Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Movable Chair

Referring to William H Whyte's video The Power of the Movable Chair, I was thinking, where in Sydney, in a public space not attached to a cafe, or restaurant has movable chairs? I can't think of anywhere I have been recently that has something similar to the spaces discussed by Whyte. 

One example I can think of that has an interesting variety of seating within a highly urban space is the World Square plaza on George street. 

(From http://cdn1.agoda.net/hotelimages/108/108524/108524_080913000100182027_STD.jpg)

These seats face onto George Street, and provide various heights from which people can watch the street. 

(from http://www.bonhomiephotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/20130411-RE7A4635-1140x395.jpg)

Temporary and permanent chairs in the central square. These are ideal as they allow for various seating arrangements, and the ability for people to orientate themselves how they wish to face the sun, face a friend, or watch people passing by. 

(from http://www.conferenceaustralia.com/hotel_images/rydges-world-square--2018134e.jpg)

In the far back left, seating can be seen placed close to the planting so that people are given the choice of whether to sit out in a large open space, or next to a structural element or planting. 

(from http://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/system/event_images/69804/large_xmas.JPG?1321941815)

Outdoor cafe seating with sheltering elements can be seen in the far left.

(from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMikfzsVKQBGvKo9pGhc_BTP_wilIj7v0qhcanJ48JVtFMLoRIk3MYGi557Br7cmSRBLz4QetEACCeHF5BlmtZbOSMlDhH2eqP4ikXk_kLL2Gw4SgOajiP4w15fUz9yY12PpPws7aBAct/s1600/taste2.JPG)

A variety of cafe seating in the sheltered urban corridors between structural elements. These columns help define and give rhythm to the space.

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