On entering the city: marking the experience

Abstract

Historically the city was often enclosed by defensive walls, with its entries defined by a gates. The primary purpose of this was defensive, allowing control over those who entered or left the city. During medieval times the gates were often reinforced by the use of a portcullis and drawbridge. Cities, though have long since lost their need for defensive walls, and with it the need for entry gates. The report comprises four parts. This first part of these studies of the city gate which was part of city life up until the eighteenth century. The demise of the gate is noted and the survey is done of the form of the contemporary city. Contemporary Design Theory is then studies to find how, why and when there is a reason to define the entrance. Lastly contemporary intention and non-intentional constructions of entrance are analyzed. This report finds that the gate had a substantial role in the ancient town not only for defence and as a customs barrier, but also it was a prominent landmark which was a sign of the town's identity and often symbolised the city behind the gate. To define the entrances to the contemporary city could be an attempt to define its shape, making the form of the city unidentifiable. The act of making and entry, is an expression of "I have arrived" promoting a sense of identity, a quality which seems to have disappeared in the contemporary city if it is still possible.