Solving Public Space Problems with Innovative Solutions

We are all aware of the great strides that have been made in Times Square over the past decade, but with the increased diversity of uses in the neighborhood have come increasing problems – from an unattractive streetscape unworthy of a world-class public space to pedestrian overcrowding which creates a public safety hazard. 

As Times Square begins its second century, it faces new challenges: the demands by pedestrians, vehicles, and special events on this singular space are greater than ever. Times Square must stay competitive relative to the great cities and places of the world by nurturing the creativity, energy, and edge that have made it a global icon.

Since 2003, we have met and worked with designers, urbanists, traffic planners, architects, artists, property owners, Alliance Board members, and members of the City's transportation and planning agencies to identify Times Square’s challenges and possible solutions.

Two Comprehensive Plans to Improve the Pedestrian Environment

Between 2004 and 2005, Central London Partnership and Times Square Alliance independently issued comprehensive plans that attempt to address a number of key quality of life issues related to the management and design of the streetscape in two of the world's greatest cities.

The Alliance, working with the Design Trust for Public space, invited an eclectic mix of designers, urbanists, artists, planners and public servants to participate in a series of workshops to make this report as insightful and pro-active as possible.  The report that grew out of these workshops, Problems & Possibilities, is honest about the area’s problems and resourceful in suggesting practical solutions. We have defined our principal challenges as:

• Severe pedestrian overcrowding (“pedlock”)
• Fierce competition between multiple users for very limited space
• Ugly and cluttered ground plane (“streetscape schlock”)

	Problems & Possibilities details these challenges facing Times Square and lays out a comprehnsive plan of creative design and management solutions. For a comprehensive summary of the report's findings and recommendations, check out These Streets Were Made for Walkin'.
	Across the pond, Towards a Fine City for People calls attention to many of the same issues facing Central London. Visit the Central London Partnership for information on the key findings of the report, coauthored by the internationally renowned Gehl Architects.

Many of the recommendations that grew out of the workshops are already under way. Learn about the renovation of Duffy Square, a world-class icon in the heart of the Bowtie set to open in 2008.  For more information our efforts to enliven the streetscape and encourage higher quality design, read about our public art program or Design Times Square. 

CLICK TO CONTINUE >>>