what makes a good urban space?

an interesting video that uses Mies van der Rohe's beautiful Seagram Building (Park between 52nd/53rd) to analyze what makes a good urban space/plaza. the video (a bit of a throwback but timeless nonetheless) was made after city planners launched an initiative to encourage the construction of public spaces by handing out floor space bonuses to builders that incorporated urban spaces into their designs. the filmmakers uncovered some interesting patterns by recording visitors' activities and positions with respect to the time of day, position of the sun, temperature, positions of others, etc. also taken into consideration; the ability for spaces to facilitate chance encounters and accommodate both visitors seeking solitude and a place for congregation.

interesting deductions:

• The most sociable plazas have the most number of individuals.
• The number 1 activity [in open spaces] is people looking at other people, a point overlooked in many other design.

(via Kottke.org)

Posted by Madame Lamb on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 10:06 PM