A plaza design to promote sociability for Kansas State University’s North Quadrangle based on observational analysis of user behaviors

Abstract

This thesis draws on observations of user behaviors in Kansas State University’s North Quadrangle to propose a plaza design for a site within the quadrangle adjacent to Cardwell Hall. As a practical method for conducting environment-behavior research, the thesis gathered observations of moving and resting behaviors to understand the North Quadrangle’s current usages. The observations of moving behaviors provided evidence for identifying potential spaces within the North Quadrangle where a plaza might be designed and built. In turn, observations of resting behaviors provided an understanding of sitting and standing behaviors in the North Quadrangle plaza. In terms of research related to plaza behavior and design, the most significant work drawn upon was William Whyte’s The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces (Whyte, 1980). According to Whyte, a plaza is sociable if large numbers of people are drawn to it informally in the course of their everyday activities and movements. In this regard, the design aim of the proposed plaza is to promote sociability within the North Quadrangle by attracting pedestrians traversing the North Quadrangle’s busiest pathways and thus drawing them into the plaza. More specifically, to promote plaza sociability, the design makes use of the three most important plaza-design factors identified by Whyte: (1) location; (2) street-plaza relationship; and (3) seating. In other words, first, the plaza should be located near large pools of potential users; second, the plaza should be designed as an extension of the most heavily trafficked pathways; and third, the plaza should incorporate sitting opportunities for users via seating that is physically and socially comfortable. The behavioral observations and guidance provided by the literature review have been used to generate twelve design guidelines on which the proposed plaza design is based. The presentation of final plaza design incorporates explanations of these twelve guidelines followed by illustrated design schemes.