My top 5 urban spaces
What makes a great urban space? Vitality, activity, scenery, history, car prohibited areas, architecture…
It's somewhere you want to be because you don't feel too insignificant in your surrounds.
You want to linger there, exploring cozy nooks and taking in the sights, smells and sounds. Successful urban environments can be enjoyed freely and easily whether you're out for a jog, visiting tourist attractions or meeting up with friends.
With these factors in mind, here are my top 5 urban spaces from my travels, starting with number 5.
Shell-like paving and shape of the Piazza del Campo, Siena. Image: Jonathan Jones
5. Siena Piazza, Italy
Piazzas (Italian for Plaza) are a common urban feature in Europe. In New Zealand we are accustomed to "Squares" in town centres full of right angles, but in European city hubs a "square" could actually be any shape. The Siena Piazza is a unique shell shape which lends itself nicely to the twice yearly horse race (Palio) around the outside of the Piazza. Buildings are constructed to the edge of the Piazza creating a defined area. I love the history of the Palio - competitors represent different districts of the city decked out in the various colours and flags. It also features in the Bond movie Quantum of Solace which gives it another tick for me!
The Pompidou Plaza is a popular place to kick back. Image: Jonathan Jones
4. Pompidou Plaza, France
It probably comes as not much of a surprise that this features, given the Pompidou Centre is my favourite building! The plaza carves out a niche in the surrounds, interplays with building via the funnels, and provides a wonderful vantage point to view the Pompidou Centre itself. This is a place where Parisians or visitors can stop, pause, and relax, while also being the main entry point to the building itself.
Charles Bridge statues in silhouette. Image: Jonathan Jones
3. Charles Bridge, Czechia
This is an historic bridge in Prague, full of artists during the day (I got my own caricature done), while the statues are unique and really add to the experience of the bridge. It's great to see the bustle here during the day, but even better if you get there early in the morning, before all the crowds, to take in the magnificent view of Prague.
View to St Paul’s across the Millennium Bridge. Image: Jonathan Jones
2. Millenium bridge/Embankment/South bank, United Kingdom
It's difficult for me to pin down just one favourite spot along the Thames in the English capital. I so enjoyed wandering down the Embankment or South bank with all the various landmarks: Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower of London, The Globe, City Hall, down to Tower Bridge. Then there's the Norman Foster Millenium Bridge, linking the Tate Modern with St Paul's Cathedral.
The old and the new come together on Wellington’s waterfront. Image: Jonathan Jones
1. Wellington Waterfront, New Zealand
I can travel the world, but Wellington's waterfront still gets me. Wellington - the city I was born and studied in. She's still got many of the old docks and sheds alongside newer complementary architecture and sculpture. People walk, run, bike, skateboard, roller blade, whatever. Not to mention the crocodile cars! Eateries, museums, and entertainment abound. The iconic St Gerard's monastery glinting in the sun on Mt Victoria. Perfect. As the saying goes "You can't beat Wellington on a good day!"
What does this have to do with us?
We love how architecture responds and enhances urban landscapes. Most buildings are off limits to the vast majority of the population, yet their exterior facades are focal points for all passers by. This means at Reform Architecture we have a certain public responsibility to invoke joy, beauty and wonder with commercial builds and refits. When architecture takes inspiration from it's setting it can enhance the sense of neighbourhood. We consider this in our projects as we strive to create urban Taonga.
