Session 2: The Do's and Don'ts of Public Space Design

Synopsis
As Austin continues to grow, preserving, rehabilitating, and creating public spaces will remain integral to maintaining our sense of community and our unique identity. When designing these spaces, it is important to understand why do some public spaces bustle with activity, while others sit empty? Designers will share the secrets of great public space design. This session will explore the physical design elements that create safe and inviting public spaces.

Sinclair Black, FAIA, Principal, Black & Vernooy/Placemaking Studio
According to Black, great public space can take many forms or typologies (from very symbolic spaces to plazas and streets, but successful spaces should consist of these elements:
- An abundance of shade and trees
- A reason to be there
- Structured activities
- Animation
- Surrounded by diverse uses
- Comfort and safety
- Memorability
- Immersivity

Elanor McKinney, ASLA City of Austin Design Commissioner
Question: Are we satisfied with the public spaces in Austin, or can we do a better job. What elements will help improve public space in Austin? McKinney expands on the idea of public space typologies by offering the following:
- Street Plazas
- Corporate Foyer
- Grand Public Plaza
- Pedestrian Mall
- Thru-Block Pedestrian Corridor
- Public Square
- Green Roof Plaza
McKinney further highlights aspects to consider when designing public spaces like seating, use of plants to enliven space, civic art, interactive fountains, food service, safety (way-finding, lighting, and visibility,) and future operations and maintenance.

Robert Pilgrim, ASLA TBG Partners
Overview of the City of Austin's Children and Families Task Force. How can Austin become friendly to Families and Children?
More Information: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/fctf.htm

Big Ideas
- There are two types of good public spaces: Ones that are poorly designed or non existent, but citizens take over, and truly well designed public places.
- Shade is very important in Austin!!

Places
- Paley Park; New York City, NY
- 17th Street Plaza; San Francisco, CA
- Park Mall; Tuscon, AZ
- Brenham Alley, Brenham, TX
- Times Square (Newly Created) Pedestrian Plaza; New York City, NY
- High line; New York City, NY
- Jamison Square; Portland, OR

What additional do's and don'ts would you add?
How would you rank Austin's public space program from 1-10 (1 being the worst; 10 being the best)?
How do libraries fit into the scheme?