- Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Parklets, Urban Design, Urban Open Space, Sustainable Urbanism, and 10 moreUrban Design (Urban Studies), Sustainable Urban Planning, Urban Studies and Planning, Decision Making Processes, Urban Open Space Design, Urban Public Open Space, City and Regional Planning, Public Space, Urban Parks, and Public Open Urban Spacesedit
- Current Location: New York City
Job: Program Manager, Privately Owned Public Spaces, New York City Department of City Planningedit
Excerpt from the introduction — This study seeks to understand how plazas function in San Francisco. What is life like in plazas? Who uses them? How much are they used, and when? How do people spend time in plazas? Are there significant... more
Excerpt from the introduction — This study seeks to understand how plazas function in San Francisco. What is life like in plazas? Who uses them? How much are they used, and when? How do people spend time in plazas? Are there significant differences in usage or users across plazas? How do they compare in context and design? I conducted a thorough public life survey of six plazas in San Francisco, exploring how and by whom they are used. This report outlines the main findings from the survey with supporting analysis, organized under the lens of four parameters I believe are most fundamental in great public spaces:
• Well-used and lively
• Draw users of the local community
• Support various uses, especially social opportunities
• Perceived positively by their users
The report ends with policy and design recommendations for the City of San Francisco and other public space creators/designers to consider for improving these spaces or for future spaces.
• Well-used and lively
• Draw users of the local community
• Support various uses, especially social opportunities
• Perceived positively by their users
The report ends with policy and design recommendations for the City of San Francisco and other public space creators/designers to consider for improving these spaces or for future spaces.
Research Interests: Urban Planning, Urban Open Space Design, Public Space, City planning, Urban Design, and 13 moreCity and Regional Planning, Urban Public Open Space, Public Realm, San Francisco, Urban Public Space, City and Urban Planning, Architecture and Public Spaces, Squares and Plazas, Urban Life, Urban Design and city planing, Public Space/realm, URBAN PLAZAS, and Public Open Urban Spaces
Parklets are a relatively new concept within the spectrum of urban public spaces. By constructing patio-like sites on former parking spaces, these small parks can introduce an element of surprise to the regular journey down a sidewalk.... more
Parklets are a relatively new concept within the spectrum of urban public spaces. By constructing patio-like sites on former parking spaces, these small parks can introduce an element of surprise to the regular journey down a sidewalk. They can also increase green and open space access in dense neighborhoods. On a broader scale, it is hoped that parklets can contribute to a more inviting and vital neighborhood.
For the businesses, restaurants, and organizations sponsoring these sites from across the sidewalk, it is usually anticipated that a new parklet will increase their customer or user base. Yet, when a public space is not controlled by a public entity, an important question arises: does the public actually understand the function of this type of space? Or, put another way, do people perceive parklets to be public spaces or sites reserved for patrons?
In the course of this four-month research project, we have used a variety of research methods to answer this key research question at parklets along Polk Street in San Francisco. In addition, we further examined how, depending on socioeconomic neighborhood composition, the answer to this question may potentially differ.
Our research revealed that a majority of survey respondents understand these spaces are public. Yet, over a third still believed parklets are reserved for patrons or, if they understand the site is public, still feel pressure to purchase an item from the sponsoring business before using the parklet. Further, certain factors—such as signage or parklet familiarity—were important for the “public” understanding, but neighborhood context did affect this understanding.
For the businesses, restaurants, and organizations sponsoring these sites from across the sidewalk, it is usually anticipated that a new parklet will increase their customer or user base. Yet, when a public space is not controlled by a public entity, an important question arises: does the public actually understand the function of this type of space? Or, put another way, do people perceive parklets to be public spaces or sites reserved for patrons?
In the course of this four-month research project, we have used a variety of research methods to answer this key research question at parklets along Polk Street in San Francisco. In addition, we further examined how, depending on socioeconomic neighborhood composition, the answer to this question may potentially differ.
Our research revealed that a majority of survey respondents understand these spaces are public. Yet, over a third still believed parklets are reserved for patrons or, if they understand the site is public, still feel pressure to purchase an item from the sponsoring business before using the parklet. Further, certain factors—such as signage or parklet familiarity—were important for the “public” understanding, but neighborhood context did affect this understanding.