Task 7 - Urban spaces - Market Square, Nottingham

The first public space I choose to sketch was Market square. Working down the page, my first sketch is trying to represent the tranquil water feature with seating near by. Second I have drawn nearly all the floor of market square, trying to show the almost invisible changing in levels that the architect has done well to hide. Finally, the council house is a massive part of market square, as tourists will come to visit it, and will view it from market square.
 I am a big fan of market square for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is not many places in a city with such a large area of open space, that feels so clean, well kept and out in the open. In fact, Market square is the biggest of its kind in the UK. The choice of material for the paving is the main reason why this area feels so clean and open. The very pale grey, smoothly finished stone has a modern, social feel to it, and certainly is a better choice than a dark grey tarmac, or brownish concrete slabs.
Another reason why I like market square is its nearly invisible changing of levels. The landscape is uneven, and where the ground descents, Gustafson porter, the architect who redeveloped market square, cleverly divided the differences in height with seating, or steps, which makes the whole place feel the same height. Market square is also the home of many events such as the the parading of the FA and European trophies nottingham forest FC won, as well as being home to the anual christmas markets, ice rinks and summer fairs.
There are also 2 attractions at market square, both making it a nice environment to sit down, maybe eat lunch or have a chat with a friend. firstly, the water fountain is a feature based at the rear of market square. this has seating all around it, and itself is tiered to allow water to fall. This feature faces the mighty Council house. This towers over market square, and is the eye piece of the area. Having a building like this is nice to look at for nearly any one, having an effect similar to that a TV has on a lounge. In my opinion, I would certainly say market square is a successful area, and has been a successful redevelopment because the area is used by a lot of people everyday.

References : - all sketches by Matthew Parsons on 02/05/14
- information from http://www.architecturetoday.co.uk/?p=6910 , 02/05/14