Spatial sequence in the historic gardens

In designing spaces, designers should consider spatial sequence and its experiences, since we experience environment in a sequence along movement. The more a place satisfies desired experiences, the more the place will be successful. This thesis explored spatial sequence as a design tool by examining the major design elements of spatial sequence, the designed patterns of these elements in some cultures, and the sequential experiences and effects of the patterns. As a way of exploring spatial sequence as a design tool, cases in formal classic landscapes (Korean temples, Mughul gardens in Kashmir and Italian villas) have been examined. Classic landscapes have developed elaborate sequential patterns to achieve certain experiences and effects. Especially, the spatial sequence of classic formal landscapes is designed to be experienced along a major axis and to show straight forward and highly controlled sequence. Thus, classic formal landscapes are good examples of showing strong relationship between spatial sequence and spatial experiences. The three landscapes are examined and compared in terms of change of level, change of spatial characteristics and transition places to explore spatial sequence and sequential experiences. The results of this research showed that the designers of these landscapes deliberately used - spatial sequence to elicit certain emotional responses and experiences specifically desired under the contexts and purposes of the places. Korean temples located in the mountains provide good nature-reIated experiences and religious-but-inspiring experiences. The temple designers created delicate yet powerful sequential experiences through the effective use of site conditions and landscape elements. The designers of Mughul gardens worked to create cool and friendly spatial experiences in the hot climate and vast landscapes. They utilized water and planting materials in various ways to give a refreshing and intimate feeling through the whole sequence. Spatial sequences of Italian villas are designed to add to the pure pleasure of the residences and thus show the most articulated sequence design. Especially, level changes, as one of the sequential elements, have been used effectively to create or increase certain sequential experiences. ln Korean temples, the irregular slopes of sites are shaped sometimes into even and constant rises or sometimes into a rapid rise to make various sequential effects. The Mughuls deliberately made small level changes out of flat plains to create an intimate sequence. The Italians used level changes to create a vivid sequence. The steep slopes of hillsides are altered in two opposite directions: horizontally wide and vertically high. The existing site conditions are utilized and modified in various ways to make specific sequential experiences and effects. The findings confirm that spatial sequence is an effective design device which can satisfy desired experiences and thus can create successful places. Good sequence is the one that is appropriate for its purpose and for the context in which it belongs. More concern for and more understanding of spatial sequence will enable the designer to create an environment that will provide more pleasing spatial experiences.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Landscape Architecture

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Landscape Architecture

Department dc:contributor.department

Landscape Architecture

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1989

Author dc:creator

• Kim, Sooyoung

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/53224

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/53224