Michael Meredith and Hilary Sample from MOS Architects analyse public space in Manhattan.
Text: Sandra Hofmeister
West Village, © 2025 MOS Architects (Michael Meredith and Hilary Sample)
They are constantly changing, never staying the same, transforming their appearance with new laws and regulations. Last but not least, public spaces are also shaped by the city administration's management. As lively places that are used and monitored by people, they are never neutral.
Density
In their new book Public Spaces NY, published by Park Books, Michael Meredith and Hilary Sample from MOS Architects document the diversity of public spaces in New York. They focus on Manhattan's streets and parks, public buildings and privately owned public spaces. The aerial photographs of the individual zones, from Washington Heights and Harlem to Tribeca, show the corresponding uses. These include bridges and streets, cemeteries and squares, and waterfront promenades.
Washington Heights North, © 2025 MOS Architects (Michael Meredith and Hilary Sample)
Data comparison
The data comparison and its evaluation leads to a comparison: Which neighbourhood has more public space? On the last pages of the 632-page paperback compendium, the two authors offer suggestions for ways to create even more space for the public – from small interventions such as converting car parking spaces to parks at underground stations. At around 30%, streets take up the largest share of public space in Manhattan. Rethinking traffic and the use of street space – for example, following the example of the superblocks in Barcelona or the bicycle streets in Amsterdam – would lead to the most profound change.
Battery Park, Lower Manhattan, © 2025 MOS Architects (Michael Meredith and Hilary Sample)
Future perspectives
Following Vacant City, NY (2021), Public Spaces, NY shows that data analysis is the key to understanding cities – and a prerequisite for concepts that promote higher quality public urban spaces. In this respect, this book is a fundamental atlas for anyone who wants a liveable future for the densest megacity in the USA, or who may even be planning one.
Hilary Sample, Michael Meredith, Public Spaces, NY, paperback, 15.5 x 23 cm, 632 pages, Park Books, Zurich 2025, ISBN 978-3-03860-434-1
