kcoleman@usc.edu
Graduate Research Scholar Program
University of Southern California School of Architecture

student:
faculty: :
contact:

Shih-Yun Chiu, M.Arch+2
Robert Harris
rharris@usc.edu
  RESEARCH summary 
title:
 Place Types - Place of Choice
  My GRS project involves efforts to categorize four fundamental “place types” that exist in good environments in all parts of the world. The research shows what should be programmed for new place designs. The four essential city design elements are the perch, the alcove, the commons, and the connective paths. Whether in public or private realms, these four basic place types can be used independently or in various combinations. Such design elements give people an opportunity to experience distinct and profound places around the world.

Below are the four examples that represent the individual types. Also, a photograph below illustrates how all the four city design elements can be combined in one single setting.
place
                            
                                                                    alcove                                                                 commons                              perch                                 path
 

combined
 
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