Water and Urban Architecture

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My thanks go out to all who have helped me complete this study and with whom this project may have not been possible. In particular, my gratitude goes out to friends, facilitator and family for extensive and helpful comments on early drafts. I am also deeply indebted to the authors who have shared my interest and preceded me. Their works provided me with a host of information to learn from and build upon, also served as examples to emulate.

DECLARATION

I (Name), is declaring that the following dissertation and all the content present in it has been an unaided, individual effort and this thesis has not been published or submitted in past for any academic or business purpose. In addition, it is reflecting my personal opinion and view over the topic selected and is not representing any sort of opinion of the University.

Signature:

Dated:

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research study is to investigate the role and use of water in the development of urban spaces and architecture from the very first human settlements, to the industrial revolution, to the modern cities, and the future. In this case, water needs to be considered as an element of design in the architecture of urban spaces. This study focuses on the urban spaces and buildings in which water is used either as a tool of composition from the designers, or as the dominant element of consideration for the planning of the urban spaces.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER # 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Research Questions2

Purpose2

Rationale2

Thesis Disposition3

Chapter I: Introduction3

Chapter II: Literature Review4

Chapter III: Methodology4

Chapter IV: Findings and Discussion4

Chapter V: Conclusion4

CHAPTER # 2: LITERATURE REVIEW5

Introduction5

History7

Greek Architecture and water9

Health and Architecture11

Combined Sewer Systems12

Combined Sewer Overflow12

Public Space/Public Realm/Public Domain13

Social Character14

Public Space Social Needs15

Physical Design15

Urban Environment17

Green Infrastructure Linkages and Systems17

CHAPTER # 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY19

CHAPTER # 4: FINDINGS21

Case Analysis of Ottawa City21

Fluidity of Imagination21

The Shelter23

Case Analysis of Toronto City24

Design Solutions25

Open Space System26

Geographic Information Systems26

Residential, Developer, and Civic Official Perceptions of Alternative Subdivision Design Approaches27

Resident knowledge and perceptions of subdivision designs29

Developer knowledge and perceptions of subdivision designs30

City official knowledge and perceptions of subdivision designs31

Regulations31

CHAPTER # 5: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION33

Discussion33

Holistic Watershed Management33

Conclusions39

Recommendations40

REFERENCES42

CHAPTER # 1: INTRODUCTION

Background

The green building movement proposes a shift towards a more sustainable environment. This shift can be referred to as the "fourth wave", with the other three principle shifts in human history being the agricultural, the industrial, and the information revolutions. This shift into the "fourth wave" is challenging architects to rethink the way buildings are constructed and used. "A green building subculture emerged, focusing on the technology of energy consumption at the expense of other architectural preoccupations, resulting in a number of buildings that scored well on energy performance but that failed to address a range of critical qualitative architectural issues" (Tibbets 2005 465). The premise of this thesis goes beyond the conventional technological perception of sustainability and introduces a broader architectural discourse through integrating the Chinese Five Elements as a powerful catalyst for addressing the qualitative aspects of architecture and achieving a healthier, more sustainable built ...