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SQUARES AND PLAZAS

SUBMITTED BY :Mekhalin Sinha


(A1904013087)
Gaurav Sharma

WHAT IS A SQUARE/PLAZA ?
Aplaza is an open urbanpublic space,
such as acity square.
At times of crisis orfiesta, it was the
space where a large crowd might gather.
Like the Italianpiazza, the plaza remains
a center of community life.
Most colonial cities inSpanish

A popular square in Copenhagen,


Denmark.

Americaand thePhilippineswere
planned around a squareplaza de
armas.
In modern usage, a plaza can be any
gathering place on a street or between
buildings, a street intersection with a
statue, etc. Today's metropolitan

Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco.

HISTORY OF PUBLIC SQUARES


GREEKS AND ROMANS :The first city formations appeared 6000 years ago and city squares
were established at the crossroads of important trade routes . A wellknown earliest example of todays public squares is Greeks Agora.
Democracy played an important role in shaping Greek cities. The Agora
was an open place in the city center where political, social and
economic activities took place. Greek agoras were public spaces for all
kinds of gatherings; such as political meetings, athletic and musical
games, theatre performances and commercial activities . The
geometrical form of the agora was usually square or rectangle.
The Roman Forum was a large open space where people gather for
political, economic and social activities. The Roman forum was the
combination of agora and acropolis since it included more activities
(such as Designing Urban Squares 515 shrines, temples, the hall of
justice and the council houses) with more formal order.

THE 19TH CENTURY :In 19th century, industrial revolution caused a dramatic changes in urban
design and planning. The establishment of broad railway networks led to
population increase in urban areas which stimulated growth of cities.
New industrial areas were developed near cities and labour class began
to move into cities to dwell.
As the bourgeoisie raised, women became more participant in the city
life.
The emerge of shopping arcades, shopping streets, bazaars and
department stores created a new form of public space, especially for
ADVANCES IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE :women.
Form : A public square form is influenced by the surrounding environment.
Even though the word square points out a form itself, a public square
can be in any form such as rectangle, square, circle, or triangle:
Enclosure; closed and protected space, The center should be free,
Monuments that are placed on the perimeter, Existence of the elements
of surprise, Attractiveness of architectural faades, Concavity and

FACTORS TAKEN UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR PUBLIC


SQUARE DESIGN
Surrounding architecture and streetscape should also be taken
into account to ensure continuity of the character and coherence.
Focal areas can be created by changing the color, form or texture, as well
as pavement material itself. Similarly, by using the same strategy different
uses within a square (such as seating areas) might be separated.
Drainage is another factor that should be taken into account to provide
comfort in different weather conditions.
Plants also help to soften the strong and sometimes disturbing effects of
hard surfaces or sharp lines. Flowering plants may also add variety to the
perceived environment in terms of color and scent.
Water surfaces are landscape elements commonly used in public squares
to create a focal point or aesthetically pleasing views. Water can be used in
different types; as still water, running water, fountains, or combination of
these. Still water surfaces create a more relaxing and tranquil environment

Focal Point Elements Focal points elements might be useful to attract


users while contributing to the squares identity and image. A focal point can
be created by using any design element (e.g. water fountain) or public art
works (e.g. sculptures, monuments). However, placing focal point elements
at the center of the square is not always necessary. Sitte (1965) suggests
that the centre of the squares should be kept free and focal elements should
be placed along to edge, close to pedestrian routes .

PRINCIPLES FOR DESIGNING PUBLIC SQUARES


1. IMAGE & IDENTITY :Historically, squares were the
center of communities, and
they traditionally helped shape
the identity of entire cities.
Sometimes a fountain was used
to give the square a strong
image.
The image of many squares
A popular square in Copenhagen,
Denmark.

was closely tied to the great


civic buildings located nearby,

cathedrals,
cityin
halls,
Today, creating a square that becomes thesuch
mostassignificant
place
a
or libraries.
citythat gives identity to whole communities

2. ATTRACTIONS &
DESTINATIONS :Any great square has a variety
of smaller places within it to
appeal to various people. These
can include outdoor cafs,
fountains, sculpture, or a
bandshell for performances.
Ghirardelli Square, San
Francisco.

3. AMENITIES :A square should feature amenities that make it comfortable for people to
use. A bench or waste receptacle in just the right location can make a big
difference in how people choose to use a place.

Lighting can strengthen a


squares identity while
highlighting specific activities,
entrances, or pathways. Public
art can be a great magnet for
children of all ages to come
together.
Circular benches provide a comfortable place to
sit in Rockefeller Center, New York City.

Whether temporary or
permanent, a good amenity
will help establish a convivial

4. FLEXIBLE DESIGN :Tennis on the


square,
Copenhagen.

setting for social interaction.


The use of a square changes
during the course of the day,
week, and year. To respond to
these natural fluctuations,
flexibility needs to be built in.

Instead of a permanent stage, for example, a retractable or temporary


stage could be used.
Likewise, it is important to have on-site storage for movable chairs, tables,
umbrellas, and games so they can be used at a moments notice.
5. SEASONAL
STRATEGY :-

A successful square cant


flourish with just one design
or management strategy.
Great squares such as Bryant
Park, the plazas of
Rockefeller Center, and
Detroits new Campus
Martius change with the

Skating rinks, outdoor cafs, markets, horticulture


seasons.displays, art and
sculpture help adapt our use of the space from one season to the next.

6.
ACCESS :
-

To be successful, a square
needs to be easy to get to.
The best squares are always
easily accessible by foot:
Surrounding streets are
narrow; crosswalks are well
marked; lights are timed for

A short pedestrian crossing at Plaza Santa Ana in


Madrid, Spain.

pedestrians, not vehicles;


traffic moves slowly; and

transit stops are located


7. THE INNER SQUARE & THE OUTER SQUARE
nearby.:An active, welcoming outer square is essential to the well-being of the
inner square.

8. REACHING OUT LIKE AN OCTOPUS :Like the tentacles of an octopus extending into the surrounding
neighborhood, the influence of a good square (such as Union Square in
New York) starts at least a block away.
Vehicles slow down, walking becomes more enjoyable, and pedestrian
traffic increases.
Elements within the square are visible from a distance, and the ground
9. THE CENTRAL ROLE OF MANAGEMENT :floor activity of buildings entices pedestrians to move toward the square.
The best places are ones that
people return to time and time
again. The only way to achieve
this is through a management
plan that understands and
promotes ways of keeping the
Attentive maintenance is an essential part of
good management in St. Stephens Green,

square safe and lively.

Good managers create a feeling of comfort and safety in a square, fixing


and maintaining it so that people feel assured that someone is in charge.

10. DIVERSE FUNDING


SOURCES :-

A well-managed square is
generally beyond the scope of
the average city parks or public
works department, which is why
partnerships have been
established to operate most of
the best squares.

Sponsorships can help fund events like


FestaItaliana in Portlands Pioneer
Courthouse Square.

. These partnerships seek to supplement what the city can provide with
funding from diverse sources, includingbut not limited torent from cafs,
markets or other small commercial uses on the site; taxes on adjacent
properties; film shoots; and benefit fundraisers.

FAMOUS PLAZAS AROUND THE WORLD


The architectural emblem of a society in all its guises
economics, politics, protest, food, fun, and enjoyment and
at the same time, the arena for all these constructs is, the
public square.

Tahrir Square,
Cairo, Egypt

The square unites four main streets and is surrounded by various


Egyptian political and cultural institutions. Huge underground
subways provide pedestrian accesses. Overall, a traffic
dominated square perhaps, but the recent images illustrate it
filled to the brim with the people of Cairo, suggests its power as a
site of solidarity and tool for protest.

Times Square, New York, USA

Times Square is the worlds most buzzing square in the city that
never sleeps. The constant stimuli make it an absolute eye
catching and with a complete sensory overload, but its an
incredible experience!

Peters Square, (Piazza San Pietro), Vatican City

St. Peters Square is a plaza of huge proportions located directly in


front of St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican City, the papal enclave
surrounded by Rome.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the square almost 100 years later, as
well as including the massive Tuscan colonnades, four columns
deep, which embrace visitors in the maternal arms of Mother
Church.

afalgar Square, London, United Kingdom

The famous square in London, since its inception by the great British
architect John Nash, has been a source of pride for all Brits. Moreover,
it is a constant stage of art, culture, and other events.

ederation Square, Melbourne, Australia

This modern square was opened in 2002 to much controversy. Often


voted one of the ugliest places due to the deconstructivist style of the
buildings, the square has come to be very successful. Why so? Well,
with a constant stream of entertainment, dining and free Wi-Fi, its
always busy with people.

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