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WORLD CLASS STREETSPLAZA TYPESTEMPORARY MATERIALS PLAZASNYCDOT pursues two major methods for implementing new publicspaces in New York City. “Overnight” plazas created with operationalmaterials such as paint and planters are one of NYCDOT’smajor, signature innovations. They transform New York’s street byimproving pedestrian safety and increasing accessibility.While capital projects can takeyears to plan and implement,NYC DOT’s temporary plazaprogram can bring open space toneighborhoods in nearly real–time.By simply adding crushed gravel orpaint, new markings and signage,planters, tables and chairs andartwork, DOT has succeeded intransforming asphalt into space forpeople, enlivening neighborhoodsall over the city. This method is aquick and cost effective way totest the capacity of maintenancepartners, build local support andstudy real benefits and impacts,not just models, of modificationsto traffic and public use. Over time,successful temporary plazas canenter the capital project pipelineto be built out with permanentmaterials.CAPITAL PLAZASFowler Square, Fort GreeneCapital program plazas are longerterm and permanent. NYCDOT’sPublic Plaza Program solicitsapplications for new plazasto directly enter the capitalproject pipeline, for completionseveral years after a successfulapplication. Frequently, while acapital project is in development,a temporary materials versionof the plaza is implemented.Capital plazas often involve majorconstruction, including subsurfaceinfrastructure upgrades orrelocation as well as aestheticelements. Capital plazas oftenlevel out the roadbed at sidewalkgrade, better connecting public andpedestrian spaces. Uniform paversor concrete may be used acrossthe entire space, and permanentfixtures such as seating and treesare generally integral to designs.Pearl Street Triangle, PST, David Ellis122Chapter 9: Plazas, Public Space and Public Seating