Project for Public Spaces

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