South Lake Union/Denny Triangle Open Space Study

South Lake Union/Denny Triangle

Open Space Study

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Contents Introduction 5 Background Goals, Approach, & Proccess Executive Summary Neighborhood At A Glance 1. Survey // Open Space Network 13 1.1 Open Space Survey 1.2 Site Evaluations 2. Observation // Case Studies 17 2.1 Conduct Case Studies 2.2 Pedestrian Movement 2.3 Stationary Activity 3. Analysis // Revealing Patterns 44 3.1 Boundaries & Transitions 3.2 Subspaces 3.3 Seating Conclusion 77

by Nancy Chan

site workshop Internship 2013 4

Introduction //

The South Lake Union/ Denny Triangle neighborhood has undergone extensive transformation over the past 10 years, resulting in a dramatically altered and evolving landscape.

In tandem with the rapid rise of office and residential buildings, a new open space network has emerged, transforming the way people inhabit the neighborhood.

As the urban fabric is evolving, so is the neighborhood’s identity and culture.

The heart of a successful, thriving neighborhood is its communal life, particularly a communal life fostered through its open space, including parks, plazas, and streets. It is therefore critical to understand how the neighborhood is responding to these new, designed open spaces. How are they performing and what social dynamics are at play? To gain a better understanding of how these spaces function, we have conducted a study focused on observing and documenting the interaction between people and specific outdoor plazas and streetscapes.

These early investigations aim to discern patterns of use and human behavior to measure the impact of these open spaces and their responsiveness to an evolving neighborhood. Furthermore, the study serves as an entry point to a larger discussion of the development of open space in South Lake Union/ Denny Triangle and whether the design of these spaces is successful in building community, promoting social cohesion and creating meaningful places for people.

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How are these open spaces performing and what social dynamics are at play?

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The objectives of the study are: • to create an up-to-date inventory of the open space network in the SLU/Denny Triangle neighborhood • e valuate the quality of the designed spaces that make up the network • c onduct case studies of chosen key sites to further investigate how people are inhabiting and responding to these spaces • A nalyze observations to identify emerging patterns between human behavior and the designed sites

This report provides a visual documentation of the observed activities and perceived patterns at each of the selected sites. Through background research, site observations, and conversations with the local community, the study serves as an entry point toward understanding the emerging interactions and relationships between people and the designed open space in SLU and Denny Triangle.

Approach Based on methodologies by Gehl Architects and Claire Cooper Marcus, this qualitative study employs a combination of evaluation frameworks that specifically focus on the relationship between site design and human behavior, rather than other aspects such as programming.

Process This study was conducted between June 2013 to September 2013.

Part 2 Case Studies • S elected seven key sites for further study and observation • O bserved these sites by collecting “public life data,” such as pedestrian and stationary counts using Gehl’s methods.

• E valuated site design based on principles identified by Claire Cooper Marcus.

Part 3 Analyze data

Part 1 Identify Network •S urveyed SLU and Denny Triangle neighborhoods to document existing open space (green streets, planned parks, plazas, etc.)

• S ynthesized data and observations to discern patterns of use • R eveal observed patterns through visual diagrams and video

•R ated each of these documented sites according to Gehl Architects “15 Quality Criteria” 8

Introduction // Executive Summary

Analysis Overview

Revealing Patterns

1 Street Frontage p.47 A larger, more open plaza entry invites more people to walk through and occupy a space than a narrow one.

2 Perimeter Activation p.49 A greater diversity of building functions on the perimeter of a plaza, creates a more diverse group of users and activities in a space.

3 Edge Conditions p.53 Edges with overlapping functions and human-scale details are more successful in attracting people to stay.

4 Enclosed Subspaces p.57 People are more likely to stay in enclosed spaces where there are visual buffers rather than exposed spaces, where people feel as if they are on display.

5 Size of Spaces p.63 Typically, plazas with more subdivided spaces encouraged more people to use the space.

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Executive Summary // Introduction

6 Shape of spaces p.65 A long, narrow space encourages people to pass through rather than stay.

7 Individuals vs. Groups p.69 Seating should facilitate “talkscapes” by placing them in close proximity to each other, to allow people to sit face to face and have a conversation.

8 Primary vs. Secondary p.71 A plaza that feels empty can discourage people from staying. Secondary seating is important to lessen the perception of emptiness in a space.

9 Comfort & Versatility p.72 When the size, height, and materiality of seating is designed for comfort and flexibility, it can be inviting and encourage people to stay for longer.

10 Orientation/Abundance vs. Scarcity p.75 People will opt for seating with opportunities to overlook centers of activity. Furthermore, when streetscapes are extensions of plazas, they should be designed together to ensure spaces won’t go unused from too much or too little seating.

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Introduction // Neigborhood At A Glance

SLU/Denny Triangle

POPUL ATION

10,755

POP PER SQ MI

14,604

HOUSEHOLDS JOBS

7,330 41,775

RESTAURANTS

148

RETAIL

100

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS City University Northeastern University Amazon.com campus MOHAI at Lake Union Park Mercer Street (ongoing) 202 Westlake Ave N (office) Gethsemane Kindred and Hope Center UW Medicine Phase III Stack House * 2013 State of Downtown Economic Report

by Downtown Seattle Association and Metropolitan Research and Market Analysis

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Westlake Historic industrial/ commercial area; growth of bio-tech industry

Denny Park Mix of small businesses and residential; light industrial warehouses; future projected residential growth with street-level business/retail

West Denny Triangle Predominately motels, hotels, parking lots; future vision for Denny Triangle is “Vancouver-style� towers surrounded by a variety of open spaces

Neighborhood At A Glance // Introduction

Cascade Mix of businesses and residential; affordable housing and social services, continued future focus on housing WATERFRONT

Mercer St

Mercer St

M el r o s e A v e

Republican St

St d oa Br

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Yale Ave N

Pontius Ave N

Minor Ave N

Fairview Ave N

Boren Ave N

Terry Ave N

Westlake Ave N

9th Ave N

8th Ave N

Dexter Ave N

Aur o r a Ave N

Thomas St

CAPI

Harrison St

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WATERFRONT

East Denny Triangle Cornish School of the Arts, Seattle Al Childrens Center, taller office towers, as somekancar dealerships, parking lots, hotels/ W ay convention center related facilities, more similar to downtown urban fabric WEST EDGE

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// 1.1 // Open Space Network

Terry Ave N

Westlake Ave N

9th Ave N

8th Ave N

A current survey of planned, public and private, open space composed of parks, plazas, and green streets in South Lake Union and Denny Triangle.

Dexter Ave N

Identify open space network

Aurora Ave N

Part 1.1

Lake UnionStPark Thomas

John St

UW Medicine 8t

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Av

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St ra no Le

2201 Westlake

LEGEND Public Green Space Privately-owned Public Space Proposed Green Street Green Street Proposed Road Diet/Woonerf Pedestrian/Retail Corridor Designed streetscape with seating

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6th Ave Streetscape

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ar ch an Bl

Whole Foods Plaza

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Denny Park

Westlake

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7t h 6t Av h Streetscape Terry e Av e

St

Mercer St

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Harrison St

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Group Health Research Institute

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Seattle Childrens & Dermatology Associates 9th Ave. Streetscape Federal Courthouse

St

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Westlake

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St

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Cascade Playground and P-Patch

John Streetscape Seattle Times Park

7t Av

E as t l ake A ve E

Pontius Ave N

John St

h

Yale Ave N

Minor Ave N

Fairview Ave N

Boren Ave N

Terry Ave N

Westlake Ave N

9th Ave N

8th Ave N

Dexter Ave N

Aurora Ave N

Republican St

Thomas St

6t

Amazon

Mercer St

ve

Oli

720 Olive Plaza

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McGraw Square St

7th

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Av 14

// 1.2 // Open Space Network

Part 1.2

Evaluate designed sites The quality of the individual sites were evaluated based on the rubric, “15 Quality Criteria” developed by Gehl Architects. The design checklist was developed to analyze public spaces to determine whether spaces are inviting and attractive places for people. According to Gehl, wellfunctioning public spaces share a common core of 15 characteristics that encourage people to spend more time in these spaces and facilitate social and optional activites.

Lake Union Park

Place

Delight

Comfort

Protection

UW Medicine Protection against traffic & accidents

Protection against crime & violence • lively public realm • eyes on the street

Protection against unpleasant sensory experiences • pollution • wind/rain/snow • dust/noise/glare

Opportunities for walking • good surfaces • accessibility for everyone • room for walking

Opportunities to stand/stay • edge effect • supports for standing • facades with good details

Opportunities to sit

Terry Streetscape

Denny Park Opportunities to see: • viewing distances • unhindered views • interesting views • lighting

Opportunities to talk and listen • low noise levels • street furniture that provides “talkscapes”

Opportunities for play and exercise

Human scale: Buildings and spaces designed to human scale

Opportunities to enjoy the positive aspects of climate • sun/shade • heat/coolness • shelter from wind

Positive sensory experience • good design and detailing • good materials • trees/plants/water • fine views

Part of public space hierarchy • strong identity • understanding of local character • reflect indended use

Sense of place • relations to context • respect for historic aspects • genius loci

Part of public space network • conneted to pedestrian flows • easily accessible

Whole Foods Plaza 2201 Westlake

6th Ave Streetscape

Good quality = 11-15 criteria Average quality = 6-11 criteria Poor quality = 1-5 criteria

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Seattle Childrens & Dermatology Associates 9th Ave. Streetscape Federal Courthouse

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St

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Westlake

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St

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Cascade Playground and P-Patch

John Streetscape Seattle Times Park

7t Av

E as t l ake A ve E

Pontius Ave N

John St

h

Yale Ave N

Minor Ave N

Fairview Ave N

Boren Ave N

Terry Ave N

Westlake Ave N

9th Ave N

8th Ave N

Dexter Ave N

Aurora Ave N

Republican St

Thomas St

6t

Amazon

Mercer St

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720 Olive Plaza

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McGraw Square t

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Part 2.1

Conduct case studies Based on the open space network, seven key sites were chosen for more in-depth study. For the purposes of this research project, we selected sites that were similar in size and function rather than attempt to cover the entire range of open space developments in the neighborhoods. We chose to focus on the recently built plazas and streetscapes in the neighborhood and observed five plazas and two streetscapes over the span of two months in the summer of 2013.

Plazas

440 Terry Ave. (between Harrison & Republican)

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2 200 Westlake (Whole Foods Plaza)

550 Terry Ave.

(between Republican & Mercer)

Streetscape

850 Republican Street

(UW Medicine Phase I & II)

2201 Westlake

(across from Whole Foods Plaza)

Terry Avenue

9th Avenue

Part 2.2

Pedestrian Movement Gehl Architects utilize pedestrian counts as one component of measuring public life in a space.

Using their method, we counted how many pedestrians walked by specific locations for 10 minute increments every hour between 10am to 6pm. We also observed the movement patterns of pedestrians as they walked through each of the seven sites. The following diagrams communicate the amount of pedestrian traffic and the movement patterns observed during the hour of 12pm to 1pm, which was often the busiest time of day.

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Pedestrian Movement // 2.2 // Tuesday July 30, 2013 75째 F sunny

440 Terry Ave. N. 2500

2000

1362 1 PM

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Boren Ave. N.

Terry Ave. N.

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Amazon Day 1 North

Starbucks

Amazon Van Vorst

Amazon Day 1 South

510

600

pedestrians

pedestrians

approx. 50

per line 20

// 2.2 // Pedestrian Movement Wednesday, July 24 82째 F sunny

2201 Westlake Ave. 2500

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1308 12 PM

1500 1000 500

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pedestrians

Denny Way

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pedestrians

2201 Westlake (office, residential, retail)

e Westlak Ave.

approx. 50 21

per line

Pedestrian Movement // 2.2 // Tuesday, July 23 81째 F sunny

2200 Westlake Ave.

2334 12 PM

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pedestrians

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stria

2 70

Westlake Ave.

Whole Foods

Bank of America 744

UPPER LEVEL

Pan Pacific Hotel Starbuc ks Tutta Bella restaura nt Seastar restaura nt Condos Retail

pedestrians

approx. 50

per line

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// 2.2 // Pedestrian Movement Wednesday, August 7, 2013 81째 F sunny

850 Republican Street

2500

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12 PM

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pedestrians

9th Ave. N.

8th Ave. N.

UW Medical Research

UW Medical Research

Republican St.

102

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per line

pedestrians

approx. 50

UW Medical Research

Pedestrian Movement // 2.2 // Wednesday, July 31 75째 F Cloudy

550 Terry Ave. N.

2500

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Top Pot Donuts

Amazon Obidos

Terry Ave. N.

Boren Ave. N.

Bartells Drugstore

10 AM

Amazon Rufus

252

372

pedestrians

pedestrians

approx. 50

per line

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// 2.2 // Pedestrian Movement

Summary

Plazas: Pedestrian activity The graph below shows a comparison of the total pedestrian counts amongst all five plazas from 10am to 6pm on a typical weekday. Overall, the highest amount of pedestrian traffic was seen at 2200 Westlake while the lowest was observed at 850 Republican Street.

2200

Westlake

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2200 Westlake

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2201 Westlake

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Westlake

440 Terry

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550 Terry 2201 Westlake

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440 Terry

850 Republican

1000 550 Terry

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850 Republican

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2201 Westlake 11

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850 Republican

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2201 W

// 2.2 // Pedestrian Movement

Summary

Streetscapes: Pedestrian activity The graph below shows a comparison of the total pedestrian counts of three different intersections on 9th and Terry Avenue from 10am to 6pm on a typical weekday. Overall, the highest amount of pedestrian traffic was seen at Stewart and 9th Avenue while the lowest was observed at Terry Avenue and Lenora.

Friday, August 9, 2013 81 sunny

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Pedestrian Movement // 2.2 //

Cornish 2200 Westlake Whole Foods

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Seattle Children’s Research Institute

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Amazon Port 99

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Amazon Blackfoot

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Federal Courthouse

Greyhound

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Part 2 .3

Stationary Activity Gehl Architects also utilize stationary activity counts as another component of measuring public life in a space. Using their method, we documented what types of activites were observed at each of the sites and counted how many people were engaging that type of activity. The counts were taken over the the duration of 60 minutes, every other hour. The following diagrams communicate the types , location and quantity of observed stationary activities during the hour of 12pm to 1pm, which was often the busiest time of day.

The graphs also show how these activities changed throughout a typical weekday.

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// 2.3 // Stationary Activity

2200 Westlake The outdoor cafe seating was occupied consistently throughout the day.

-eating lunch -cell phone conversations -socializing -people watching -sitting -standing -passing through -people waiting for bus -buskers -shopping -meeting place

During the lunch rush, people sit on the planted ledge People stopping for shorter intervals (10-15 min) would sit on the entrance steps

https://vimeo.com/71258534

Cell phone users or people waiting for others stood in between the two entrances

Tuesday July 23, 2013 81 F sunny

250

A busker singing for money is a regular charcter at the plaza (he has been performing there for 3 years)

200

Westlake Ave.

People gather under the shady canopy while waiting for the bus

Cell phone users take advantage of the shade under the tree canopy

150

100

People gathered to sit either near the edge of the stairs or near the handrails.

The lunch crowd would sit for 30 minutes or more.

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Streetcar Stop

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These concrete benches were rarely used.

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sitting standing waiting for transit

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wai

Stationary Activity // 2.3 //

Denny Way

Whole Foods

UPPE R LEVE L

Starbucks Pan Pacific Hotel Seastar Restaurant Tutta Bella residential

Bank of America

iting for transit

standing

sitting

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// 2.3 // Stationary Activity

440 Terry Ave. N. -eating lunch -cell phone conversations -socializing -people watching -sitting -standing -passing through - c ommercial activity/event space/farmers market -smoking -people working on laptops - d og walking * (*estimate that 300 dogs go to work in SLU daily)

https://vimeo.com/74320930

Smoking area

Starbucks

Starbucks patio was occupied consistently throughout the day Multiple security guards walking around People would stand in conversation for brief periods after leaving Amazon People would often bring laptops outside to sit

Tuesday July 30, 2013 75째 F sunny

Platform would be completely full at lunch hour, then 50% throughout afternoon until 4pm

250

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commercial stand giving away vitamin beverage samples

150

Popular place to gather for lunch, attracting people from the surrounding blocks

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sitting

People walking their dog or making phone calls

Terry Avenue N.

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standing commercial dog

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*http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/South-Lake-Union-s-900-dogs-help-lobby-for-a-park-2209857.php

Empty retail

Amazon Day 1 North

Amazon

Amazon Day 1 South

Boren Avenue N.

Van Vorst

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// 2.3 // Stationary Activity

550 Terry Ave. N. -cell phone conversations -socializing -sitting -standing -passing through -dog walking -smoking

https://vimeo.com/71481045

Bartells Drugstore

private tables for Top Pot are rarely used Wednesday July 31, 2013 75° F cloudy

planters are commonly used as “dog bathrooms”

250

200

vegetated planter serves as visual buffer

150

most commonly used area for sitting or standing

Ama

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sitting standing dog

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Terry Avenue N.

common area for smokers

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Top Pot Donuts

Empty retail

Amazon Obidos

azon

Vacant building

Boren Avenue N.

service alley

ufus

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// 2.3 // Stationary Activity

2201 Westlake Ave. -cell phone conversations -socializing -sitting -standing -passing through -dog walking -smoking

https://vimeo.com/74334322 space is rarely occupied

Smoking area

Wednesday, July 24, 2013 82째 F sunny

Whole Food workers use the space during work breaks (smoking/talking)

250

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groups of people gather to eat lunch

150

cell phone conversations

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sitting standing

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Denny Way

ke Westla Ave.

2201 Westlake Amazon Residential West Elm Einstein Bros. cafe

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// 2.3 // Stationary Activity

850 Republican St. -cell phone conversations -socializing -sitting -standing -passing through -smoking -waiting for the shuttle

smoking area, the most used area in the entire plaza

https://vimeo.com/74321426

people tend to sit on the ends of the long wooden bench

Wednesday, August 7, 2013 81째 F sunny

grasses behind bench are encroaching into sitting area

250

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Most people tend to sit in the indoor lounges

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UW 100

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sitting standing waiting for transit

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8th Ave. N.

0

UW Medical Research Phase 1 & 2

Medical Research

UW Medical Research Phase 1 & 2

9th Ave. N.

Phase 1 & 2

shuttle stop

Republican St.

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// 2.3 // Stationary Activity

Summary

Plazas: Stationary activity The graph below shows a comparison of the total stationary activity counts, every other hour from 10am to 6pm on a typical weekday, for the five plazas. Overall, the largest amount of stationary activity was seen at 2200 Westlake and 44 Terry Avenue. The lowest amount of activity was observed at 850 Republican street.

Tuesday July 23, 2013 81 F sunny

Tuesday July 30, 2013 75째 F sunny

440 Terry Ave.

2 200 Westlake

ng for transit

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commercial dog

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Stationary Activity // 2.3 //

Wednesday July 31, 2013 75째 F cloudy

Wednesday, July 24, 2013 82째 F sunny

550 Terry Ave.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013 81째 F sunny

2201 Westlake

850 Republican St.

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Part 3

Revealing Patterns Through careful observation of the seven case studies, emerging patterns regarding social and spatial dynamics were identified and documented.

The patterns bring attention to specific aspects of site design that are critical drivers in human behavior and the resulting performance of a space.

1. Boundaries and Transitions

• Street Frontage • Perimeter Activation • Edge Conditions

2. Subspaces

p.56 • Enclosed vs Exposed • Size • Shape

3. Seating

Patterns are the diagrams of process...Pattern is something that helps us see order out of chaos.

-Simon Bell

• • • • • •

p.68 Individual vs. Group Primary vs. Secondary Comfort Versatility Orientation Abundance vs. Scarcity

p.46

Part 3 .1

Boundaries & Transitions The boundaries of a site have a large impact on the public life of a space and is another critical aspect in site design. Perimeter buildings are often the determinants of the types of activities that will occur in the space.

Furthermore, the way a space transitions into a building or another open space can often determine whether people will choose to use the space or not. Edges are often complex, layered spaces due to the convergence of different activites, and are also where people prefer to linger and stay. Thus, boundaries and transitions warrant extra attention by designers and are where human-scale details matter greatly.

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// 3.1 // Boundaries & Transitions

Street Frontage The transition from street to plaza is critical in regards to visibility, accessibility and permeability. A larger more open plaza entry invites more people to walk through and occupy a space.

2200 Westlake Ave.

Total: 190’

160’

30’

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Boundaries & Transitions // 3.1 //

550 Terry Ave.

Total: 150’

440 Terry Ave. N.

Total: 160’ 20’

80’

70’

120’

20’

2201 Westlake Ave.

Total: 411’

123’

168’

850 Republican St.

Total: 110’

30’

30’

120’

50’

48

S

Mercer St

Br oa d

Mercer St

// 3.1 // Boundaries & Transitions

Yale Ave N

Minor Ave N

Fairview Ave N

Boren Ave N

Terry Ave N

Westlake Ave N

9th Ave N

8th Ave N

Dexter Ave N

Aurora Ave N

Republican St

Pontius Ave N

John St 2200 Westlake

2201 Westlake

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2200 Westlake The primary plaza activities are sitting and eating due to the abundance of food establishments. The diversity of businesses attract a multiplicity of people to the space at different intervals throughout the day. With the stairs serving as secondary seating, the plaza has become a prime place for people-watching.

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Perimeter Activation The function of buildings on a site’s Harrison St perimeter are important determinants of the users and the types of activites that will occur in a space. Therefore, a greater diversity Thomas of Stbuilding functions surrounding a plaza creates a more diverse group of users and activities in the space.

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Boundaries & Transitions // 3.1 //

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The size of circle refers to the amount of influence the particular entity had on pedestrian movement and stationary activity on the plaza.

Other Retail Tenants

2201 Westlake Ave. Many people can be found eating lunch in the plaza due to the influence of Whole Foods across Westlake Avenue. The plaza receives steady traffic through the space and across to the businesses at 2200 Westlake during a typical weekday.

*http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2019355557_amazonvulcan06.html

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440 Terry Ave. N. With Starbucks on the corner, and multiple food trucks on Boren, the plaza is used predominately as a place to sit, eat and drink.

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// 3.1 // Boundaries & Transitions

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550 Terry Ave. N. Despite having two food establishments on the perimeter, there are rarely people using the space as a place to sit outside and eat. While these food establishments do generate large amounts of traffic through the space, the site’s design plays a role in which activities flourish.

The design of the space facilitates people to pass through but may not encourage people to stay.

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850 Republican St. Without the influence of a diversity of food or retail businesses nearby, there is much less pedestrian traffic and little stationary activity as well. Not only are there not primary drivers to activate the space, there is little street life which is necessary to attract more people to stay and inhabit the space. Additional programmatic elements would be needed to activate the space.

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Boundaries & Transitions // 3.1 //

Food Establishments

Office

Retail

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// 3.1 // Boundaries & Transitions

Edge conditions Edges with overlapping functions and human-scale details create dynamic transition points and are more successful in attracting people to stay. Details are especially critical at the edges of a space where people like to be.

The ledge around the Whole Foods Cafe proved to be a popular place to sit and peoplewatch during the lunch rush. The relationship to the street and cafe made it a highly desirable place to see and be seen.

2200 Westlake

2200 Westlake

The bollards double as seating where the plaza meets Terry Ave. These were primarily used for people waiting for transportation.

550 Terry

The planters at the edge of the staircase are staggered, creating nooks for people sit and relax out of the way from the main traffic flow.

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440 Terry

The slanted rock surfaces encourage play and different ways to occupy the space.

Boundaries & Transitions // 3.1 //

Edges that leave much to be desired

850 Republican

850 Republican

The most heavily used space is where the eastern edge of the plaza meets 9th Avenue. The edge is used as both a smoking area and a waiting area for the bus stop.

550 Terry

2201 Westlake

Situated where the sidewalk meets the plaza, the scale of the steps and planter create a comfortable place for people who are walking down Westlake to sit and pause. The space creates an opportunity to sit away from the pedestrian traffic and take in views of the street and Whole Foods plaza.

Terry & Lenora

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Subspaces // 3.2 //

Part 3 .2

Subspaces Depending on the size of the plaza, larger areas should be subdivided into smaller enclosed areas, or subspaces.

Large plazas without the density to support it, can make people feel exposed, and as a result are un-inhabitable places to be. Creating subspaces provide more edge conditions where people prefer to be, thereby encouraging use of a plaza.

Sudivisions of space can be created through change of grade, material, planting and seating. The size, boundaries, functions and the way subspaces interact with each other are critical design aspects. Subspaces provide different enclosed spaces, giving people a choice of where to stay and add to the visual complexity of a place.

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// 3.2 // Subspaces

Enclosed vs. Exposed The boundaries and size of subspaces are critical in making the space feel either private and enclosed or open and exposed. Unless there is a high density of people, individuals prefer to inhabit enclosed spaces.

550 Terry Ave. N.

A 25’

Exposed

Enclosed

15’

B

B

A

approx. 25’ wide

glass facades surround the space on both sides, leaving little privacy 57

brick wall provides buffer and visual complexity

approx. 15’ wide

tall vegetation provide a buffer between the glass facade of the building lobby and the sitting space

Subspaces // 3.2 //

glass facade of lobby

Though not designed as part of the plaza, the driveway and alley is regularly occupied by employees in the building either to smoke, make calls, or read.

feels exposed, therefore serves primarily as a pass through space

Despite the traffic flow that runs through the subspace, the area would be considered more successful that the other portions of the plaza based on its frequency of use

People tended to stay at the edges of the plaza despite the abundance of unused seating throughout the center.

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// 3.2 // Subspaces

Enclosed vs. Exposed When pedestrian density is high, people will choose to sit in the exposed areas but for shorter periods of time (5-15 min) in comparison to the enclosed areas (30-60 min).

2200 Westlake Ave. 15’

Enclosed

A

Exposed

B 18’

C D

Enclosed

20’ Exposed

A

B

Raised plantings and grade change creates seperation between outdoor cafe seating and a busy street corner. Compared to all the other subspaces, people would sit here for the longest period of time.

The slight grade change delineates the boundary of the subspace. As an exposed space, people will either stand or sit for short periods of time (5-15 min).

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Subspaces // 3.2 //

C

D

As a subspace with significant elevation change and planters on each side, the area has a sense of enclosure, especially since it is set back away from the street. People will sit here for longer periods of time (30-60 minutes).

The exposed subspace at the upper level of the plaza is rarely used or inhabitated, except time of high activity such as lunchtime.

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// 3.2 // Subspaces

Enclosed vs. Exposed When subspaces are large and exposed, programmatic functions play a greater role in encouraging people to inhabit and use a space.

440 Terry Ave. N. 40’

Enclosed

C

A

B Exposed

Exposed

D 40’

15’

50’

A

The outdoor Starbucks patio area was delineated by the slight grade change below the rest of the plaza.

Nestled between planters, the patio felt more private than many of the other subspaces in the plaza.

Starbucks generated significant pedestrian traffic and the space was consistently used all day.

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Enclosed

B

The subspace has subtle delineations and uses only a change in pavement pattern to divide the space.

Because the trees are still quite young the space feels very open and exposed. The space is primarily used by employees walking their dog.

Subspaces // 3.2 //

C

Given that this subspace is raised above the plaza, it feels slightly more private than the tree grove area, but still feels fairly exposed, as it is a large space with few visual buffers. The space is completely full with the lunch crowd on a nice day. It is also activated with various programmatic events such as a farmers market and occasional commercial activity.

D

With the path only about 5-7’ wide, this narrow space feels enclosed with planters and buildings on both sides of the path. People predominately use the space to smoke, make phone calls, or walk their dog.

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// 3.2 // Subspaces

Size Depending on the plaza’s size, smaller subdivisions of the plaza can encourage more people to stay and use the space.

2201 Westlake Ave.

123’

40’

120’ Exposed

168’

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Subspaces // 3.2 //

The space currently functions as a pass through area, and where people can take quick rest breaks. Perhaps, creating more private subspaces would encourage more people to stay for longer periods of time.

This plaza is a single space without any divisions and is also very exposed on all sides. The northern edge is heavily vegetated providing a visual and noise barrier to Denny Way, a high traffic street. The eastern edge is buffered from Westlake Avenue with a small grade change, providing more seperation from the plaza and the street. Perhaps if this space had created smaller more intimate spaces, people may occupy the space more frequently.

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// 3.2 // Subspaces

Shape The shape of a subspace can influence whether the space is used for circulation or for lingering. A long, narrow space encourages people to pass through rather than stay.

70’

850 Republican St.

80’

Enclosed

C

B

25’

Enclosed

250’

Exposed

A

Enclosed

D

50’

50’

A

B

The exposed subspace is sandwiched between the glass facade of the building on the eastern edge and a long linear wooden bench with tall grasses lining the western edge.

This area has a sense of enclosure and privacy due to the heavily planted edges.

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Subspaces // 3.2 //

The plaza’s subspaces work well in regards to circulation, but does not encourage people to stay.

the linear wooden bench faces the glass facade of the building Without a visual buffer, the space feel very exposed

The subspaces are shaped long and linear which puts an emphasis on moving through the space, rather than a place to gather.

C

D

As a long narrow space, this area is primarily used as a passageway. It is defined by a grade change from the main plaza area down to 9th Avenue. The most regularly used portion of the plaza is the designated smoking area, where this walkway meets the street.

This subspace is the area with the greatest connection with the street. Used primarily as a waiting area, this is also one of the most used portions of the plaza.

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Who are the sitters?

Individuals, couples, and groups

people of all ages

friends of all shapes and sizes

Seating // 3.3 //

Part 3 .3

Seating When it comes to seating, its essential to think about who the potential sitters are depending on the context of a site. Do they tend to be more individual anonymous strangers, group of friends or intimate lovers? Seating is one of the most important drivers in determining how the space is inhabited, by whom and for how long.

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// 3.3 // Seating

Individual vs. Group Seating design can be designed to accommodate individuals or facilitate “talkscapes� for group interaction, based on its configuration and placement within a site.

Much of the streetscape seating on Terry Avenue and 9th Avenue are designed for one or two people to sit comfortably and are less conducive for conversations amongst a group of people.

Terry Avenue & Mercer

9th Avenue & Westlake

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Seating // 3.3 //

The small size of these stone seats are designed for one person and due to the placement, limits its use to only the individual or a group of two.

2201 Westlake

The wooden seats in this plaza are placed in a comfortable distance from each other to allow conversations amongst two or more people.

550 Terry

440 Terry

550 Terry

The movable table and chairs offer the opportunity for groups of any size to sit together at close proximity.

This is a popular place for Amazon employees to eat lunch together.

This is an example of how the seating options at this plaza are more awkward for larger groups of people to occupy the space. The one-dimensional seating may contribute to why so few Amazon employees choose to sit and eat lunch here.

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// 3.3 // Seating

Primary vs. Secondary A plaza that feels empty can discourage people from staying. Secondary seating is important to lessen the perception of emptiness in a space. According to studies, 50 percent of seating at a site should be secondary.

These three plazas faced large fluctuations in the number of users throughout the day. During peak times, steps often served as short term secondary seating.

2200 Westlake

440 Terry

A large majority of seats often went unused at 850 Republican Street, emphasizing the emptiness of the plaza.

850 Republican

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2201 Westlake

Seating // 3.3 //

Comfort Seating design details can make a difference in how comfortable and inviting a seat can be through materiality and form.

1.

Seats with backs and armrests are usually the most comfortable seating options and encourage people to sit for longer periods of time.

440 Terry

Terry Avenue

2.

In regards to materiality, wood seating encouraged people to sit back and relax. Amongst the sites observed, the wood benches at 2201 Westlake and 850 Republican were more inviting and comfortable than the metal or stone furniture.

2201 Westlake

850 Republican

850 Republican

3.

Stone and metal seats are the least inviting especially in colder climates. The smoother stone blocks at 550 Terry was a bit more comfrotable than the rough surface of the stone seats at 850 Republican.

550 Terry

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// 3.3 // Seating

Versatility When it comes to seating, people prefer to have a choice in where they sit and how they inhabit a space.

These 3’ x 2.5’ wooden benches proved to be quite versatile with people sitting and lying down in various positions. The size and placement maximized their flexibility in accomodating individuals and groups.

2201 Westlake

550 Terry

2201 Westlake

9th Avenue & Stewart

The design of street furniture or public art can often show versatility when they double as secondary seating in unexpected ways.

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Seating // 3.3 //

2200 Westlake

Moveable seating has the most versatility by allowing people the most freedom to choose where to sit. It serves groups of all sizes and encourages people to stay for longer periods of time. The outdoor cafe space at 2200 Westlake was constantly occupied throughout the day.

440 Terry

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// 3.3 // Seating

Orientation People will opt for seating with opportunities for scenic views, people watching, or overlooking centers of activity. Often people prefer facing an active street rather than the facade of a building.

Much of the streetscape seating was designed so people would face the building, yet people often sat on the benches in reverse, to face the street.

Terry Avenue

People prefer to have their backs to buildings, with views of the street. Here, the planter ledge is more preferable than a bench that faces the wall of a building.

Terry Avenue

9th Avenue

These benches on Terry Avenue or rarely used, which could be due to its poor orientation facing the facade of a building.

9th Avenue & Stewart

Terry Avenue

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The seating here is rarely used due to its awkward orientation. Not only do the seats face the building rather than the street, but the narrow sidewalk makes the sitter feel exposed and in the way of pedestrian traffic .

Seating // 3.3 //

Abundance vs. Scarcity When streetscapes are an extension of plazas, seating and should be designed together to ensure the spaces won’t go unused because of too much seating or too little.

Given the ample seating offered in many of the newly built plazas, much of the seating on Terry Avenue in South Lake Union goes unused. With so many seating options, people opted to sit in the plazas more often than the new streetscape amenities, especially on the blocks between Republican and Thomas St.

There is a scarcity of seating on certain blocks of Terry and 9th Avenue streetscape in Denny Triangle, where people resort to sitting in unpleasant places such as a parking lot or on the ground.

Terry Avenue & Lenora

Terry Avenue & Lenora

9th and Stewart

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As a neighborhood in flux, how will these spaces respond and adapt as the businesses and residents continue to change?

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Shifting trends are changing the way people inhabit the neighborhood.

The question remains how will the open space evolve with the changing face of SLU/ Denny Triangle? Will they support or build civic life? changing demographics

These observations are a snapshot of the continuously shifting dynamics that are occuring in the neighborhood. Much of the urban fabric is dotted with impending and proposed construction, with the future arrival of new businesses and residents populating the neighborhood.

Given that the open space is still in its infancy, it will be interesting to see how these spaces develop and mature.

temporary interventions activating space

Only time will tell if the spaces will become meaningful places for the neighborhood, and provide opportunities for civic life to grow and prosper.

the mobile workforce

dogs in the workplace 78