For decades now, we have photographed street life, documenting how people interact and live their lives in public. In this series, which we call Social Life for All, we look at various different groups and how each of them spends time in public spaces. We've previously delved into how women use and move through public spaces, how children bring a unique and joyful energy to them and where men connect with each other. We've observed the kind of places each group is drawn to, where they spend the most time and where they seem to enjoy themselves the most. These photos give us a glimpse into how people shape and are shaped by their environments. Knowing what different groups of people like and need from their public spaces gives us inspiration for how to make better public places that are welcoming for everyone.
When trying to identify the great places around us, a good approach is to look for where the couples are. A pair of people spending time together can be lovers, acquaintances, and everything in between. When you see a couple comfortable enough to sit and engage in conversation or affection, you know you've stumbled upon a good spot!
Bryant Park in New York City and Paris
Amsterdam's porches
Kunstragorton in Stockholm, Sweden
The best places are those that encourage expressions of affection, caring and vulnerability.
Focal points and the selfie
Places that make us smile, think, or stir our curiosity, such as statues, fountains, and works of art, can break the ice and start interesting conversations that help us bond. They can also nudge us to save the moment with a photo of the spot and our significant other.
Taking a selfie is a great excuse to get close.
Fred Kent
Senior couples
The sweeter the love, the longer it lasts!
Young couples
Young couples can often be found in the middle of the action – biking, climbing, and lounging in unconventional spots. Young love can't be contained by chairs and tables.
Performances
Enjoying a performance or work of art together sparks joy and creates great memories to look back on.
Dancing
One of the best ways to bond as a couple is to enjoy the music together and share a dance. Music and dance floors have a unique way of gathering crowds and bringing a place to life.
Pets
Pets are a welcome "third wheel" that bring joy to a couple's day out.
Food
No good place is complete without food, especially the kind you can share.
The special place in Munich's Victual Market has small stands where people can get really close...and intimate as a family, couple or friends
Shopping
Markets are wonderful destinations for a day of exploration and shopping with a loved one. There is so much to see, touch, smell and taste at the market.
Places for affection are at the center of everything
When we think of romantic spots we might think of flowers, music, beautiful views, etc. Basically, any place that makes people feel comfortable to express love can be considered romantic. What's more, the kind of environment that supports affection also supports joy and social life.
Benches
A bench is the perfect spot to have a rest and share a tender moment.
Comfort on the curb
Streets where cars drive slowly are streets where people feel comfortable spending time together on the sidewalk.
Kisses
A kiss shared between lovers is the seal of a great place!
Hugs
Comfort and contentment can be found in an embrace.
Luxembourg Gardens
Some places are undeniably romantic. Flowers, hidden corners, fountains and plenty of places to sit together and lounge make Luxembourg Gardens a perfect spot for love.
Paris Plage
Paris Plage is one of those beloved places that has something for everyone. Activities, seating and beautiful sights are aplenty wherever you look. Among its numerous offerings, there are love seats for two and cozy corners to curl up in together.
Paris Plage
Not every setting is romantic. Places that lack atmosphere are more likely to encourage couples to keep a distance than to get close.
Avoidance
Avoidance isn't always a bad thing, however. Sometimes we avoid people to give them privacy during intimate moments.
Couples in public around the world
Love is universal. Wherever there are great places, there will be people there enjoying them together.
The design of our environments invites and supports different kinds of visitors and behaviors. If we want to encourage more love, more affection, and more tenderness, we need to create places where couples can thrive. We need places full of comfort, beauty, security and the vibrant energy of social life.
Other articles in the Social Life for All series:
Kathy Madden
Kathy Madden
Fred Kent
Fred Kent
Who we are:
Fred Kent
If you are interested in our helping to build a community-wide campaign or catalytic interventions, presentations, exhibits, and more or supporting the cause contact us.
Our work is informed by living in Brooklyn
"There are more and more of us fighting for a different vision of the world—a world that takes care of our most precious resources: the air we breathe, the water we drink and the places we share." - Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, France
