Hierarchy of Public Spaces

Public Realm

Design to Support a Legible Hierarchy of Public Spaces

INTENT

Projects should understand their location in the hierarchy of public space and respond accordingly. For example, a site that terminates a vista would be designed as a focal point, while a project that is part of the urban fabric would be designed to fit well with adjacent properties. Design to support a hierarchy of public spaces will help wayfinding and character.

Guidelines

a. Use buildings to help shape and define public spaces where appropriate.

b. Consider vistas, views and irregularities in the street network and block pattern to retain views or to create focal points.

c. Highlight important crossings, intersections, and transitions where appropriate.

d. Incorporate wayfinding that complements project design and surrounding wayfinding systems, with common indicators, destinations, and signed decision points.

The Marketfront in Seattle creates defined public spaces that highlight views of Elliott Bay, and defines a hierarchy of public and private spaces along the market.

An alley in California uses the space between buildings as both a pedestrian connection and as outdoor dining, with framed views of nearby buildings.

P5 Block & Frontage Patterns

P6 Commerical Streets