Louisburg Square

The investigation for today is Louisburg square. Located in historic beacon hill, the square is nestled in between high end homes and narrow sloping roads. This particular location on beacon hill is very steep and therefore dictates how you experience the park as you approach it.

                                     

One of the main points of interest on the town homes that frame this little square are the doors that have ornament, with classical details that give a sense of monumentality. 

      

Another interesting detail is the corner lamp post. Made of iron, it gives an old world feel to the square. 

One of the more interesting things about Louisburg Square is that it has a centralized park that is not open to the public. This is a great green space in the middle of the bustling city but it is not useable, which is a downside to the overall flow, circulation, and perception of the space. Below is a section of the space. You can see the centralized park and the circulation that happens around it. The trees act as a barrier to the center of the park.

 

The townhouses that frame Louisburg square are quite interesting. They frame the overall space and add a material element of ornateness and further the balance of the space.

 When looking at the details of the space, one can see the history that has been somewhat preserved. When looking at the different layers (as stated in the drawing below), from stone to granite to paving. This is a result of years of use and an adaptation to the 'modern' times. 

The drawing above also illustrates the ornateness of the townhouses and how they emphasize the entrance and first floor. This emulates historic architecture and greek temples. 

Overall, louisburg square is an interesting example of open space in the city- valuable real estate that is only used for circulation. But with all of its faults, louisburg square delivers on beauty and a sense of openness surrounded by the urbanity that is boston.