This post is about Bryant Square, Manhattan, New York. Seems like New York City has been working really hard on this public space. Quite commercialised in many ways. Winter Garden seemed popular. Still lots of private/public sitting areas. Most people in shade - because sun is shaded this time of year nearly the whole time....
One thing you notice about "public spaces" in New York - and, it seems, much of the USA - there's a lot of things that you are not allowed to do. I didn't see any signs like this at FlatIron plaza, nor at Times Square (another posting). Seems like if the public space is "green" there's lot's you can't do, whereas if it's "urban" pretty much anything goes .... provided the cops are happy....
Part of Bryant Square is taken up with quite small booths that are private shops. Scarves, hats, decorative stuff mainly. Didn't notice much in the way of food being sold...
This pic gives an idea of how big the booths were. Not much bigger than a kiwi backyard glasshouse. The tables and chairs are popular private spaces in this public area...
This booth sold what looked like wall decorations in a cat outline with a wagging tail - maybe they were clocks. Haven't seen many cats with wagging tails I have to admit. Didn't see many purchased....
You do note the tree choice. Very much deciduous. Such a rational choice. Great shade in summer time. Plenty of light let through in winter time....
The centre-piece of the park is a winter garden. Skating, but more thaan that. It's a winter sit out area...the brollies proclaim the source of financial sponsorship...
This temporary atrium area overlooking the skate area was popular. Quite an interesting feature in the centre of the park....
And here's the skate area. Open to the elements. Lots more people sitting and looking rather than skating...
Just a reminder of the tall buildings surrounding Bryant Square. On all sides....
Atext
A location map...
A big part of its story...relates to the buildings that surround it....
And a wee note here - remember that Auckland's very own Queen Elizabeth Square offers great perspectives on two heritage pieces of Auckland architecture, and maybe sometime we'll be advised by the architects that Zurich and HSBC are special in some way...
All around the internal perimeter of Bryant Square (away from the booths and skate-area), are quiet area of sit and find some piece. Almost all in the shade....
This guy was hunched over his laptop watching a movie courtesy of free wifi....
The light cast here is from reflected sunlight off the windows of highrise buildings opposite. It is interesting that much of the light case during the day into these urban squares is reflected....
Groups doing their thing. Eating lunch. Having a catchup. Very relaxed and in the heart of Manhattan.
And here's where I exit Bryant Square and continue explorations of NY urban squares and plazas....
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