Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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
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
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
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.
Whether temporary or
permanent, a good amenity
will help establish a convivial
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
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,
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.
. 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.
Tahrir Square,
Cairo, Egypt
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!
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.