by: Jessica Sheridan Assoc. AIA LEED AP
Washington Square Park.
Jessica Sheridan
After years of construction, and persisting through community outrage and political strife, Washington Square Park has finally re-opened. With a centered fountain and improved accessibility, I was pleased to see the park return to its original state of crowded inhabitation.
At my first visit, even though I knew that changes had been made, I found it difficult to tell what was different from the previous incarnation. It took a while to sense the symmetry of the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation’s reconstruction to register. After sitting in various places throughout the afternoon, I began to feel the openness at the center of the park where the fountain now aligns with the arch, as well as on the increased grassy areas.
Although I was extremely skeptical about whether the design improvements were necessary, and I was disappointed to have lost the park for so long during construction, I was surprised by the power of subtle shifts in the design. The slightest increase of openness can have a major effect on the experience of space. This is a project that successfully proves the rule.