Public Square provides a model for New York City, and cities everywhere, with a way to rethink their streets and reclaim that parking space for a greener, more walkable, bike-friendly, and lively public realm.
The future of automated vehicles is quickly become a reality—and most experts agree that driverless cars and increased car sharing will translate to less parking on the streets, opening up opportunities for reclaimed public space. In 2017, the City of New York, New Lab, AIANY, and Fast Company hosted the Driverless Future Challenge, a design competition to shape autonomous transportation in New York City. Public Square, our winning design proposal produced in collaboration with Sam Schwartz Engineering, presents a plug-and-play system of interlocking unitized squares, roughly measuring eight square feet in size, that provide the platform for a wide variety of surface module programs. With applications ranging from seating to retail stands, play equipment, gardens, and green space, Public Square can be introduced incrementally, and assembled into endless configurations to suit the needs of different neighborhoods. The flexible system allows for easy access to utilities, works with existing drainage paths, increases storm water retention, provides bio-filtration, and has the ability to contain embedded smart-street technology. The transition to driverless vehicles will require gradual change.
street level view
illustrative plan
sample configuration
sample construction
