Civic Centers

Furnishing Your Public Space

Learn about the "whys and wherefores" of public-space amenities with this series of features. Each offers design and use guidelines to help lay people and professional designers work with each other. Also included: notable examples of amenities from PPS' image database and, in some cases, information on select manufacturers.
  • A Primer on Seating

    General information on the use of seating, its location, and maintenance (see related features below for details on moveable seating, benches, and sitwalls).

  • Moveable Seating

    Putting out chairs is perhaps the simplest and most effective way to activate a public space.

  • Benches

    Giving some thought to the design, placement, and location of this oft-used seating can greatly improve a public space.

  • Sitwalls, Ledges & Steps

    Built-in forms lend themselves to the most basic kind of seating, but there are a number of ways to get it wrong. This excerpt from William H. Whyte's City details them.

  • Food

    Urbanologist William H. Whyte's recipe for success: "If you want to seed a place with activity, put out food. Food attracts people who attract more people..."

  • Vending Carts

    The design of a vending cart is essential to the success of any vendor.

  • Bus Shelters

    Deciding which type of shelter to use requires an analysis of an area's existing and anticipated conditions, plus knowledge of ideal shelter location and design.

  • Water Features

    Perhaps even more than its appearance, the feel and sound of water are crucial to the success of a water feature.

  • Waste Receptacles

    Their durability and functionality play a key role in the efficient management of a public space.

  • Tents

    Tents can accomodate a range of activities, as well as protect people from wind, sun, and rain.

  • Lighting

    Well-designed lighting not only increases security and aids geographic orientation, but also highlights the identity of an area and creates a sense of drama.

  • Signage

    Signs communicate a lot more than just directions. This guide features a seven-step process to developing or improving the signage in your public space.
    Project for Public Spaces