Planning the Battle Map

We all use guide books to explore new cities as they offer useful overviews of notable buildings, parks, and neighborhoods. However, you are writing a scholarly paper and are expected to combine personal observation with sound academic research. So don't stop with the guidebooks! This page is intended to help you make the most of your research time in London as you plan for Assignments 4 and 5. Below are some "first steps" and tips addressing resources both online and in print as well as strategies and questions to consider as you begin thinking about your neighborhoods and buildings.

Researching a Building & Questions to Ask

WHO designed it? commissioned it? built it? worked in it? lived in it? used it?
WHAT type of building is it? is its function?its style? changes have been made? materials were used?
WHAT is its place in architectural design? are its precedents? are its features? condition is it in? is its relationship between its function and style?
WHERE does it fit in technologically? did construction materials come from? does it fit into the architect's/designer's career?
WHY is this building important? was it designed the way it was? was it altered (if it was)?
WHEN was it commissioned? designed? built? altered?
HOW does it compare to similar structures? does it relate to its environment? do its interior and exterior design relate? has its appearance and functionality changed - is it still serving its orginal purpose? is it a green building?

Researching Neighborhoods
City of London / Earl's Court / Covent Garden / Soho / Chelsea / West End / Mayfair / South Bank Greenwich / South Kensington / Notting Hill / Islington / Knightsbridge / Chinatown / London Docklands / Bloomsbury / Holborn / East End / High Gate

Researching Parks
Battersea Park / Chelsea Physic Garden / Clapham Common / Coram Fields / Green Park / Greenwich Park / Hampstead Heath / Holland Park / Hyde Park / Jubilee Gardens / Lincoln’s Inn Fields / Ranelagh Gardens / St James’s Park / Victoria Tower Gardens / Regents Park