Location: United States
Year: 1992
Bryant Park is a 9.6-acre public green space in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Surrounded by iconic skyscrapers and the New York Public Library’s Main Branch, this urban oasis offers a serene retreat for locals and tourists alike.
The Project for Public Space conducted an in-depth examination of Bryant Park through on-site observations to propose enhancements. The recommendations include removing visual obstructions to improve visibility, incorporating additional amenities, and organising more events within the park. To deter criminal activity and maintain order, the park’s entrances were widened, dense vegetation cleared, and increased lighting installed. These measures contribute to heightened visibility and a safer environment.
Bryant Park recognised the importance of incorporating movable chairs to foster accessibility, engagement, and social interaction, which are crucial elements of urban placemaking. The presence of movable chairs contributes to a sense of safety among park users. When valuable chairs remain un-stolen, visitors perceive the park as secure and trust that their belongings will not be taken. Simple as it might seem, the addition of movable chairs plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming and assuring atmosphere, which is highly valued in today’s world where feeling safe is paramount.
Bryant Park organises an array of complimentary public events throughout the year, catering to diverse interests and tastes. These include summer movie nights, art and cultural happenings, the festive Winter Village, and an ice-skating rink. Most of these events are accessible to the public without any admission fees, ensuring that the park remains welcoming for all and preventing private entities from monopolising its use.
Like any landscape, Bryant Park is continually evolving, adapting to the needs of its visitors, and responding to shifting usage patterns. Over the past three decades, the park has undergone a series of transformations to enhance the experience for those who frequent it, adjusting to the ever-changing ways people interact with the space. This ongoing process of transformation and development ensures that Bryant Park remains a vibrant and relevant urban oasis for years to come.
Maintaining a high-quality POS requires a sustainable operational model incorporating management and maintenance-friendly design elements. One approach to achieving self-sustainability is through public-private partnerships. By combining the resources and expertise of both the public and private sectors, this collaborative model can ensure the long-term viability and success of a POS while maintaining its quality and accessibility for the community it serves.
Image Attribution: “New-York – Bryant Park” by Jean-Christophe BENOIST is licensed under CC BY 3.0
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