Traditional square plaza layout centrally located in the state of New Mexico's capital city; small - medium sized plaza which is listed the National Register for Historic Place. The plaza is the landmark and architectural highlight of the town; The area around the plaza is shops, restaurants, some nighclubs, art galleries, and hotels. Further on the periphery of the plaza are historic government buildings;

Design features of the traditional plaza connect with the surrounding adobe building architecture, old street style, arched doorways, bright colors, blue sky, and high desert; Landscaping - The plaza is nicely landscaped with shade trees and the walkways, benches, and walls blend with the surrounding adobe buildings; Public use as a social gathering place for friends, a quiet spot to read a book, people-watch, or relax while shopping; There are coffee-shops and bakeries to get a breakfast repast for the plaza and it is spot for tourists, visitors, or local workers to take a bag lunch; Artist, musician, and writer hangout. There are a number of bookshops and museums within a short distance; Traditional and contemporary outdoor art pieces/sculptres in the area around the plaza; Yearly festivals are held in and around plaza including the Santa Fe Indian Market;

Image, atmosphere and ambiance which is the objective of a public plaza design is that of comfort and relaxation. The almost daily bright blue skies of the southwest enhance this image in conjunction with the relaxing colors of the adobe and architechtural wood highlights such as doors and window shutters. Since the plaza in close to state government buildings the area is always clean and safe. There are street security cameras in the area; The busy street traffic is funelled on main avenues (paseos) away from the plaza so the street vehicular traffic is not a high volume. The area around the plaza is oriented to pedestrians and bicyclists;

This public space is always there and used by all ages of people either as a place to relax alone or to meet with friends. The plaza is not overwhelming to those seeking a little privacy and solitude while the plaza is also a place to get a little boisterous with your friends. The landscape design of the plaza creates a dichotomy of solitude an openness. You can find each of these in the plaza.

I have never been harassed in the plaza and have always experienced a relaxed and enjoyable visit to the plaza for social stuff, a coffee, or even running over to the historic adobe "Woolworth Building" for some amenities

The Santa Fe plaza is truly representative of a historic place that exemplifies the design of a public plaza/square with the old-world traditional intention. Yet, the plaza is filled with contemporary and modern ambiance which is what the "City Different" represents. Santa Fe or the City Different is rich in history and tradition and attracts visitors and tourists for its blend of the traditional culture, regional people, blue skies, temperate climate, high desert beauty, and colors of the surrounding mountains, forest, and native plants;