Streets    

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECTS

FARMINGTON AVENUE STRATEGIC PLAN
Hartford, Connecticut (2000-02)

Project for Public Spaces has been conducting a study and preparing a strategic plan for a major arterial that stretches from Downtown Hartford to the city line. With a team that includes Urbitran, a transportation planning firm, Abeles Phillips Preiss and Shapiro, an economic analysis firm, PPS is addressing issues of traffic management, parking, pedestrian needs, retail revitalization, urban design and zoning. We have conducted several visioning workshops with a variety of community members, using PPS's Place Performance Evaluationcopyright exercise. We have analysed land use, retail activities, pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns, and ridership, and operations of the Avenue's well-used bus route. Options are now being developed and reviewed.  Client: Farmington Avenue Joint Committee.

ARLINGTON DISTRICT: A REVITALIZATION PLAN
Poughkeepsie, New York (1999-2000)



PPS conducted a study of the Arlington Business District in the Town of Poughkeepsie at the request of Vassar College and the Arlington Steering Committee. Arlington is a mixed-use business and residential community that has the potential to become a vibrant town center, an asset for Vassar College, and a special community place. The process included interviews, surveys, a parking study, town meetings, a traffic analysis of Raymond Avenue, an economic analysis, and numerous presentations to the Steering Committee and other area stakeholders. Recommendations included traffic calming of Raymond Avenue, a wide street that for years has cut off one side of the community from another; widening sidewalks; developing unsightly lots with uses that help create a town center; shared parking areas to reduce the space devoted to asphalt lots; a better retail mix, including specialty shopping, to help create a destination shopping district; new public spaces, including a town square, passive park, and a network of lively secondary spaces; a farmers market; new gateways to Vassar College and the Arlington district; streetscape improvements, such as more seating, flowers and trees, more attractive storefronts and signs, and historic street lamps; and the creation of a new management and marketing entity.  Client: Vassar College.

OLDE TOWN ARVADA
Arvada, Colorado (1999-2000)

The "Arvada Renaissance" project in Arvada, Colorado, began with four very specific objectives: improve the physical appearance of Old Wadsworth, the Main Street of Olde Town; slow down traffic and improve the pedestrian environment both for shopping and to encourage people to walk; develop Olde Town as a destination in terms of attracting new uses and providing incentives for investment; and create a series of "special places" both on Old Wadsworth and in other areas in Olde Town. Working with Urban Neighborhoods, Inc., PPS prepared streetscape and traffic calming plans for several retail streets, as well as plans to improve to improve the use of Olde Towns Square. Special emphasis was placed on redesign of storefronts to animate adjacent public spaces. Construction has been completed on much of the work.  Client: City of Arvada, Colorado.

CHAGRIN BOULEVARD, WOODMERE VILLAGE
Cleveland, Ohio (1998-1999)

Chagrin Boulevard, in Cleveland, Ohio's Woodmere Village, was once this suburb's small town "Main Street." It had traffic so daunting that people would drive to get across the street. Driveways serving stand-alone parking lots proliferated, walking and bicycling was hazardous and public transit and school bus stops were all but inaccessible. Working with local community development consultants Clint/Donnelly and traffic engineer Frank Spielberg of SG Associates, PPS developed a master plan to ensure Chagrin Boulevard's economic viability and attractiveness as a unique "place," through an on-going process of residential and retail stakeholder surveys, a community-visioning meeting, and interviews with property owners and local officials. The concept that evolved included tree-lined medians flanking both sides of the Boulevard, dividing pedestrian-friendly frontage roads on either side from through-traffic lanes in the middle; new walkable sidewalks, new crosswalks at signalized intersections, and a better definition of the Boulevard through lane elimination, protected turn lanes and additional signals to accommodate access from residential side streets. These changes set the stage for changes to zoning and land-use regulations, including introducing build-to requirements along both sides of Chagrin, and reducing current parking ratios to lessen the amount of land mandated for parking.  Client: Village of Woodmere.

HARLEM RIVER WATERFRONT ACCESS PLAN
New York, NY (1997-99)

PPS worked in northern Manhattan to revitalize existing park space and create new parks, to improve public access to the Harlem River waterfront, including the Harlem River Esplanade, Sherman Creek wetlands area, and Highbridge Park. Today these spaces - especially the esplanade and Highbridge Park - are virtually inaccessible to pedestrians and bicyclists. In addition, the north end of the Harlem River Driveway, adjacent to an elementary school, is a hazardous intersection. Working with the local community, PPS has developed traffic calming concepts for the redesign of this intersection, connecting streets to Sherman Creek, and for the Harlem River Driveway itself. The Driveway, a four-lane highway between the Harlem River Esplanade and Highbridge Park, is an obstacle to increasing use of both parks. PPS and New York Restoration Project (NYRP) studied modifications to the major intersections, access ramps, and the Driveway itself to help determine future modifications and set the stage for a future community-based plan for the revitalization of these important parks.  Funding: Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Client: NYRP.

SPECIAL PLACES PROJECT
Washington, DC  (1998)

PPS worked with the Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District to provide urban design assistance in helping to revitalize several downtown areas managed by the District as special places that enhance community life. This work involved initial interviews with area stakeholders, observations of pedestrian and vehicle circulation patterns, surveys of local businesses and meetings and presentations with stakeholders. A slide show, perspective sketches and plans were used in the presentations and discussions. Short term improvements were implemented, including streetscape enhancements, pedestrian improvements, upgrading of vending activities and redesign of streets, including transforming a confusing intersection into a central square.  Client: Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District.

ATLANTIC AVENUE ALTERNATIVE TRAFFIC PLAN
Brooklyn, NY (1996-98)

Atlantic Avenue between Smith Street and Flatbush Avenue in downtown Brooklyn is both a major traffic artery and an important commercial street known as "Antique Row." Thousands of pedestrians going to and from their homes to subways, downtown shops, and schools cross the street daily. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association, addressed the problem of excessive traffic speed on Atlantic Avenue between Smith Street and 3rd Avenue, and proposed a concept for the inexpensive redesign of the street to discourage speeds higher than 30 MPH. The study recommended adding left turn lanes, creating a modulating roadway, crosswalk enhancements, and signal changes to be further studied.  Client: Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association.

DOWNTOWN HICKSVILLE REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
Hicksville, New York (1996-97)

The Hamlet of Hicksville is located in the center of Long Island, at the juncture of two major north/south arterials that connect the Long Island Expressway to the Southern State Parkway. In the 1960s, a series of roadway widenings began to increase the speed and flow of traffic through Hicksville to these major vehicular corridors, which cut the heart out of the town. Working with the local Chamber of Commerce, PPS developed a streetscape and traffic calming plan designed to return Broadway to its historic role as Hicksville's Main Street, a redesign for the gateway park, and a series of recommendations for station area improvements to the LIRR Hicksville Station, the second busiest in the system. The Chamber has obtained funding for and has implemented many of these recommendations. The park has been rebuilt and served as the central square during Hicksville's 350th anniversary celebration, engraved bricks have been sold and installed along the sidewalks in the downtown, merchants have begun to make improvements to their facades, an abandoned theater has reopened, and a series of clean-up and beautification initiatives have begun involving area residents, business owners and school children.  Funding: Nassau County Operation Downtown.

SOUTH AVENUE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
Plainfield, New Jersey (1994-98)

The City of Plainfield hired PPS to develop an alternate use for its $450,000 in DOT funds slated for the repaving of South Avenue, a once vibrant but long neglected retail corridor. Working with the City, local community groups and merchants, PPS developed a plan for enhancing the area of South Avenue facing the historic train station and transforming it into a vibrant town center. Plans included repairing and widening sidewalks, re-introducing on-street parking, adding lighting, landscaping, crosswalks, eliminating curb cuts, and adding a 4-foot wide landscaped median to the avenue at either side of the train station to indicate entrance into a historic/shopping area and to slow traffic. PPS also put together a successful proposal for ISTEA funding which gave the city an additional $500,000 to implement this street/community enhancement plan. PPS helped oversee implementation activities.  Clients: NJ Transit, City of Plainfield, NJ.

"THE DRAG"
Austin, Texas (1997)

Referred to as "The Drag,'" Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas is a neighborhood commercial street adjacent to the University of Texas. The problems with the street were many and varied: fast moving traffic, lack of retail activity in what should have been a strong retail area, the homeless people in front of the vacant stores and on the sidewalks, and a poor physical connection between the University and the street. The buildings, including the student union, turned their backs on the street rather than opening out onto it. PPS recommended a series of traffic calming, retail, and public amenity improvements which were implemented, including the striping of the street with more clearly defined crosswalks, extended sidewalks at intersections and narrowed vehicle lanes.  Client: Capital Metro.

EUCLID AVENUE
Cleveland, Ohio (1997)

Euclid Avenue, which extends from downtown Cleveland out to University Circle, site of University Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Art Museum and Museum of Natural History, was historically Cleveland's pre-eminent retail street. However, over time cars began to dominate the street and it became more of a transportation corridor than a commercial corridor. Working with University Circle Inc. and stakeholders in the area, PPS developed a plan for improving the area as a pedestrian district with a focus on transit by slowing down the traffic, creating improved pedestrian crossings at intersections, increasing on-street parking, improving bus stops as well as improving the areas in front of the buildings along the street for public use and activity.  Client: University Circle Inc. 

DOWNTOWN GATEWAY AND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Dobbs Ferry, New York (1997)

As part of a downtown comprehensive plan for Dobbs Ferry, PPS developed a new vision for a gateway to the downtown business district, including changes to State Highway Route 9A to make it more pedestrian friendly as it enters the intersection. We recommended new sidewalks, on-street parking, crosswalks, improved bicycle access, and streetscape amenities. In the long term, the Village will modify its zoning laws so that future development will not have a setback (parking will be behind buildings). Since there was no public square or park downtown, the PPS team also provided ideas for zoning incentives to transform part of a supermarket parking lot into a public space.  Client: Village of Dobbs Ferry. 

CENTRAL RETAIL BUSINESS DISTRICT MASTER PLAN
Summit, New Jersey (1997)

PPS, with Abeles Phillips Preiss and Shapiro, undertook a physical analysis and economic study of downtown Summit for the special improvement district, Summit Downtown, Inc., to determine how the downtown's streets and sidewalks could help create a more appealing, user-friendly place. Surveys of merchants, employees, shoppers and commuters, time lapse filming of key downtown locations and a community workshop led to such recommendations as sidewalk widenings at intersections to shorten street crossings and provide space for benches, kiosks and sidewalk cafes, the creation of a roundabout in front of the train station, narrowing a major street to one lane going one way, and adding angle parking.  Client: Summit Downtown, Inc. 

DELMAR METROLINK STATION AREA PLAN
St. Louis, Missouri (1997)

Working with a local team of architects, planners, and real estate specialists, PPS studied the current usage and potential of Delmar Station, which opened in 1993 as part of a new light rail system. The district around the station, once a transitional area of industrial and commercial uses and auto-oriented services, is now emerging as a hub of activity that can help revitalize the surrounding neighborhoods. PPS surveyed riders and analyzed the many pedestrian conflicts around Delmar Station, which is also a major bus transfer center. We recommended creating a transit plaza with small retail kiosk, improving pedestrian crossing, and reducing vehicle impacts in the area. Working with the Washington University Urban Research and Design Center, PPS also prepared a bicycle access plan for the station.  Client: Bi-State Development Agency.

SAG HARBOR TRAFFIC CALMING WORKSHOPS 
Sag Harbor, New York (1993-97)

Project for Public Spaces worked with a group of concerned Sag Harbor citizens over four years on developing strategies for calming traffic in their seaside community. PPS conducted an ongoing series of traffic calming/rebuilding community workshops funded by a citizens group to help them come up with their own solutions to controlling traffic on State Highway 114. Because of the sustained collaboration between PPS and the community, the New York State Department of Transportation assigned traffic engineers to make changes to the roadway that reflect the community's vision.  Client: COMPOSH. 

FREDERICK DOUGLASS CIRCLE STUDY
New York, New York (1996)

The Central Park Conservancy asked PPS to study traffic, pedestrian and transportation issues at Frederick Douglass Circle, an important intersection at the northwest corner of Central Park. This included examining how to create a stronger link between the Park and the existing subway station beneath the Circle. PPS proposals included reducing the size of the intersection to allow for easier pedestrian crossings and more opportunities for place-making, more attractive and visible entrances to the subway station and enhancing and enlarging the entrance to Central Park.  Client: Central Park Conservancy; Funding: The Federal Transit Administration's Livable Community Initiative. 

"PED TO MAX" PROGRAM
Gresham, Oregon (1996)

PPS assisted in developing concepts for the Portland, Oregon area Ped to Max Program, whose goal is to improve the connection between existing TRI-MET light rail stations and adjacent communities. Improvements included creating a better pedestrian environment by introducing changes such as crosswalks and slowing down traffic on streets surrounding the stations, developing concepts for the use of adjacent public space, as well as recommending management strategies for addressing issues related to an enhanced image and identity for the areas.  Client: David Evans & Associates/TRI-MET.

MULRY SQUARE PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS 
New York, New York (1994-95)

Mulry Square before.

Mulry Square after.

PPS worked in conjunction with the New York City Department of Transportation and the local community to improve and enhance a dangerous intersection in Greenwich Village by instituting and testing traffic calming improvements. Recommendations for traffic calming techniques, adding amenities and generally improving the surrounding area were developed through a community-based planning process which included workshops held in cooperation with the district Community Board and interviews, time lapse filming, documentary photography and on-site observations. Recommendations included corner sidewalk extensions, reconfiguration of crosswalks and additional greening of the area, as well as improvements that could be instituted and evaluated in the short term, such as striping of new crosswalks and havens for pedestrians, bollards, planters, and changes in traffic light phasing. Short-term improvements were implemented and monitored, as part of a pilot demonstration and test program. Capital construction is being completed in 2001-2002.  Funding: Fund for the City of New York; New York City Department of Transportation.

DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC CALMING DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
Boston, Massachusetts (1994-95)

Boston is faced with significant transportation problems. While the city has one of the highest transit use rates in the country, downtown is still dominated by the car, leaving pedestrians to fend for themselves. As part of a comprehensive Boston Transportation Plan, PPS conducted a study of pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular usage of several key downtown streets and intersections. Recommendations for increasing pedestrian space, slowing vehicular speeds, and altering signal timing and location were suggested along with pilot projects to test the impact of these changes as the first step in a broader traffic calming program.  Funding: Boston Transportation Department.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE IMPROVEMENTS
New York, New York (1993)

The Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge was plagued with conflicts as thousands of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists all converged in a narrow, unwelcoming space inappropriate for this major symbolic entrance to the city. This study, undertaken with Konheim and Ketcham, involved a detailed study of the bridge entrance, using time-lapse filming and pedestrian observations. Based on this study, the team developed a series of recommendations for improving the entrance to the bridge, ranging from modest changes to a major reconfiguration involving rerouting of vehicles to other underused exits -- creating a major new pedestrian plaza adjacent to City Hall Park.  Funding: New York City Department of Transportation.

SAN BERNARDINO DOWNTOWN STREET ENHANCEMENTS
San Bernardino, California (1992-94)

San Bernardino street before.

San Bernardino street with angeld parking.

As part of a long term revitalization plan for the downtown, PPS worked with the community to implement a wide variety of strategies to make downtown streets and public spaces more pedestrian friendly. Cars drive too fast on the downtown's wide streets. PPS worked with the city to develop an experimental diagonal parking program to increase parking, slow vehicles, and reduce the width of streets at crosswalks. The program was initiated as an experiment, because local officials were concerned about potential negative impacts in terms of traffic congestion; these did not materialize. As a result, the city has made the parking permanent and has installed additional streetscape amenities.  Client: Economic Development Agency, City of San Bernardino. 

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM AND   
STAPLES STREET ENHANCEMENTS
Corpus Christi, Texas (1991-96)

PPS worked with the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority on a series of projects to improve streets around transit facilities. We held community workshops to develop innovative ways to enhance trolley and bus stops, the City Hall bus transfer center, and to introduce streetscape improvements. In the first phase, newsstands and plant vending facilities activated the plaza, vending carts were added, and the creation of an arcade façade enlivened one block of a retail area. Other improvements were angled parking in suitable areas of downtown, and a work of public sculpture in an area adjacent to a trolley stop. In the next phase, PPS worked on the new Staples Street City Hall bus transfer center. Uniting seven routes, the center opened in February 1994 with new landscaping and amenities, including an archway created by 1500 children and adults in the community. PPS received a Federal Design Achievement Award for work at this station, as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Presidential Design Awards Program. Following up this assignment, PPS developed a plan to improve the pedestrian environment around the station and to link it to a nearby low income neighborhood on the other side of a major interstate highway. Recommendations included adding crosswalks, introducing traffic calming measures and enhancing landscaping and lighting in order to improve pedestrian access to the station, encourage more pedestrian use and help revitalize local businesses. Client: Regional Transportation Authority.

CASA BLANCA NEIGHBORHOOD
Riverside, California (1994-1995)

Madison Street had the potential to be the heart of the Hispanic community of Riverside, California. The community, working with the Redevelopment Authority and PPS, developed a vision for what the street could be. The community-based plan was to narrow the street, add parking and create a boulevard character with landscaped medians and widened areas at intersections. A critical component of the plan was outlining spaces for incubating small businesses and improving the library as a cultural center for the community.  Client: Riverside Redevelopment Authority.

BELMONT SHORE COMMUNITY PLAN
Long Beach, California (1990-91)

PPS was involved in an extensive project in the Belmont Shore community in Long Beach, California. Working closely with the community through workshops and meetings, PPS developed a new vision for the renewal of this retail district. Diverse issues -- including streetscape, parking, traffic control, storefront improvements, and retail mix -- were all identified. Implementation of recommendations included sidewalk widenings, narrowed traffic lanes, corner extensions of sidewalks and redecoration of median plantings, as well as a new public art program.  Client: Department of Community Development, City of Long Beach. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE
New York, New York (1990)

PPS monitored a test program of concurrent bicycle and pedestrian access across the south walkway of the George Washington Bridge. Previous attempts to segregate bicyclists and pedestrians inconvenienced one or the other. In an attempt to provide for both groups, the Port Authority agreed to a six-month test program of concurrent access. PPS was chosen as a neutral and expert party to monitor the test and make recommendations for continuation or modification of the program.  Client: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
New York, New York (1989-90)

PPS was asked to develop a plan to widen sidewalks in the Midtown portion between 42nd Street and 59th Street before New York City reconstructed the Avenue of Americas. Sidewalks were widened by three feet on its east side.  Client: Rockefeller Center and the Avenue of the Americas Association.

OAK PARK PEDESTRIAN MALL 
Oak Park, Illinois (1988)

PPS evaluated the design and use of the Oak Park Pedestrian Mall and its impact on business in downtown Oak Park, Illinois. Although the Mall is pleasant and attractive, retail sales in Oak Park have been declining for many years and stores have closed. Working closely with the Oak Park Mall Commission, property owners and city officials, PPS conducted surveys of merchants and pedestrians, and conducted time-lapse film of pedestrian activity to determine people's perceptions and use of the mall. After discussing the results with the local community, a series of design and public space management recommendations were developed. The community finally decided to re-open the main street to vehicular traffic and to implement a centralized management approach to coordinate retail leasing and store operations, as well as supplement promotional, maintenance and security activities. PPS prepared the final design schemes for the project and helped define a centralized retail management program and public space plan. Construction was completed in 1989.  Client: Oak Park Mall Commission.

MAIN STREET
Rochester, New York (1983-86) 

Main Street in Rochester, New York, is at the center of an expanding downtown core, which includes a new convention center, office buildings, and hotels. Yet in the early 1980s, Main Street had a poor pedestrian environment and was plagued by heavy bus usage and a lack of pedestrian amenities. Working with Johnson, Johnson and Roy, landscape architects, PPS redesigned the street to provide wider sidewalks and a full range of amenities including bus shelters, seating, vending, and kiosks. PPS also worked with the private sector to assure that the public sector maintained these improvements after construction. The improvements were completed in 1989.  Funding: Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority.

BELLEVUE PEDESTRIAN CORRIDOR
Bellevue, Washington (1981-84)

PPS created urban design guidelines for a 2000-foot pedestrian street that connects high-rise office development and retail in the Bellevue central business district to Bellevue Square. The project included development of criteria for three urban parks and interim corridor improvements. PPS also evaluated and reviewed user attitudes and preferences, and prepared site evaluations using computer-generated perspective drawings. PPS prepared and presented a final report with guideline illustrations to the City Council and Planning Commission.  Funding: Bellevue Corridor Committee, City of Bellevue.

COLLEGE CHAPEL DISTRICT
New Haven, Connecticut (1983)

Chapel Street before	Chapel Street after improvements

The College/Chapel District is a mixed-use residential office and shopping area with retail and restaurants located in renovated historic buildings. PPS designed sidewalk widenings and streetscape improvements and assisted with design and marketing concepts for the area. Since reconstruction, this downtown district has been transformed with new shops and cafes and now has an active, vital street life.  Funding: Schiavone Realty & Development Corporation.

DOWNTOWN CROSSING
Boston, Massachusetts (l979-82)

Boston's traditional retail center, along Washington, Winter and Summer Streets, was redeveloped as a mall with limited vehicular access. PPS evaluated the new pedestrian amenities, made recommendations for changes in their type and location, and suggested techniques for extending the improvements of Downtown Crossing to adjacent streets. Based on this work, amenities were extensively reconfigured on Summer Street. PPS also worked with the Boston Redevelopment Authority and merchants to develop a management program for the area. Elements of the management program included maintenance, an extensive controlled vending program, promotion and events programming, streetscape improvements, and retrofitting parks and plazas.  Funding: Urban Mass Transportation Administration and the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

RESIDENTIAL STREET DESIGN DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
New York, New York (l98l-82)

Working with the New York City Department of Transportation and neighborhood organizations, PPS conducted a study on how traffic affects the daily lives of residents in three New York neighborhoods. PPS then developed innovative ways to change traffic movement and the design of the street to make the street environment more usable, attractive and safe. Proposals were developed based on systematic on-site observations, analysis of traffic, and surveys mailed to residents. On West 22nd Street in Manhattan, for example, PPS, drawing on European examples like the "Woonerf" in Holland, developed a design for street reconstruction that would discourage trucks and through traffic and provide attractive outdoor spaces for residents.  Funding: New York Community Trust.

CRAMES SQUARE
The Bronx, New York (1981) 

As lead consultant to the New York City Department of City Planning for its South Bronx Transportation Planning Project, PPS analyzed aspects of pedestrian and vehicular circulation needs in this major intersection. PPS also developed recommendations for a new subway entrance and other station improvements. The centerpiece of the plan was a new marketplace and gathering space on the square.  Funding: Tri-State Regional Planning Commission.

FORDHAM ROAD
The Bronx, New York (l979-80)

Fordham Road is a mile-long neighborhood retail street that draws customers from a regional market and serves as the major east-west traffic artery in the Bronx. PPS prepared a detailed, block-by-block analysis of the street to improve its pedestrian use while maintaining existing through-traffic levels. Recommended improvements included the redesign of intersections to improve pedestrian safety, the expansion of existing seating areas by restricting traffic in underutilized street space, and changing the use of curb lanes to better accommodate deliveries, shopper pick-ups and short-term parking. These improvements have been implemented.  Funding: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mayor's Office (NYC), Chase Manhattan Bank and Citibank, N.A.

WEST 46TH STREET
New York, New York (1978-79)

Working with an active block association and local businessmen, PPS studied how major elements of the street could be better designed and managed to fulfill the needs of both residents and the 20 restaurants making up the street's "Restaurant Row." Community participation, through surveys and meetings, and documentation of pedestrian congestion and street activities was stressed in a concerted effort to generate city interest in implementing improvements. Street improvements were completed in 1987.  Funding: National Endowment for the Arts and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.


RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY

THE STREET IS THE RIVER OF LIFE
New York, New York (1992)

PPS curated a photographic exhibit to demonstrate the relationship of street life to the health of cities, to reveal how people use streets and to highlight the environmental advantages of pedestrian-oriented streets over streets designed primarily for automobile traffic. The show featured 20 full color photographs of pedestrian activities on urban streets and sidewalks all over the world, from PPS's archives and from the private collections of William H. Whyte, Robert Beckhard and Springfield Central, Inc. The photos, which were displayed in the lobby of a midtown commercial building in Manhattan, included scenes of spontaneous interactions, group social activity, individual contemplation, work, entertainment and conversation.  Funding: The Durst Organization.