Part 2/5:
At that time, Times Square was designed with a staggering 90% of its space dedicated to vehicle movement, with only 10% allocated for pedestrians. Despite this skewed distribution, the reality was quite different: approximately 90% of the space was used by pedestrians, with only 10% for cars. This discrepancy between design intent and actual use highlighted the need for a rethink of how space was allocated in this bustling, iconic hub.
Rethinking Urban Space: From Car-Centric to Human-Centric
The question arose: How could the space in Times Square be made more humane and welcoming for people rather than vehicles? The team decided to initiate an experimental approach, starting with simple, temporary interventions that could be easily tested and adjusted.