Usually when traveling, I'll aim for the old downtown squares or similar social spaces. Savannah, Georgia, has a beautiful system of small town squares with a village green atmosphere. Philadelphia also has a lush square system. Rittenhouse Square is one of my favorites. I'll take Manhattan's parks and squares, too.
In the Southwest, traces of Spanish and Mexican rule are very much in evidence. The scale of the Spanish squares is excellent. As in Santa Fe, and San Antonio, there's a relatively small provincial governor's palace, a Catholic church, eateries, general stores, and friendly central park space in the middle; sometimes with attached presidio that garrisoned a company of soldiers in lieu of modern police. Contrast this with Anglo rule, whereby a courthouse is set in the middle of the old town square: those on the peripheries cannot see across to the other side, but the courthouse judge can see all aides of the square from his seat of power. I prefer the Spanish style for its greater openness. Add a fountain and trees, and you have a friendly, comfortable social space in daytime.
Today's Rune: Partnership.
3 comments:
I love the old squares you see in so many of our local Arkansas and TExas towns. You don't see it in my hometown, though, because from the beginning it was a thruway.
What you don't love Hart Plaza?
Erik--I too, adore those types of spaces, altho Mallory Square is the main one I see lately. Also little old Alpena has a lovely downtown square.
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