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 

Yerba Buena Esplanade

San Francisco

CA

USA

Contributed by 
Jayanthi Madhavan
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
June 11, 2002
May 1, 2024

This urban park acts as a connector between SFMOMA and Moscone Convention facility and Yerba Buena Center for Arts

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

This place is in the heart of the city, surrounded by streets on all four sides and can be accessed by the public from three sides. It's flanked by Meteron theater on one side, the Moscone Center on the second side, SFMOMA on the third and a church on the fourth. It is open yet still enclosed by these uses and thereby becomes a safe place for children, adults, senior citizens and artists to use the space actively or passively depending on their creative talent. Green lawns, water cascades, retail activity invite people to stop by.

Access & Linkages

Large side walks, pedestrian bridges and bus stops encourage pedestrians to take a moment away from this throughfare and enjoy a green space in the heart of the city.

Comfort & Image

Vehicles do not dominate the place, though one can see vehicular traffic from the place. People of every age and background seem to inhabit it, and general maintenance seems to exist.

Uses & Activities

Most of the spaces are used for passive recreation such as people watching or bird feeding or lying on the lawn. Certain spaces are occupied by students who use them as a stage for performing group activities. Senior citizens occupy quieter areas of nature watching.

Sociability

Some people choose this place as a resting point while most of them use it as a throughfare. People do make eye contact and smile at other visitor - a sign of sociability.

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Yerba Buena Esplanade
Yerba Buena Esplanade
Yerba Buena Esplanade
Yerba Buena Esplanade
Yerba Buena Esplanade
Yerba Buena Esplanade
Yerba Buena Esplanade
Yerba Buena Esplanade

*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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