Author Archives: Nadia

Final Presentation

REFLECTION

Field trip from Thursday made us discus major differences between plaza, park and square. While visiting many locations such as Bowling Green, Zuccotti park, Gramercy Park, Times Square, Harold Park etc. we analyzed what defines a space and how we can classify it. Primarily spaces get defined by their geometry, hierarchy of the buildings, interaction of the buildings, texture (such as pavement) etc.

Major conclusion is to understand what is the definition for each one (plaza, park, square) and to be able to use it in the next project.

Park: Public space which perimeter is well defined by fences, with seating area, trees, grass and pavement texture which is clearly different from plaza.

Plaza: open space for gathering, more flexible in movement and circulation, open even at night time.

Square: is a combination of both, park and plaza.

Urban Design Principals

Leave a reply

Communities plan in order to improve the quality of public choices and decisions. Some communities do not plan until they encounter a crisis that demands an immediate public decision; then they hastily construct their plans after considering only a limited number of actions. In my opinion it is very important to take in consideration while creating a master plan is:

1. How private versus public works. Means how can they collaborate and not be isolated from each other.

2. Access to transportation.

3. Take in consideration pedestrian needs. Means create access not only to the vehicles but also to people.

4. % of public green space is important.

5. Size of the blocks and how they arranged in order to guide the circulation through the site.

6. Create a center of the plan that helps to concentrate important buildings, activities, etc.

etc.