In anticipation of the Republican National Convention, the Cleveland Public Square is getting a redesign from renowned urban planning group James Corner Field Operations. Though not designed specifically to prevent violent protest, the very shape and layout of the new public park will influence citizens' movement throughout, encouraging people to use the space in a more collaborative way than with the old design.
As with other famous projects from James Corner Field Operations, like the High Line in New York, Cleveland's Public Square puts pedestrians first. The old Public Square was essentially four plazas split by an automobile intersection that prevented free movement across quadrants, while the new design unifies the four corners and eliminates road traffic.
With a fountain, a community center, lots of green space and an elegant hourglass shape, the new square gives Clevelanders a more peaceful locale for public gatherings and emphasizes the modern desire for clean and free urban environments.
Riot-Quelling Park Designs
Cleveland's Revamped Public Square Makes the Space More Inclusive
Trend Themes
1. Collaborative Urban Spaces - The redesign of Cleveland's Public Square encourages citizens to use the space in a more collaborative way, presenting opportunities for businesses to create innovative public gathering experiences.
2. Pedestrian-focused Design - James Corner Field Operations' emphasis on pedestrian-friendly spaces in projects like Cleveland's Public Square and the High Line in New York opens up opportunities for industries to develop innovative products and services that cater to the growing demand for safe and accessible urban environments.
3. Revitalization of Public Spaces - The redesign of Cleveland's Public Square highlights the trend of revamping public spaces to create more inclusive and attractive environments, creating opportunities for businesses involved in urban planning, architecture, and construction to reinvent and reimagine existing spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Urban Planning - The redesign of Cleveland's Public Square presents an opportunity for urban planning firms to develop disruptive strategies that focus on creating collaborative and inclusive public spaces.
2. Architecture - The emphasis on pedestrian-friendly design in projects like Cleveland's Public Square opens up opportunities for architectural firms to create innovative structures that prioritize the needs of pedestrians and promote a safer and more enjoyable urban experience.
3. Construction - The revitalization of public spaces, as seen in the redesign of Cleveland's Public Square, offers opportunities for construction companies to leverage their expertise in creating modern and sustainable urban environments.