Arranging chairs in a public plaza can actually transform a place and how the people who use it interact. At least that is what Samantha Kattan believed when she created the proposal for movable chairs in Union Square. The goal is to improve the seating options for pedestrians and visitors, as well as promote the plaza as a destination for eating, conversation, and enjoying the outdoors. The 20 to 25 lightweight, outdoor chairs will be scattered throughout the main plaza starting May 1 and 2 (to coincide with Somerville Open Studios) and will allow people to easily arrange the chairs to fit their individual needs. | ||||
"I'm interested in ways that people can be brought together to build stronger and more cohesive communities, said Kattan, a Union Square resident and 2010 Boston University graduate who plans to continue her studies in city planning. "The design of a neighborhood can impact how people interact with each other."
Kattan worked with Mimi Graney, the executive director of Union Square Main Streets on this proposal, adding that something like this is a low-risk experiment that can yield immediate results.
"This fits in with the ArtsUnion project, where we have these great benches, but people don't seem to sit in them all that much," Graney said. "People love the kind of seating that you find at the Precinct, but they are not always open. We want people to feel comfortable."
As more and more events take place in Union Square-such as outdoor movies and festivals-people need more seats, so this endeavor is practical.
Kattan and Graney went around Union Square to discuss the chair idea with business owners. They all liked the idea, since the chairs will be for everyone to share-the numerous eateries and shops in the square.
To cover the possibility of chair theft, Graney and Kattan have identified a few places in the square where the chairs can be stored and chained up at night. Business owners could share the responsibility of locking them up.
Many public spaces and parks have used this solution and the losses are minimal, Kattan said. An example is the 200 chairs added to Harvard Yard.
Kattan and Graney are looking for businesses to sponsor a chair, for $75 they can advertise their name on the back of the chair.
Comments