Adventures of Urban Life

Katherine Pimentel

I sat on the Seagram plaza on a Friday afternoon at around three. It was a beautiful day so I expected to see many people using the space and enjoying the weather. There was about 70 people using the plaza, some looked like they worked in the building because there were dressed in business attire, but most were just regular pedestrians looking to sit down. The majority of the people were in either groups or couples and the rest were alone people watching, talking on the phone or using their iPods. According to the study that William Whyte made, he found that lovers don’t necessarily go to the back, but instead opt to remain out in the open. “The most fervent embracing we’ve recorded on film has usually taken place in the most visible of locations, with the couple oblivious of the crowd” (19, Whyte). This observation that Whyte made I found to be true as well. At the plaza I saw two lovers, one was on one side of the plaza and they were lying down on the ledge with one on top of the other. The other couple was making out on the other side of the ledge. Both of these couples did not seem to mind that there were people sitting next to them.

Next to the Seagram plaza there was another mini plaza where the Bank of America is. There were only about 4 people sitting on that plaza however, which I found interesting. What made Seagram more appealing than the one right across the street? I believe it was the choices in seating arrangements. Seagram offers Ledges all around the perimeter, steps and it had two large pools with fountains which creates a more relaxing environment. As the spring progresses I can see Seagram becoming even more congested because the six trees it has will grow leaves and become sources for the shade against the bright sun. The sun is also an important factor in determining the amount of people in a plaza. “People do like warmth. In the summer, they will generally sit in the sun as well as in the shade… what people seek are suntraps. And the absence of winds and drafts are as critical for these as sun” (44, Whyte). This is exactly what happens as soon as the sun began to leave and it suddenly got windy more and more people left by 4:30 about half of the people had left the plaza.

The only source of food readily available to those sitting on the plaza is a small Halal truck parked on the corner, serving hot meal and beverages. Directly in front there was a Van playing very loud Hebrew songs and Jews in them trying to get those who pass by to obtain Jewish resources (not being very successful). I did not see any visible surveillance cameras or security outside on the plaza, but inside the building there are several concierges whom I suppose would serve as security if they witness anything inappropriate outside. I think that there is not so much security because the space is public and having a guard there for example would make people feel uncomfortable and tell them what they can or cannot do. . The plaque that was on the building stated that it was a landmark which I would assume means public since the city was somehow involved to make it a landmark.

I enjoyed the time in the space because the weather was so nice that all I wanted to do was be outside. I also love watching what other people do because it is amusing and I definitely saw many “characters” worth watching at the Seagram plaza.