On 8/17/11 11:49 AM, Karen Allen wrote:
I think the idea is a miss on a number of fronts. First, the name
"parklet" (I use quotes because I don't like the conjured-up name)
creates an expectation of sylvan greenery that is not met in the final
product. Call it what it is--outdoor seating. As generic outdoor
seating, it's functional, and looks OK. But giving it that particular
name defeats its own purpose by inviting comparisons to a park, which it
certainly is not.
Second, the seating could work in locations that need recreation or
relaxation space, but it should not be directly tied to any commercial
enterprise. The miss here is instead of finding neutral locations, it's
been placed next to a business with an outdoor cafe; thus drawing
accusations of favoritism in its placement.
Here's a positive suggestion: the 45th/ Baltimore/Springfield and 47th
and Baltimore traffic triangles. They've both already been landscaped,
and have enough space for small seating areas. 45th Street could be
reconfigured mindful of pedestrian and auto traffic, and 47th is already
fenced on the 47th Street side. They could help the overall 45th and
47th and Baltimore business strips without appearing to give favored
treatment to any particular one. And they could become REAL parklets
(without quotes!).
agreed.
the question here isn't about taste or aesthetics or (what was that
fancy latin word, al?), but with whether or not these things are
designed as truly public spaces. meaning: designed in response to actual
public demand; designed in a standard way, like parking kiosks, so as to
be recognized everywhere by the public as truly public spaces; designed
so as to function independently of businesses; and designed without
taking away anything that is already publicly paid for.
..................
UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN
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