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More evident than the directionality of cubic spaces is
that of oblong spatial forms, which appear a priori longitu-
dinally oriented. On an urban plaza, however, the dominant
building facade organizes spatial orientation around itself
and its position on the > square. When the building stands
on the narrow side, the square seems to be oriented in depth,
and when it stands on the long side, in breadth. Camillo Sitte
therefore referred to deep and broad squares (1889/1983).
Spaces on every scale, then, may display directionality provid-
ed they are oriented towards a dominant element, or towards
a particular side or direction.
In a landscape as well, spaces appear to be oriented,
i.e. towards the forest, sea or mountains; it may stretch out
towards a town or natural landscape, or up or downstream.
Directionality is an expressive quality that is evoked in indi-
vidual buildings in particular through the > form character
of facades or roofs, the gable- or eave-fronted position, and
through the form or positioning of openings, which appear
turned towards us or averted, opened or centred. Through
gestural quality (> gesture), a spatial situation acquires its
characteristic dynamism. We are familiar with the vertical ten-
dency of growth and ramification that orients Gothic build-
ings and spaces in height, while oval, trapezoidal or triangular
plans, for example, ensure that a space is oriented horizontally.
But we do not attribute directionality to architectural
forms solely by virtue of constructive features; we also experi-
ence directionality based on the disposition of our own > bod-
ies. Our corporeal configuration is unidirectional in relation to
the space that lies before us. To take something in visually, to
direct the > gaze onto it through a pair of eyes that are direct-
ed forward, thereby proceeding in a focused way, is a funda-
mental mode of human experience. The motor function of our
legs is also primarily oriented forward. This basic constitution
compels us to seek out a destination point that lies before
us and opens up a potential frontal zone as a possible direc-
tion of movement. Perception is particularly attentive to that