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 

Pershing Square

Los Angeles

CA

USA

Contributed by 
Keith Malone
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
March 28, 2005
May 1, 2024

This open plaza that sits on top of an underground parking garage is rarely used.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

Two blocks by three blocks long, this ugly open space sits on top of an underground parking garage. This would be good use of the space, except that the square is rarely used. Office workers in the nearby building or guests at the Biltmore Hotel, one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in LA, are the only people that you may find in the square, other than homeless people.

It is a very uninviting spot, and attempts over the years to update and make it relevant have yielded little.

Access & Linkages

Public transportation connections are available around the park, and a great deal of daytime traffic swirls about it. Most people use it as a pathway to somewhere else and they do not linger there for very long.

Comfort & Image

It seems to provide little comfort. At its best, it is ugly and dingy, despite its makeover more than 10 years ago.

Uses & Activities

There are often lots of activities that draw people into the park, but it seems to do little good. Once the activity or event is over, people scatter, fearing they may be left alone.

Sociability

The square is used as a pathway to somewhere else. A small group uses the area, but few view it as the social spot many city leaders want it to be.

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Pershing Square
Pershing Square
Pershing Square
Pershing Square
Pershing Square
Pershing Square
Pershing Square
Pershing 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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