The document discusses city squares and compares Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto to the Mississauga Civic Centre square. It notes that city squares typically include features like walkways, benches, fountains, sculptures, and are surrounded by buildings. They are places for people to gather, relax, eat, watch people and events. While Nathan Phillips Square attracts many people, the Mississauga Civic Centre square seems empty and unused. The document suggests opportunities to activate underused public spaces.

1. Mississauga Civic Centre Nathan Phillips Square
City Squares
Photo courtesy of mississauga.ca & flickr.com user Johnny58

2. What is a city square?
Photo of Piazza del Campo Siena in Tuscany, Italy courtesy of flickr.com user lindads85

3. is for
art
exhibitions
public declarations
relaxing
CITY SQUARE eating lunch
people watching
protest
revolution
advertising
food
walking dogs
is surrounded by have taking naps
sitting
walkways chairs resting
sidewalk benches contemplating
city hall water fountain gathering
cafes monument waiting
parking sculpture concerts
street shrubs performances
market places trees fund raising
condos flowers photo opportunities
office building playground festivals
mall garden
bus stops shaded areas
food vendors gazebo
pool
public restrooms
structural objects
What is a city square?

4. Nathan Phillips Square

5. Mississauga Civic Centre

6. People
Photo of Nathan Phillips Square during Fresh Wednesdays.

7. People
Tourists taking pictures in front of the fountain, Nathan Phillips Square.

8. People
Pedestrian traffic flow in Nathan Phillips Square.

9. People
Teenagers practicing a hiphop routine in the Mississauga Civic Centre.

10. People?
No obvious seating problems here, where are the people?

11. people city square
This relationship should
be encouraged.
Critical Position.

12. Critical Position
A lively pool with working fountains in Nathan Phillips Square.

13. Critical Position
A dysfunctional reflection pool indicating the barrenness of the square, Mississauga Civic Centre.

14. Opportunities
Farmer’s Market, Nathan Phillips Square.

15. Opportunities
This space doesn’t have to be empty.

16. Opportunities
Wayfinding system in Bristol, UK
Photo courtesy of Garus Booth (bythebooth.com) and city-identity-image.com