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A public space may be a gathering spot or part of a neighborhood, downtown, special district, waterfront or other area within the public realm that helps promote social interaction and a sense of community. Possible examples may include such spaces as plazas, town squares, parks, marketplaces, public commons and malls, public greens, piers, special areas within convention centers or grounds, sites within public buildings, lobbies, concourses, or public spaces within private buildings.
As with all categories of Great Places, it is important to identify what sets a space apart from others spaces so as to qualify it for a Great Spaces designation. Public Spaces must be at least 10 years old.
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Characteristics and Guidelines for Designation of Great Public Spaces
Description of the Public Space
It is important to identify the geographic, demographic, and social characteristics of the public space. Tell us about its location (i.e. urban, suburban, rural, etc.), layout and connectivity; economic, social, and ethnic diversity; and functionality. We also want to know whether a plan or specific planning efforts contributed to or sustained the character of the public space, or if the space formed more organically and not through a formal planning process.
For a more complete list of descriptive characteristics, please click here. We highly recommend that you read this document before starting your suggestion form.
Public Space Features and Elements
How does the public space ...
Capitalize on building design, scale, architecture, and proportionality to create interesting visual experiences, vistas, or other qualities? |
Accommodate multiple users? It is accessible via walking, biking, or public transit? |
Accommodate multiple uses? |
Use, protect, and enhance the environment and natural features? |
Public Space Activities and Sociability
How does the public space...
Reflect the community's local character and personality? |
Foster social interaction and create a sense of community and neighborliness? |
Provide a sense of comfort or safety to people gathering and using the space? |
Encourage use and interaction among a diverse cross section of the public? |
And don't forget to visit our E-communities page to offer your suggestions and comments.
Images: 1. The Awakening sculpture in Hains Point Park, Washington, D.C., photo by Richard Lukas; 2. Roller bladers travel along mixed-use trail, photo by Dan Burden, courtesy of www.pedbikeimages.org; 3. Pedestrian walkway and gathering park within parking lot of old Convention Center site, Washington, D.C., photo by Richard Lukas; 4. Natural features in Kalakaua Park, Honolulu, Hawaiii, photo by Dan Burden, www.pedbikeimages.org; 5. Innovative sidewalk monument of Helen Keller, a part of The Extra Mile in downtown Washington, D.C., photo by Richard Lukas; 6. Lunch time gathering at pocket park in downtown Washington, D.C., photo by Richard Lukas; 7. School children tour the National Building Museum, Washington, D.C., photo by Richard Lukas; 8. Children play in fountains at Shady Park, Hannibal Square, Winter Park, Florida, photo courtesy of City of Winter Park Communications and Planning Departments.
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