Plaza de Armas; Creating Sketches and the Importance of Spaces.

Diagram of trees in Plaza de Armas.

Diagram of benches in Plaza de Armas.

Sketch of the aerial plan of Plaza de Armas.

When you are immersed in Plaza de Armasa, it is difficult to understand a layout of  the space. I found it very difficult to put what I was seeing onto paper. That is why I chose to take this sketch on in various steps. By breaking it down I was able to further understand the design of the plaza’s vegetation. As noted in class, the major organization in the plaza is a 8×5 grid of palm trees. But to further emphasize the importance of the plaza, there is a change of elevation coming from the streets up to the center of the plaza where most of the shade is. The fountain in the middle of the plaza also is the main focal point in the plaza, but there also is a gazebo on the x-axis coming from the fountain that is important as well, as it a unique presence in the plaza that provides a unique space for activity. Overall, the plaza provides many spaces for everything from street performances, to relaxing in the shade and is very successful at it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One thought on “Plaza de Armas; Creating Sketches and the Importance of Spaces.”

  1. As a business major, I found this assignment to be remarkably overwhelming. Seeing the presentation slides in class with student examples of the plaza layout, I created the false allusion that this would be easy. It was only after seeing the space with its remarkable detail and complexities then I knew I would be out of my comfort zone. I believe that you did a very good job incapsulating the patterns of the plaza but I would also push you to attempt to understand some of the irregularities that the plaza has in terms of its grid pattern. With the over arching pattern of large palms in an 8 x 5 fashion, what do you think the small planters placed variously throughout the park in different densities allows for its space to be best utilized? I think and also witnessed this layout to allow for a remarkable efficacy in the Chilean people who used this space to its greatest potential. To have a market, a place to entertain, and various places to relax, all in a confined plaza was eye opening.

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