Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Federal Plaza / Foley Square

New York City

NY

USA

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
November 21, 2006
May 1, 2024

An awesomely bad complex so disjointed it boggles the mind.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

This awesomely bad complex is so disjointed it boggles the mind. It comprises an array of separate plazas and park spaces, none of which engage human beings. Traffic dominates, along with illegal on-street parking that greatly diminishes the pedestrian experience. Five years removed from the attacks of September 11th, security measures still appear ad-hoc and needlessly oppressive. The city's largest federal property ought to be a major destination that citizens would be proud to visit and show off to visitors. Surrounding streets should connect pedestrians to downtown's major assets just short blocks away, creating a whole greater than the sum of its parts. What a shame that Federal Plaza doesn't fulfill even a modicum of this ideal purpose.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Federal Plaza / Foley Square
Federal Plaza / Foley Square
Federal Plaza / Foley Square
Federal Plaza / Foley Square
Federal Plaza / Foley Square
Federal Plaza / Foley Square
Federal Plaza / Foley Square
Federal Plaza / Foley Square

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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