Research into historic urban environments and urban heritage often focuses on buildings. This short course differs by focusing on the space in between the buildings, exploring how the underlying structure of streets and open spaces in cities influenced the way that people once moved around, interacted and traded. You will learn principles of mapping which will help in the interpretation of spatial layouts, whilst also exploring how other layers of information – both economic and social – can add layers of significance to these maps.
The principles of mapping that we will explore include: how to understand ideas of ‘spatial configuration’ and the network qualities of space; how to appreciate the ‘lines of sight’ that people benefitted from as they moved around historic urban environments; and how to explore more micro-level aspects of urban morphology. We will consider the concept of ‘spatial culture’ and explore how this may have varied both across cities and within cities at different stages in their development. We will also explore the use of different tools – such as tracing and hand-drawing, and the increasing use of historic Geographical Information System (GIS) technologies. The course will conclude by considering what lessons can be drawn from the historic layout of towns and cities for contemporary challenges – such as the need to create more ‘walkable’ cities. It will therefore be relevant to a broad audience of archaeologists, historians and contemporary architects and planners. At the end of the course, you will think differently about urban space!