hierarchy of still-points
©2006 mark laurence
design principles note no.1040
subject: |
the defining of still-points |
problem: |
an incorrectly placed seating area can be worse than having none. |
This outdoor room with part-glazed pergola is a perfectly defined space. Trellis screens provide privacy and a bench seat is built into the raised planter.
The heart or soul of a garden is generated by the time we spend in it, relaxing, playing or working. yet if the garden is not well laid out then conflicts of use will occur, impeding the generation of a sense of place (1003). Areas must therefore be defined according to spatial zoning (1070) and given relevant use and priority.
problem:
It is generally desirable to have two or more different seating spots in a garden, each with it's own character and function. In a small or an open garden however, too many seating spots, no matter how well used, will look cluttered and superfluous unless they are partially hidden from each other. It will also be hard to avoid them being disturbed by lines of movement (1030).
solution:
The problems described are resolved if we assign a strict hierarchy of use and function on all seating spaces. In most gardens there will be one primary still-point, which is the area of main focus, whilst all others are subsidiary still-points. In a very small garden, there may only be a primary still-point.
The uses and function of all such spaces will depend very much upon the individuals life-style and preferences, as well as the physical structure and aspect of the site and the house layout. Below is a table listing some of the main elements:
site aspects:1 north aspect, shady |
house access:1 from side door |
type of users:1 large family + pets |
preferences:1 quiet seating |
The first column is of fixed aspects, the second mostly fixed, although they can be altered with some effort, the third may vary over time whilst the last may change from hour to hour. A still-point has to accommodate a combination of these aspects in order to succeed but it can be seen that different areas of a garden will provide spaces that perform one function better than another.
For example, a combination of 2-2-1-2 will give you a large, gregarious space, well connected to the house and suitable for all kinds of social activity, whilst a combination of 1-4-3-1 will give you a quiet bench in a secluded spot of dappled shade, ideal for quiet relaxation - reading a book, perhaps.
This is the process by which we therefore define and order the still-points of the garden.
above: a shady retreat such as that described by combination 1-4-3-1
a still point as social space to fit the combination 2-2-1-2
summary:
- use zoning & lines of movement to decide the broad layout of the garden.
- decide on the type and number of still-points required using the table above.
- ensure that there is one primary still-point, to which all others are subordinate
- ensure each subordinate still-point has its own unique character and usage.
- take notice of counterbalance and white space as important elements.
- build layers, apply quality.