kenny g said...
Great Streets has just put out 2 alternative designs for the Starburst plaza and a survey to solicit community input. Here is a pdf version of the alternatives . Here is the survey form.*
5:26 PM
*Here is a blank version of the survey form.
Here are images depicting the two alternatives
(please see the site http://starburstplaza.org/about for more information & larger versions of these images):
1#
2#
8 comments:
It's going to be interesting to see how your commenters react. I was looking over these materials yesterday and decided I liked #2 better because it's easier to maintain, more attractive and more 'neutral' in the sense that it's just an attractive place that doesn't try to impose any particular use on the users--or at least less so than #1. They can decide for themselves. I thought of Dupont Circle...it's just there and people decide how to use it.
Actually, I think the first design is more open to different kinds of activities than the second one. The first has more flexible spaces. I also don't really see why it would necessarily be more difficult to maintain. Both designs feature planted beds, trees & fountains. The only big feature present in the first scenario, but not second is the optional kiosk (which is kind of thrown in there for security purposes). Calling the first option "an Active Oasis" doesn't mean you must have activities there. It's just that the first space is more flexible in what you can do with it if you want to have small performances.
In addition, the circle in Dupont is at the epicenter of activity so there is already a constant heavy flow of foot traffic (much less so at this location). Also, Dupont does not currently face the same issues we face in terms of crime & poverty. Basically we need to be more careful when we develop our spaces if we want to ensure they don't catalyze the activities. The best way to make this a safe and attractive space is to bring in lots of people.
My feeling is that the kiosk in #1 makes it seem too "planned" ...makes me think of the Southwest w/ spaces that seemed great at the time but aren't used. The large oval of grass would invite the sleepers the benches are meant to deter and would require more upkeep because people would drop trash and not clean up after their dogs.
Supposedly the benches will be "sleep deterrent" according to the site. Not sure what that means, I think you can find a way to sleep on almost any bench, but maybe they will have metal dividers in them.
I suspect we are looking at the metal divider benches. Those things are all over the city. You probably can sleep on any bench, but keep in mind that plenty of these guys are sleeping on the ground right now. I don't think that benches are going to convince anyone to start sleeping outside.
In alt. 1, the art wall looks nice on paper, but the art wall is dead space (how many people do you know that go to a park to stare at a wall? Is there any place to sit and look at the art?) I love art, but I usually go to a park to read a book or sit and enjoy the weather. In any event, I find sculptures or art kiosks preferable to an art wall.
Thus, I'd prefer the seating of alt. 2. Alt. 1 provides few, if any, places to sit, and few of them in the shade.
Also, note that the survey allows you to take the best of both worlds. Pick and choose the best of each and put that in your comments.
I suggested to Karina that the amphitheater of alt. 2 be built out into a real semicircle, so that the ends of the semicircle could function as vendor stalls (eventually), and, depending on the design, even a space for wall art.
I like the first one because there appears to be more green space. Now, I like this because (I know this makes people angry), but green space will attract more dog owners. Research the history on any nice park that was once a haven for crime, drug users and homeless and you'll find that the tipping point was when dog owners started to frequent the park. This is a phenomenon in urban areas across the country in fact. Then the park becomes quite nice and more of the community starts to enjoy the park and children start coming to the park too. Then there's a big movement to kick out all the dog people and dogs, but that's another story altogether.
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