Before our process even began, we went through a rigorous design thinking procedure, continuously examining our readings, research and experiences analyzing public space to establish our public space principles and distill down the elements that contribute to a positive public space anywhere in the city.
 

Once we chose Cooper Trapezoid as our focus and took on a community-focused perspective, the group distilled our manifesto into a few key elements of the utmost importance:

 

First arose a belief in active inclusivity, with the theoretical design having to address diverse needs with flexibility and spontaneity in order to make the space responsive to its user base. This developed a desire for equitable infrastructure, featuring quality-of-life improvements that targeted any and all possible users and encouraged communal attitudes, from ample sitting room to connections to mutual aid. 

 

A sense of escape was continuously raised in discussion as something of importance, to be carefully balanced with fostering sociability as a means to soothe urban alienation. 

 

To make a space with all of these desirable qualities, it must be safe for any reasonable use. This idea was not limited to options of surveillance and maintenance, but thought of as creating an all-encompassing atmosphere of safety that did not exclude nor intimidate.

Greenery, sunlight, and other natural elements arose as an obvious element conducive to all previously discussed ideals, and from these ideals, action sprung.