dc.description.abstract |
"There is a quality about water, which calls to the most deep rooted, and atavistic art
of our nature. In the deep canyons of our cities water along with fire, trees and the
almost hidden sky above are the elements, which can still tie us to our primitive past.
Of all these water and fire evoke the most direct responses. Fire in the city is
dangerous, negative and evil, while water is positive and life giving - the element
from which we all have come. The wildness and exuberance of water stirs us with
qualities of non-conformity and vigor"
Lawrence Halprin, Cities, 1963
Venice the mystical city of water
"There are a great number of wonderful lanes, canals, squares and narrow streets
scattered all over with no clear pattern. Tiny archways connect ancient buildings and
sidewalks; windows sparkle with flashes of water; and flowers spill down from
charming balconies over the tops of passing boats. The atmosphere is magical –
inexplicably festive. In Venice you will not hear any noisy traffic, just the soft sound
of lapping water against the sides of marble buildings from the passing vaporetti. A
Venezia the song of romance is everywhere in the air. Welcome to the first paradise
made for pedestrians!" |
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