Activity #7

Jennifer Rios
Activity #7

For the plaza observation, I decided to visit Paley Park in order to re-do the “urban life” project. As I looked and analyzed the area and the people around me, I noticed that many people used the area as a place to socialize with others or even spend some time alone by reading the newspaper or a book. Throughout the time that I was there, I did not see anyone sitting down and not engaging I some kind of activity. A majority of the people that were present at Paley Park were Caucasian males and females. A young couple and I seemed to be the only people who were of some kind of a Spanish background. This was a shame for me to see because of the fact that Paley Park is a very beautiful and relaxing area that I wish would be explored by more minorities, instead of it being dominated by whites. I believe that people in this space are in fact using Paley Park the way it was intended to be used because of the fact that I saw people being social with one another and taking advantage of most of the elements that make a plaza.

In terms of sitting space, sun, trees, and food, Paley Park has all of these elements but not an excess of it. In my opinion, Paley Park is a very small area making it hard to have a lot of these elements around, but I believe that the elements present are enough to make it a relaxing and attracting area. This park is usually dark because of the surrounding buildings and trees, adding onto the feeling of comfort and ability to just relax. According to William H. Whyte, he was able to show, “that the sun was important, but [the sun] did not explain the difference in the popularity of plazas” (24). What could also be attracting people to the plaza is the ability to sit down on the chairs, which could be moved around giving the public a choice on where to sit. Also, “when people explain why they find Paley Park so quiet and restful, one thing they always mention is the waterwall” (48). I believe that the waterwall is the main attraction at this park because it is like a waterfall in the middle of the city, which is rare and aims at attracting the public. Paley Park in general is kind of a random resting spot for the busy people of New York to recharge themselves in order to continue their day.

Right in front of the waterwall are steps, which I felt as if were placed there in order to keep “the undesirables” from touching the water. If these steps inclined downward instead of upward, then it would have more of an inviting feeling. In terms of surveillance mechanisms, I did not really see any around unless they were hidden really well. I did not see a guard either or a sign stating when Paley Park closes. I did realize that the buildings around the park were an informal surveillance mechanism because people can look out of the windows of these buildings, which may prevent people in Paley Park from committing any crimes. The only plaque that I saw was one that stated that this space was made in the memory of Samuel Paley, which gave me the idea that this park may be privately owned, but the plaque also stated that it was for the enjoyment of the public. Overall, my experience in Paley Park was one I had never had before. I believe what made this experience a new one for me was the fact that this park seems to have been squeezed in between buildings but is still able to provide relaxation because of its, “satisfying enclosure; people feel cuddled, protected- very much as they do under the awning of a street café (46).