6.3.1 An important characteristic of Bath is the use
of buildings to create places and spaces; a high quality
public realm framed by buildings of simple and understated
design but with elegant and classical proportion.
6.3.2 One of the most important characteristics of
Bath is that its buildings and the spaces between them form an
ensemble. This partnership, designed and functioning as one, is a
key characteristic of the architecture and urban design of
Bath.
6.3.3 Bath has a very limited range of building
forms which provide distinction and form to the city’s character,
whether large villas in spacious grounds or terraces marching up
hillsides or clinging to contours. When seen from higher ground
clear breaks are discernible between groups of buildings. These
spaces provide human scale and are the setting for a range of
activities as well as providing room for trees which provide
softening and visual interest. These spaces are often experienced
as part of a sequence and are integral to the enjoyment of the
city. Many of Bath's buildings are complemented by carefully
detailed boundary walls and railings.
6.3.4 Terraces of buildings and their response to
Bath’s distinct topography are key defining characteristics of the
architecture and urban design of Bath. This is particularly evident
in terraced buildings that have been built:
- On comparatively level ground as outward looking blocks – for
example North and South Parades and Duke Street
- On comparatively level ground as inward looking squares – for
example Queen’s Square and Beauford Square
- On comparatively level ground as linear blocks – for example
Beaufort Place East, Prior Park Buildings and Grosvenor Place
- On hillsides as stepped buildings with stepped band courses,
parapets and cornices – for example Gay Street, Oxford Row, Belmont
and Lansdown Road
- On hillsides as stepped buildings but with subtly swept band
courses, parapets and cornices – for example St Mary’s Buildings,
Wellsway, Raby Place, Bathwick Hill and Seven Dials
- Following gently curving contours – for example Lansdown Place
East, Lansdown Crescent, Lansdown Place West and Somerset
Place.
6.3.5 A further characteristic of terraces is the
way in which they turn corners with their side elevations relating
to the street, and subtle detailing.
6.3.6 A distinguishing characteristic of many of
Bath’s C18 and early C19 terraces is the unifying of the façade by
treating individual buildings as components of one palatial façade.
This architectural device was used extensively in C18 developments
of which the Circus and Royal Crescent are well known examples.
This approach gives classical proportion, geometry and formality to
a variety of building forms including more flowing crescents of the
later C18.
6.3.7 One of the key architectural styles used in
the development of Bath was classicism. The basic
characteristics of classical architecture are order, harmony,
proportion, symmetry, unity and a balance of form, line and
decoration. 6 The essence of classicism is striving for harmonious
relationships in architecture. Understanding the principles of
classicism can lead to interpretations of present day classicism in
contemporary building. Some modern Bath buildings have the
inherent, understated simplicity of modern classicism.
6.3.8 Bath buildings are typically fairly restrained
with a clear and overriding emphasis on classical principles and
proportion. Elaboration is generally reserved for
the smaller elements of buildings such as detailed stone work in
window surrounds or above entrance doors. Importantly this
elaboration often performs a practical function such as shedding
water from buildings.
6.3.9 The roofscape of the majority of Bath’s C18
and early C19 terraces are articulated by stone capped party walls
and front and back stone chimney stacks with their clay chimney
pots and 'M' shaped roofs. The same roofing materials and pitch are
used for each of the roof’s slopes with front and back lead-lined
parapet gutters as well as a central lead-lined valley gutter.
6.3.10 Vertical sliding sash windows are one of the major
elements of most Bath buildings and provide a major contribution to
the small scale detail on building façades. The basic symmetry and
elegance of the sash window and its practicality for controlled
ventilation led to its wide scale use.
6.3.11 Key points include
·
Integration with landform
·
Terrace form is characteristic
·
Urban design and architectural principles such as set pieces,
spaces between buildings, symmetry, architectural detailing and
proportion
·
Well designed relationship between buildings and spaces
·
Restrained building design but plenty of distinctive places and
streets
·
Quality of spaces; human scale and design for use
·
Groups of buildings often separated by green space
·
Consideration of sequential views
·
Influence of trees and shrubs both locally and as a setting to the
city
·
Importance of boundary walls and railings.
