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Hierarchy of Open Space

Opening context:
Site Repair, South Facing Outdoors, Positive Outdoor Space

Conflict

Outdoors, people always try to find a spot where they can have their back protected, looking out towards some larger opening, beyond the space immediately in front of them.

Resolution

Whatever space you are shaping — whether it is a garden, terrace, street, park, public outdoor room, or courtyard, make sure of two things. First, make at least one smaller space, which looks into it and forms a natural back for it. Second, place it, and its openings, so that it looks into at least one larger space.

When you have done this, every outdoor space will have a natural “back” and every person who takes up the natural position, with his back to this “back”, will be looking out toward some larger distant view.

Closing context:
Garden Seat, Activity Pockets, Small Public Squares, Private Terrace on the Street, Accessible Green