The role of the circus and crescent in 18th and 19th century British town planning

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to define the role of the circus and crescent relative to their influence upon British town planning. In this study both of these forms have been examined in light of their spiritual and aesthetic qualities, not only isolated, self-sustaining structures, but as nuclei of a greater urban organization. The unique contribution made by these forms upon British town planning during the 18th and 19th centuries can be seen in the appearance of the free space-form, a totally new concept in the articulation of exterior urban space. The dissertation does not pretend to be an exhaustive chronological history of the circus and crescent from their inception at Bath during the 18th century. Instead, the author has examined certain examples of these forms which have been principally characterized by the exploitation of free space in the urban scene, and which have influenced the directional continuum in the formation of urban space [TRUNCATED]