Wallscapes in the urban environment : submitted in partial fulfilment for the requirement for the Diploma of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln College, University of Canterbury

Abstract

Look around you and the world is filled with structure. These structures are from nature, human made, physical realities but also cultural.

Generally these structures create barriers or walls, visually and to our physical movement. These walls give us a sense of place, of space, helping to decide our movements and generally helping define how we 'feel' while we are going and when we get there.

Through history there have always been 'walls', from the natural elements and early villages through to our modern city scapes. Humans have generally made use of their walls, from early drawings on cave walls to building decoration to create style and uniqueness to the use of pure colour to heighten and brighten.

But how well do we really understand our 'walls'. What affect do they have on us? How do they define our sense of where we are and where we are going?

And with the knowledge we do have, do we take the time to create wallscape which is interesting, bright or harmonious? Or is it more dull, continuous, plain, confusing.

Understanding how wallscape affects us and why it is important. Understanding the elements that will enable us to create interesting surroundings in our world is also very important.

In the following chapters these issues will be examined, hopefully constructing a sense of understanding about our walls and how it is possible to design wallscapes which will brighten our lives and help us enjoy our world to its fullest potential.