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

Creators:
McElhinney, Sam
Description/Abstract:

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.

Item Type:
Book Section
Date:
2012
Schools:
School of Architecture & Design
Related URLs:
Depositing User:
Sam McElhinney
Date Deposited:
05 Jan 2015 12:20
Last Modified:
01 Mar 2022 08:46
URI:
https://research.uca.ac.uk/id/eprint/2024

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