townscape ”Basic categories of analysis and designMovementPosition (place)Serial VisionOutside – Transition - InsideContent (=materialization)Details, expression of theplace29Basic categories of analysis and design in Townscape1. Movement. The urban landscape is revealed by a series of abrupt transitions. Thesmust be identified to be able to manipulate the environment..2. Position. This has to do with the static aspects of the environment, especially thespatially of places. These can also be analyzed in term as being in a place, outside aplace and entering of leaving it.3. Content. Cullen uses the word 'content' largely as the equivalent of the more usualword 'materiality'. This is to emphasize that materiality matters. Architectural andurban design is not just about 'space' in abstracto, it is also important how theenvironment is materialized. This is related to the 'Genius loci', the 'spirit of the place',the way people interact with space. Looking at the 'content' also provides clues abouthow permanence and change interact in an environment. Translated into designCullen is of the opinion that the design should provide the common framework of anenvironment. This should not neither be rigid nor anarchistic, it should produce'playfullness'.29