Creating a Sense of Place on the Street: Parklets in San Francisco Neighborhoods

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Date

2018-03

Authors

Young, Lauren Frances

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

This paper examines the tactical urban design structure of four different parklets on users and non-users in San Francisco neighborhoods. The main objective of this study is to understand the impact and inclusiveness of the parklet on the neighborhood since it was first conceived in 2009 and constructed in 2010, and how users and non-users perceive and experience the public space. San Francisco was the first city to start implementing parklets by reallocating street space for pedestrians. Parklets have become somewhat of a social phenomenon that has captivated the attention of city and urban planners across both the United States and worldwide. The addition of parklets has changed the dynamic of the street by promoting inclusiveness in the community. Although public spaces are meant to provide areas accessible for all people to enjoy, some of these spaces can also be associated with negative impressions and anecdotes. City officials, architects and designers are refining their methods and processes of creating parklets, but more can be done to address what users and non-users encounter: inclusivity and gentrification.

Description

60 pages. Presented to the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management and the Robert D. Clark Honors College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts June 2018

Keywords

Planning, Public Policy and Management, Parklets, Public spaces, San Francisco (Ca.), Urban design, Tactical urbanism, Inclusivity, Community

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