Washington Park
Whyte describes an ideal plaza/public space using 7 main criteria. Washington Park in OTR, Cincinnati perfectly encapsulates what Whyte described and wrote about. We directed each principle of Whyte's and how Washington Park fits the description.
Principle 1
Sitting Spaces
From benches to moveable seats and tables, Washington Park has a plethora of seating available.
(Cincinnati CityBeat)
As seen here, there is a large gazebo structure in the center of the park with picnic tables and moveable seating. There are heaters there during the winter season so people can still enjoy the park in the cold, as well as a cover incase it rains. The tables create a shared public experience that strangers can come and share together.
This image shows both the benches that line the entire park and the moveable chairs and tables that are both perfect seating areas. This provides an enjoyable seating experience for park guests so they can have conversations and relax.
Principle 2
Most important thing about a space is its physical and visual relationship to the street
Whytes second principle is that it is most important for the space to have a strong physical and visual connection to the streets around it. Washington park does an exceptional job at connecting the park to the street. Since Washington park does such a good job of connecting itself to the streets around it, it promotes pedestrians to enter the park since it feels just like the streets they were walking on before. For example, before every FC Cincinnati game, there is a fan supporter parade that goes through Washington park. They can do this because there are no obstructions from the street that wouldn’t allow them to easily enter the park.
Principle 3
Light is vital, even if bounced/reflected from other
buildings; the sun is only importanton cold days
In Whyte’s book “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces,” he wrote about the importance of lighting in plazas. Washington Park offers multiple diverse sources of light, each attributed to the comfortable environment of the plaza. Within the water features there are lights included under the water fountain. As shown in the image given. This creates a playful and visually attractive feeling for the plaza. These lights do not create glares or harsh shadows confiding to Whyte's principles. The open space of the plaza allows for plenty of sunlight to reach the area. As for nighttime ambiances, many lighting fixtures and lamp posts are provided to light up pathways and popular areas.
Principle 4
Water: fountains, rain garden, pond, water sounds are vital
fountains and water element could be most critical and attractive parts of Washington Square Park for tourist, It has a multi-function water recycle system. the spar ground in the surface level is the most tourist friendly part of whole system. it a good place for all age tourist surrounded by bower and chair, it actively interactive with tourist, and the water are all natural collective by collect system and purified by underground purify system. most of water use in green space and rain garden of Washington Square Park are all from this system, even the toilets water use are supported by this system. Father more, they hold a lot vocation events in spar ground during summer, festival and any other necessary times.
image by 3CDC
Principle 5
Trees create semi-enclosed spaces and help shade and reduce glare
In Washington Square Park, trees are strategically used in certain parts of the park. On one end there is a large clearing which allows more open movement and a place for those to lay out and enjoy the sun.
On the other end there is plenty of seating and an abundance of trees. This provides respite from harsh summer days and rest for those who may have been playing in the sun.
By striking a balance between open and shaded areas Washington Square Park allows for visitors to enjoy themselves more and stay for an extended amount of time.
Principle 6 - Access to Food / Water
Located in the heart of Washington Park is a concession stand called The Porch. This kiosk serves cold and warm beverages along with snacks. The Porch acts as both a shelter away from the elements and a place for parkgoers to refuel without having to vacate the park. During special fairs and events, additional food may be around at pop-up concession stands or small businesses in booths. Not only does this keep people in the park, but it also benefits small businesses.
The Porch @ Washington Park - washingtonpark.org
Principle 7 - Triangulation
Washington Park has an iconic gazebo in the middle of the park. This gazebo hosts many events, for instance when bands come in or when couples get married. When the park hosts vending fairs, for instance, the vendors are all stationed around the gazebo, and it remains a centerpiece of the event and the icon of many photographs. The gazebo serves as the heart of the park, with arteries of pathways from all over the park leading to a single meeting point at this iconic landmark. As people enter the park, they are directed towards the gazebo, and it remains the center of attention and one of the first noticeable things that catches one's eye as they near closer.
Vendors around the gazebo during the Holiday Market - cincinnatirefined.com
Discussion Question:
Do you agree with us that Washington Park fulfills the 7 criteria from Whyte? Why or why not?
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