Anti-Loitering Measures on Fulton Mall Working. Sorta.
It’s been less than a month since the new public plaza on the Fulton Mall that’s being called Albee Square opened and already its design is being put to the test. Like many new parks and plazas these days, this one was designed with certain deterrents to loitering baked in. Mostly this means not having…
It’s been less than a month since the new public plaza on the Fulton Mall that’s being called Albee Square opened and already its design is being put to the test. Like many new parks and plazas these days, this one was designed with certain deterrents to loitering baked in. Mostly this means not having stretches of bench (or any sitting area) long enough to accommodate a supine visitor. When we passed by earlier this week, however, it was clear that the dividers on the top step of this sitting area, while preventing visitors from getting horizontal, are not enough to prevent all acts of public sleeping.
Albee Square’s Public Plaza is Complete! [Brownstoner]
you don’t site the fountain over the grates, there’s plenty of other space there.
A fountain with seating around it is what would be really nice at this location. The one they put in front of Boro Hall about 15 years ago looks good, something like that here would have been terrific. The subway running underneath is neither here or there.
I guess the idea is to sit facing inward, towards the subway grating, and to put your back to the street, fascinating.
the classical bank is such a great backdrop. if they had centered a portion of the design on the facade and created a fountain, or flanking fountains and flower beds with interesting paving and nice wood benches like in BBP, it would have been a triumph.
the steps are uncomfortable to sit on. they are very low and wide. but they probably make good sleeping areas.
really, I can’t look at that picture. Whoever designed that plaza should be arrested for public disorder.
that has to be the ugliest new plaza anywhere.
sadly, I think that’s it.
the circles define and draw attention to the yellow grating and grey concrete slab. separate planters contain unattractive grass. The whole thing is a disaster design-wise. There is not focal point, no beautiful pavement scheme, no colorful plantings. Zip.