When city agencies set out to create public spaces, their top concern is typically making sure that people and goods can get to their destinations as quickly and easily as possible. But while efficiency is critical, another important factor — user experience — has all too often been overlooked. As any number of sad, empty plazas littering cities around the world attest, in the absence of high-quality aesthetics, comfortable seating, and consistent maintenance, people tend to stay away..



Article in full: http://www.arupconnect.com/2014/07/29/getting-public-space-right-in-new-york/