please empty your brain below
There was an article in the Guardian a couple of days ago about how much new public space is actually private.

http://tinyurl.com/8yqvkcc

ganching | Homepage | 14.06.12 - 7:30 a.m. | #

For events: just across the bridge, Eat St is something worth to mention. Or not. (http://www.eat.st/)

About privately owned public spaces: halfway between Little Venice and Paddington there is a small green area to sit and relax. But don't you dare to take a photograph, as it is a serious crime, and the security guards will cause you something more than just a nagging feeling.

Greg | 14.06.12 - 10:11 a.m. | #

Quote: "But there's always a nagging feeling it's not your space, it's theirs, not least because any council would have made the square fractionally more entertaining"
I went with some friends to the Cutty Sark, a couple of nights ago. A similar comment was made about the new 'piazza' currently being created there.

RogerW | 14.06.12 - 10:56 a.m. | #

I don't know I can think of a few forbidding public squares that have been built.

This square has been on a grand scale. I think there may be confusion about what a square is in London. There are two types. The public or private green square with a lawn surrounded by trees and a quiet oasis to sit and relax.

Then we have not so many civic spaces that are hard landscaped and act a viewing points for the buildings that surround them. Apart from some lions to climb there is nothing in Trafalgar square to do apart from look at the buildings or the view down to Parliament.

The current square is a work in progress we only have active uses on the Norther side. Once the other buildings are restored there will be more activity. Once a few cafes open up on the edges and start to spill out on the square it will soften it a bit.

Give it a few years but avoid putting to many trees on the square against the buildings. Maybe a line of trees on the Southern edge along the canal for more shade with a few benches.

Rational Plan | 14.06.12 - 11:05 a.m. | #

"...Almost like an auditorium expect the stage would have to be on a boat." Was that supposed to be "except"?

swirlythingy | Homepage | 14.06.12 - 1:19 p.m. | #

Funny that the Summer Stories events site you found was an unpassword protected test site. Given that the season has already started someone needs to pull their finger out and get it live!

There will be some early morning fun in Granary Square when the Olypmic torch arrives by boat on 26th July: http://www.kxldn.co.uk/blog/index.php/2012/06/14/the-olympic-torch-in-kings-cross-on-26-july/

James | Homepage | 14.06.12 - 4:09 p.m. | #

I've worked in the Granary Building since last August when CSM moved in. Glad to see the barriers gone. The square does so far seem pretty bleak and minimalist - impressive, but hard to love. Hopefully Rational Plan is right and with the addition of the mooted gallery building on the east side it will become more welcoming. One other thing about the square - the view south to the stations should be enjoyed while it still can be - it's going to get blocked out by dull corporate architecture soon enough.

Diamond Geezer, you wouldn't have seen many students on the steps down to the canal as they were probably busy setting up their degree shows - private view last night, hangover still being nursed here. I recommend you come and visit, open to the public 'til next Thursday, details here: http://www.csm.arts.ac.uk/degree-shows-2012/. It's a great chance to see inside the building even if you're not interested in the art/design/performance side of things.

Will check out the public/private article, I've been stopped from photographing on the boulevard because if I'm not a tourist I'm only allowed if I seek permission. Ugh.

Colin | Homepage | 15.06.12 - 5:42 p.m. | #

They talk about another new 'square' that is nothing like a square in shape at the front of Kings Cross station as well...

Paul | 16.06.12 - 2:13 p.m. | #

Fractionally more entertaining to begin with perhaps.
Only to let it fall into disrepair quickly afterwards.

Whereas (eg) Paternoster Square, which has plenty of seating and regular live entertainment, is as pristine as the day it opened.
As, amazingly for its comparative age, is Broadgate.

cjcjc | 20.06.12 - 11:11 a.m. | #











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