Urban Design：Ornament and Decoration-THE FACADE.pdfVIP

THE FAÇADE 2 INTRODUCTION urban environment either by changing their focus of attention in a given scene or by moving to another This chapter analyses the decorative use of orna- location and opening up a completely new vista or ment on the façade in street and squares. The picture. façade is analysed in terms of formal, functional and Visual monotony is a common feature of many symbolic qualities. For this analysis the façade is urban environments dating from the post Second considered to comprise three main formal horizon- World War period. There has recently been a tal divisions – the base, podium or ground floor; the change in public attitudes to the built environment articulated in a vocal demand for a more decorative middle zone or main floors; and the roof or attic. Roofline and corner treatment will be discussed in urban realm. The design professions wishing to Chapters 3 and 4. This chapter will, therefore, satisfy this demand for ornamentation often copy concentrate on the base of the façade and the main past styles. While history is the source for many floors where the piano nobile is often located. urban design concepts, thoughtless copying can lead to clumsy pastiche. It is important, therefore, to try to glean and evaluate the principles governing LOCATION OF ORNAMENT urban embellishment from a study