Last Thursday, the teams from Urban Omnibus and the Design Trust for Public Space met dozens of our fellow public space enthusiasts to enjoy snacks and beverages under the bamboo of the 590 Madison Avenue Atrium. This space is one of the hundreds of privately-owned public spaces around the city — outdoor seating areas, through-block arcades, interior plazas and other pedestrian spaces — that we recently discussed with architect and urbanist Raquel Ramati. This field trip offered an opportunity for our readers to consider a different kind of urban public space in an informal social setting. Old friends turned up, new friendships were made, thirst was quenched and hunger satiated. All in all, a successful event!
Thanks to everyone who came to hang out. Including the gentleman seen in the last photo below, who did not come to the atrium to participate in the event, but whose studious drawing on his giant scroll made us feel that we chose the location well for our design-minded crowd.
Stay tuned for the next one…
