Exterior spaces
what is small architecture?
The overall urban space that surrounds us consists not only of macroblocks of large architecture, such as buildings and transportation infrastructure, but also its small elements that organize and complement the space, such as: benches, flower pots, bicycle parking racks, or even trash garbage cans. They are permanent elements of our environment that are meant to make it more functional, but also to beautify it.
These elements are so common that we take their existence in a given place for granted. A fountain in a park, benches around it, flower pots, somewhere next to it a bicycle rack, tree guards and trash garbage cans are essential elements of small architecture.
These elements are not just a matter of the park.
Choosing the right elements of it will make people want to spend their leisure time in this very place. Thoughtful design of outdoor space will make people more likely to choose those places that are interesting and friendly to them. Such a designed environment is supposed to make the right impression, attract attention and evoke a desire to interact with the place and this spatial, outdoor arrangement.
It is up to landscape architects alone to make these places look good. Properly selected elements of small architecture can make both the arrangements of historic districts and modern parts of cities create a harmonious and attractive whole. Small architecture provides peaceful rest and recreation, and makes it possible to maintain order in outdoor spaces. The common outdoor space should be designed to meet the expectations of its users in a transparent and convenient way. It should be a place of respite and gathering. A space in which people meet and social relations are strengthened.
