land-studio-cleveland

Overview

Named one of the APA’s Great Places in America in 2018, Public Square's redesign in 2016 was recognized as having had created one of only a handful of public places in the United States that has demonstrated exceptional character, quality, and planning — important attributes that enrich communities, facilitate economic growth, and inspire others around the country.

In 2022, new Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb committed to removing the jersey barriers on Public Square. Read more about this project planned for 2023 here.

The Square's transformation in 2016, to coincide with the arrival of tens of thousands of visitors were welcomed to the city for the Republican National Convention, was an exciting time for Cleveland.

Funded by public, private, and philanthropic investments that helped to create Cleveland's new "living room, a destination for free speech, and vital crossroads at the heart of our city, for many generations to come.

These authentic places [like Cleveland's Public Square] have been shaped by forward thinking planning that showcases affordable transportation options, promotes community involvement and accessibility and fosters economic opportunity.

American Planning Association, (APA)

About the design

The new Public Square design was created to be inviting and flexible. The northern half includes a green sloped lawn with an overlook and concert hill. Well-suited for casual everyday use, this design also creates a natural amphitheater for events like movie nights and concerts. The southern half of Public Square is a hardscape plaza that includes a café and seating, a speaker’s terrace, Cleveland's iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and a mirrored-fountain water feature. The previous four quadrants of Public Square are merged into a single public park, intended for use throughout the year for a range of programs and events, offering an urban landscape that is also a soft colorful space that invites people in and encourages them to stay.

LAND studio, in partnership with James Corner Field Operations, best known for New York’s High Line, crafted a visionary plan for Public Square. Together with the Group Plan Commission (GPC) that manages the space to this day, true placemaking was created – equally weighted between physical transformation and ongoing programming that makes Public Square a vibrant hub for Cleveland, day and night, year round.

LANDFORM, LAND studio's signature downtown public art program featuring local, regional, and international artists will continue to be installed throughout the Square. Public Square's year-round program calendar.

Awards

The American Planning Association (APA) Fifteen Great Places in America

Map of Project
LAND Studio FORM

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