Members of the Professional Practice Networks (PPNs) were recently surveyed about their favorite spaces. Responses were varied and had many insightful comments and suggestions, which will be shared and discussed with everyone here over the next few months. This week we will focus on favorite designed spaces.

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Members of the Professional Practice Networks (PPNs) were recently surveyed about their favorite spaces. Responses were varied and had many insightful comments and suggestions, which will be shared and discussed with everyone here over the next few months.

This week we will focus on favorite designed spaces.

When asked about designed spaces, these were mentioned most often:

• Champs-Elysées, Paris
• Fallingwater
• Golden Gate Park
• The High Line
• Versailles.

But why are these spaces so great? Here are a few of the reasons why, according to our members.

Champs-Elysées, Paris
“Are you kidding? Have you been there? It is a place where people become part of the landscape. The cafés spill out on to the streets. Every tiny detail regarding aesthetics has been attended to. The experience of walking the corridor is entertaining. There are things to do and people to watch. There is no hurry. There are no fears for safety. The buildings create enclosure and they have continuity of architecture. The plant material has a delicateness to it. There are magnificent focal points.”
“It reflects the best of human intention and craft, from the grand overview to the elegant details.”
“Monumental, urbane, fun.”

Fallingwater
“It will take your breath away and open up your mind to possibilities. It also shows people what modern and clean lines can be, without being plain and dull.”
“Perfect integration of architecture and the landscape.”
“Perfect marriage of shelter, sculpture, and landscape.”

Golden Gate Park
“Because it is one of the first major city parks, and it shows what can be done if people plan for and then protect our open space. The price of open space is eternal vigilance.”
“For the scale, multiple active and passive uses, cultural interests.”
“All the different elements within the park: the gardens, pathways, buildings, science center. It offers a wide variety of uses in one of the most beautiful cities!”

The High Line
“Let’s spend big bucks on public spaces!!!! It is worth it.”
“Unique, modern, popular, inspirational, influential.”
“It is an exciting and easy space for every person’s level of interest and abilities.”

Versailles
“The scale, detail, and history are important, as there will never be anything privately designed like it and the fact that it is now a public space is important.”
“Because it's just so fast, but so exact. All the proportions are amazing.”
“Grandeur and detail in one location. Opulent, beautiful, amazing.”