The plaza: Past and Future

New Urban News Technical Page by Andres Duany, Michael Morrissey, and Patrick Pinnell

Within a traditional urban fabric, public space has an identity; it exists as more than mere residue after the construction of buildings and roads. Public spaces associated with some communal activity are particularly important. The combination of internal use and external space affect the public life and activities through which a community defines itself.

The plaza is an open area with a clearly recognizable public space. It is carved out of the built urban fabric as a distinct form. Plazas are not unlike urban squares, but while squares tend to be green, plazas are predominantly hard-surfaced. The paving allows for crowds and activities to spill over from civic or market buildings.