POPS have a storied history
Adoption peaked in the late 20th century ...
POPS vs Parks
Filling in the gaps in park-starved areas
Yet these spaces are not static
1133 6th Ave Plaza
2000
2012
1133 6th Ave Plaza in 2017
What makes a good public space?
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Encourages spontaneous interactions
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Provides a place to rest and relax
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Balances more built-up areas of a city
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Promotes equitable access
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Well maintained
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Comfortable
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Diverse, flexible uses
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Facilitates pedestrian circulation
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Near connections to transit
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Image: 1755 Broadway
Source: APOPS@MAS (2012)
Comparison between POPS types
Research Approach
Accessibility
Network Analysis
Uses the Rhino Urban Network Analysis toolkit to assess how accessible POPS are to different income groups in New York City compared to public parks.
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Image: 200 East 89th Street residential plaza
Source: APOPS@MAS (2011)
Activity
Flickr API
Examines Flickr image counts as a proxy for activity and popularity of POPS versus parks, assessing both in aggregate and over time.
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Image: 1411 Broadway Plaza
Source: Kayden et al (2000)
Desirability
Real Estate Sales
Assesses the connection between real estate sales value and proximity to POPS vs parks, controlling for 20 additional factors including building characteristics, neighborhood, access to transit, and nearby amenities.
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Image: 388 Greenwich Street Plaza
Source: APOPS@MAS (2012)
[Re]sources
Kayden, J., & New York. Department of City Planning. (2000). Privately owned public space: The New York City experience. New York: John Wiley.
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Németh, J. (2009). Defining a Public: The Management of Privately Owned Public Space. Urban Studies, 46(11), 2463-2490.
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