Connecting with one another in public is made possible by the existence of great public places that encourage connection. Paris understands this better than anywhere else. The recent Olympics gave us another view of how a great city like Paris functions on so many levels to create and maintain lively social activity.
The City of Love
Known as "The City of Love," many equate Paris with romance. But it doesn't stop there — apart from romance, Paris is also a city full of streets and public spaces that encourage connection and affection of all kinds. It is a shining example of a city that encourages social life.
Luxembourg Gardens - The Heart of Social Life
Luxembourg Gardens is a beloved place in the center of the city where everyone feels welcome to gather and relax, surrounded by tranquil ponds, beautiful gardens, plenty of shade and an abundance of places to sit. People dip their toes in the water, sunbathe, chat, and pause their busy day to just enjoy life for a little while, alone or with loved ones.
Seating is the "Backbone" of Social Life
Luxembourg Gardens is a testament to how a place to sit is fundamental to our ability to connect with others. If we want to create places where people feel comfortable and inspired to stop and connect, we need to offer a variety of places where they can do so. Luxembourg Gardens' iconic moveable chairs fill its grounds and serve this purpose, as well as a variety of benches to suit every need.
Kathy Madden
Paris has four dominant types of seating
Kathy Madden
1) The square bench
The square bench is a delightful invention because of how multi-functional it is. With four directions of benches surrounding a table and umbrella, it offers a place where a variety of individuals, conversation partners, and even groups can sit and eat under the cover of shade.
2) The plank bench
Flexible and versatile, the seating area made of joined planks offers a fun place to sit, play, eat, and gather. It doesn't require design or expertise to put together, just a strategically located space to let this multi-tiered seat work its magic.
3) The moveable chair
Simple yet powerful in how it can transform a space, the moveable chair is so popular because it allows people the freedom and control over where to sit and how to position themselves. It gives people a sense of ownership over their space.
4) The standard bench
An oldie but a goodie, the classic standard bench is a fixed, one-directional bench with a back. Its length invites the seating of 1-4 people or the laying down of 1-2. It's the perfect place to people watch or read the morning newspaper.
Other types of seating
The more variety, the merrier! Having a number of options for places to sit means offering multiple ways to experience and enjoy a place. Paris offers a multitude of seats from which to take in the city.
Sitting and relaxing together around town
Places where everyone enjoys hanging out
People are drawn to each other, so when you offer places to stop, sit, and spend time together, people will immediately start to gather there. With all its car free streets, squares, gardens, and a variety of other nooks and crannies where traffic isn't welcome, Paris creates perfect environments for hanging out and having fun.
Hanging out on the street
When car lanes are narrow, people aren't stressed about hanging out in or near the street because the vehicles there drive very slowly and carefully. Because many of Paris' streets are narrow, its sidewalks are full of pedestrians and outdoor dining options. This activity further encourages drivers to slow down because they realize that they are sharing the street and must be cautious.
Public Displays of Affection
People show affection when they feel relaxed and joyful. Therefore, places that remove stressors from people's environments like cars, noise, and fumes, and add features that bring joy like flowers, beauty, and serenity attract expressions of affection and happiness.
The natural expression of reaching out to connect with or touch one another is a basic way of communicating, and is almost as important as breathing. From simple eye contact to a kiss — human contact imbues a place with life.
Photos and selfies – indicators of a great place
Taking photos of each other or ourselves is evidence that we find a place or moment to be special and worth remembering. You know when you catch sight of many people taking pictures that you've got a great place that people love. Paris is full of such places, from iconic landmarks to beautiful storefronts, squares, and gardens.
People taking pictures of friends and family
Where our paths meet
Public transportation and walkability push us together, unlike personal vehicles that pull us apart. Paris is very well connected with trains, buses, bike lanes, and pedestrian areas. Transit stops are therefore active places and often surrounded by great amenities that make the wait for transport easier and more pleasant.
Shoes off
The best places for fun and relaxation are often those where you can kick your shoes off. Thankfully, Paris has plenty of these, especially along its world renowned waterfronts.
Fred Kent
Other Important Amenities
Shade
One of Paris's defining characteristics is the thick shade coverage over many of the streets and parks. The tall leafy trees create such a pleasant experience of strolling and being outside when the sun is beating down. Shade is essential for drawing people out into the public realm and keeping them there.
Fred Kent
Bollards
Paris' streets are calm and pleasant places to be not only because they are narrow and full of a variety of great activities, seating, and amenities, but also because they are usually lined by bollards. Bollards offer an added sense of safety, they create a visual separation between pedestrian area and car area, and they are great spots to lean on, chat, and rest.
Fred Kent
"Inside Out" Streets
Paris' streets are such enjoyable places to be because they are the epitome of what we call "inside out" design. Everything that happens inside buildings spills out onto the sidewalks through outdoor seating, external displays of goods, etc. making the pedestrian experience interesting and fun.
Fred Kent
A Place for Joy
Chance encounters are among the most valuable things that our public realm offers us. Think of how many times you've run into a friend or made a new one in a public space. Places that attract people and allow for their paths to cross are essential to a city's social life.
A safe, comfortable, pleasant space invites us to connect and be close to one another. Witnessing the public displays of affection from others also reassures us that it’s ok to relax and be ourselves. Paris is a wonderful example of how to design spaces that encourage affection, joy, and social life, and one that many other cities should follow.
Related Articles
Fred Kent
Fred Kent
Fred Kent
Jay Walljasper
Who we are
Our Network at the Global Placemaking Summit in Mexico City 10/23
Fred Kent
SLP Founders and Article Authors Kathy and Fred, Flaneurs of Public Life.
