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SPACES IN NEED OF INTERVENTION

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Exchange Square | Manchester, UK

  • Design chosen through competition which ignores the population who will be using the space

  • Inflexible seating that limits the flow of foot traffic and ignores physical disability

  • Lack of relevant equipment (tables, etc.

Hunters Point Library | Queens, NY

  • Inaccessible levels (stairs prevalent with limited/congested elevators)

  • Lack of fluid design  - 2 children's floors that don't connect

  • Failure largely due to lack of asking for community input during the design phase

HUD Plaza | Washington, D.C.

  • Limited programmed activity

  • Counterproductive canopy design which provide minimal shade

  • Disconnected from surrounding areas

  • Unwelcoming and does not reflect the community

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION WHEN DESIGNING A SPACE

ACCESS AND LINKAGE

  • Can you see the space from a distance? Is its interior visible from the outside?

  • Is there a good connection between the space and the adjacent buildings, or is it surrounded by blank walls? Do occupants of adjacent buildings use the space?

  • Can people easily walk to the place? For example, do they have to dart between moving cars to get to the place?

  • Do sidewalks lead to and from the adjacent areas?

  • Does the space function for people with special needs?

  • Do the roads and paths through the space take people where they actually want to go?

  • Can people use a variety of transportation options - bus train, car, bicycle, etc. - to reach the place?

  • Are transit stops conveniently located next to destinations such as libraries, post offices, park entrances, etc.?

COMFORT AND IMAGE

  • Does the place make a good first impression?

  • Are there more women than men?

  • Are there enough places to sit? Are seats conveniently located? Do people have is a choice of places to sit, either in the sun or shade?

  • Are spaces are clean and free of litter? Who is responsible for maintenance? What do they do? When?

  • Does the area feel safe? Is there a security presence? If so, what do these people do? When are they on duty?

  • Are people taking pictures? Are there many photo opportunities available?

  • Do vehicles dominate pedestrian use of the space, or prevent them from easily getting to the space?

USES AND ACTIVITIES

  • Are people using the space or is it empty?

  • Is it used by people of different ages?

  • Are people in groups?

  • How many different types of activities are occurring - people walking, eating, playing baseball, chess, relaxing, reading?

  • Which parts of the space are used and which are not?

  • Are there choices of things to do?

  • Is there a management presence, or can you identify anyone is in charge of the space?
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SOCIABILITY

  • Is this a place where you would choose to meet your friends? Are others meeting friends here or running into them?

  • Are people in groups? Are they talking with one another?

  • Do people seem to know each other by face or by name?

  • Do people bring their friends and relatives to see the place or do they point to one of its features with pride?

  • Are people smiling? Do people make eye contact with each other?

  • Do people use the place regularly and by choice?

  • Does a mix of ages and ethnic groups that generally reflect the community at large?

  • Do people tend to pick up litter when they see it?

Information Sourced from "What Makes a Successful Place?" by Project for Public Spaces

©2020 by Design Playbook. Created by Kelsey Harrelson.

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