Orientation, Prospect and Aspect Part 2

To continue our desktop study, we change our scale to look at individual blocks rather than general plan views. This meant we could look at the particular ways and reasons that buildings were positioned in their surroundings.

I started looking at blocks next to the canal, and quickly spotted a pattern. The blocks were usually orientated perpendicular to the canal, rather than parallel to it. The blocks were also built right up against the water, with flat façades to maximise waterside frontage. This meant the public pathways were positioned inland - you couldn't walk alongside the canal.

Alleys between the terraces allow light into the buildings furthest from the canal. They also allow views of the canal from far inland, so people still feel connected to the waterfront that is so important to Venice.

This study could be then compared to the other two areas of Venice. Murano was very similar to typical Venice but I noticed that a few buildings broke the 'perpendicular to the canal' rule and sat parallel to it.

The buildings highlighted in purple are a church, a hotel and a glass blowing factory. They break the perpendicular rule because they are buildings of importance, and not just generic shop fronts or apartments.

The study of building layouts in Giudecca shows a very different looking diagram. The Giudeccans aren't so precious about their waterfront, setting buildings back to create public walkways along the waterfront. There are lots of open areas, no rows of terraces; but instead communal courtyards and green spaces within residential developments (highlighted in green). 

I then scaled down even more to look at the individual façades within the building blocks. I then separated the building façades with their openings to look more closely at the relationship between the window and door layouts.

What was apparent was the differences between the façades in different areas of the city. The façades in central Venice are much more uniform, more symmetrical and more attention is paid to detailing and craftsmanship. The façades outside central Venice look cheaper, they are more asymmetrical, and it is apparent that a number of later additions, such as windows or balconies, have been made due to numerous different owners in the building's lifetime. 

Most of the façades have large windows in the middle levels, letting the most light into the principle living areas. The top levels are usually bedroom levels, and small windows occupy this level. The bottom floors of Venetian buildings have traditionally been trading floors, so feature large doorways for customers and deliveries. I think the deteriorating paintwork adds to the beauty of these façades - I much prefer the asymmetrical crumbling façades on the outer islands to the very regimented façades of central Venice.