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October 6, 2010

Could the Atlantic Yards arena plaza resemble Gansevoort Plaza or Union Square? Unlikely; they've reduced traffic

Atlantic Yards Report

Only this past Saturday, October 2, did I finish transcribing most of the September 29 presentation on the planned plaza in front of the Atlantic Yards arena. My report is here.

Upon reflection, I thought that architect Gregg Pasquarelli of SHoP Architects did a good job articulating much of the rationale for his work.

Not that the solutions proposed will necessarily work--the proof is in the pudding--but such things as paving, lighting, and signage have been approached thoughtfully.

But even a good architect can do only so much with a problematic site. That's why the plan was found Highbrow/Despicable by the New York Magazine Approval Matrix and deemed Eyesore of the Month by James Howard Kunstler.

So I think Pasquarelli just wasn't convincing when faced with a tough question: "What are the examples of traffic islands as credible urban space?"

Click through to be unconvinced.

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Posted by eric at October 6, 2010 9:39 AM