Bryant Park, New York

This park, located in Midtown New York, has undergone serious regeneration work over recent years. It has been changed to meet visitors need, in other words designed for use, not for winning design awards (although it is aesthetically pleasing too!)

The park had formerly been a 'no go' area. The previous design shadowed the park from general view with high hedges and constricted entrances. It became a haven for drug abuse and crime.

It has been given a face lift, along with Central Library which is located next door, and now the space is open to view from the pedestrian sidewalks. The hedges have been dropped, the entrances opened up, and kiosks provided for food and drink. New planting gives the park a much brighter feel, and signage and improved lighting make it a much more inviting place to be in. At most times you can see a diverse range of people using the space.

What makes it so good?

• It is a space for people interaction or for quiet reflection (in the middle of a huge urban setting)
• It has accessible ramps and surfaces, which are well integrated into the design
• It provides free events for all e.g Jazz concerts, movies on huge screens
• Seating is completely movable - the seats are cheap to buy and only six have been 'removed' in the past year
• It provides wireless internet connection, so you can check your emails from your laptop while sitting under the trees. Access in every sense of the word!

For more information on Bryant Park, visit Project for Public Spaces site at: http://www.pps.org/gps/one?public_place_id=26 or the Bryant Park web site.

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