Public Space: "The Living Room Research Paper

Total Length: 1966 words ( 7 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 6

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The presence of water is also central to the architecture of mosques, albeit for religious more than aesthetic purposes.

Conclusion: Two Squares, Two Cultures

The Place de la Concorde shares more in common with the Maidan-i-Shah than is immediately apparent. The two squares are about the same size: around 8 hectares. Both have been used for multiple purposes and whisper the changes that have taken place within their respective cities. Political and social life has centered on each of these public spaces.

More than a century separates the two squares, as the Maidan-i-Shah in the early seventeenth century and the Place de Louis XV in the mid-eighteenth century. The architecture and intended use of the two squares proves to be radically different. Unlike the Maidan-i-Shah, the Place de la Concorde serves no religious function. The lack of places of worship as part of the city square speaks directly to the different roles religion play in Persia/Iran vs. modern France. Especially as the Place de Louis XV was constructed during the Enlightenment, the yoke of religious authority was being thrown off just as the monarchy was being overthrown.

Unlike the Place de la Concorde, the Maidan-i-Shah retains the mark of social control. Movement is restricted within Isfahan's Naghshe Jahan Square. Lines of sight are obstructed, even the mosques. The central edifices are imposing and bespeak authority while seating is minimized to delimit socialization.
Urban design in Paris, on the other hand, reflects the "sense of collectivity and cooperation" that defines a "moral public sphere," as Boyer (1996, p. 4) puts it. An exploration of Paris's Place de la Concorde and Isfahan's Maidan-i-Shah reveals the intimate entwinement of culture, social values, and urban space design.

References

Boyer, M.C. (1996). The City of Collective Memory: Its Historical Imagery and Architectural Entertainments. MIT.

Carmona, M. (2003). Public Spaces, Urban Spaces: The Dimensions of Urban Design. Oxford: Architectural Press.

The Center for Design Excellence (n.d.). Public space. Urban Design. Retrieved online: http://www.urbandesign.org/publicspace.html

Craven, J. (n.d.). Public spaces: cities, towns, and landscapes. About.com Guide to Architecture. Retrieved online: http://architecture.about.com/od/urbandesign/u/PublicSpaces.htm

Gehl, J. (2001). Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space. Copenhagen: Danish Architectural Press.

Government of South Australia (2011). Urban design. Public Space. Retrieved online: http://publicspace.planning.sa.gov.au/index.cfm?objectid=257644A7-17A4-1AEC-D4136C89A821A57D

"Isfahan," (n.d.).

Newman, O. (1972). Defensible space: crime prevention through urban design. New York: Macmillan.

"Place de la Concorde," (2011). A View on Cities. Retrieved online: http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/placedelaconcorde.htm

Sorkin, M. (1992). Variations on a Theme Park: The New American City and the End of Public Space. Hill & Wang.

UNESCO (2011). "Meidan Emam, Esfahan." Retrieved online: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/115.....

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