Thin Place Design: Architecture of the Numinous

Phillip James Tabb

Jul 2023 · Taylor & Francis

About this ebook

What makes the places we inhabit extraordinary? Why are some urban spaces more vital and restorative? Wonderful landscapes, inspiring works of architecture and urban design, and the numinous experiences that accompany them have been an integral dimension of our culture. Up-lifting spaces, dramatic use of natural light, harmonic proportional geometry, magical landscapes, historic sites and vital city centers create special, even sacred moments in architecture and planning. This quality of experience is often seen as an aesthetic purpose intended to inspire, ennoble, ensoul and spiritually renew. Architecture and urban spaces, functioning in this way, are considered to be thin places.

About the author

Phillip James Tabb is Emeritus Professor of Architecture at Texas A&M University and was the Liz and Nelson Mitchell Professor of Residential Design. He served as Head of the Department from 2001 to 2005 and was Director of the School of Architecture and Construction Management at Washington State University from 1998 to 2001. He completed a PhD dissertation on The Solar Village Archetype: A Study of English Village Form Applicable to Energy Integrated Planning Principles for Satellite Settlements in Temperate Climates in 1990. Among his publication is Solar Energy Planning published by McGraw-Hill in 1984, co-authored The Greening of Architecture: A Critical History and Survey of Contemporary Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design published by Ashgate in 2014, coedited Architecture, Culture and Spirituality also published by Ashgate in 2015. He was author of Serene Urbanism: A Biophilic Theory and Practice of Sustainable Placemaking in 2017, Elemental Architecture: Temperaments of Sustainability in 2019, and Biophilic Urbanism: Designing Resilient Communities for the Future in 2021 all published by Routledge. He received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado, and PhD in the Energy and Environment Programme from the Architectural Association in London. Dr. Tabb taught studio design, sustainable architecture, the theory of placemaking and study abroad in Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy. He is a practicing urban designer and licensed architect, and an emeritus member of the American Institute of Architects holding a NCARB Certificate.