Reconstructing urban labyrinths
McElhinney, Sam (2012) Reconstructing urban labyrinths. In: EURAU12 Porto Espaço Público e Cidade Contemporânea: Actas do 6º European Symposium on Research in Architecture and Urban Design. EURAU12, Porto. ISBN 9789898527011
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Whilst in literature and common language the labyrinthine and the maze-like are synonymous, the use of these ancient terms in contemporary urbanism is commonly misunderstood. Based on an appreciation of understandings embedded in the cultural device-symbol-path of the labyrinth, this paper re-examines Space-Syntaxic presumptions about modern cities.
A novel model is outlined and experimental evidence provided to illustrate how distinct spatial movements relate to dialogues between desire-sets in an ecological system. It is suggested that this correct understanding of the ancient relationship between labyrinths and city cultures can be extended to provide re-interpretations of urban conditions.
During the paper, the author provides insights as to how this reconstruction of a collective cultural memory is being utilized in three separate fields of contemporary urbanism. Outlines are given on its influencing of architectural design, ongoing archaeological analysis of the palace-settlements of Minoan Crete and explorations in full-scale interactive experimental installations.
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