Framework for Innovative Public Spaces

Abstract

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) is experimenting with creating new public spaces quickly in the public right-of-way. Through the use of painted asphalt, planters, folding chairs, rotating public art, and other temporary materials, construction time and costs are minimal. This innovative strategy allows the department to create immediate neighborhood change while formalized design and construction move through a longer capital planning process. Five reclaimed spaces were analyzed, and the way that people interact with these plazas, each other, and traffic while they enjoy new view corridors and experiences in the city was evaluated. Goals of this research were to understand how plaza design elements affect plaza use and to provide recommendations for informing development of plazas in other cities. This project was conducted in collaboration with Project for Public Spaces. Observational data were used to gain information about physical aspects of the site and patrons’ patterns of use. Each site was filmed from a bird's-eye view during peak periods of weekday plaza use. Video data were used to analyze site geometry and features and to conduct activity mapping, spot counts, and user path tracking. User surveys provided direct feedback on aspects of the plaza. Study findings provide guidelines for reallocating street space for pedestrians to maximize use, safety, and appeal. The New York City DOT provided report feedback but did not participate in the development of the analytical approach, the data collection, or the analysis.