As a volume of relative darkness resulting from the interception of direct sunlight, shade manifests every object. Without shade to give spatial definition there can be no architecture, only two dimensional forms. Thus shade is a crucial element in the design of space and requires much more attention than it has so far received. The signifying capacity of shade and the historically proven ability of shade to respond directly to the cultural needs and aspirations of a society suggest the value of the need for its reinstatement as an integral part of the built environment. This is of particular pertinence in today's urban open spaces which are largely diluted of meaning and contribute minimally to the generation of a humane and satisfying urban condition. Part of the key to this deficiency lies in the poor understanding and lack of use of shade in open spaces. This thesis is an attempt to re-establish shade as an essential and enriching aspect of urban, public, open space. Through the use of shade a variety of issues may be simultaneously addressed and work together to re-establish a meaningful language of the city, promoting human amenity and the making of architecture for the ultimate satisfaction of the user.