What cities can learn from retailers (and sea lions)

It's too bad that all cities can't have some natural programming for their public spaces and retail areas. The sea lions in San Francisco have that lone distinction. Most cities have to create their own attractions. Retailers have long found merchandising to be a significant part of their sales campaigns and a driver of volume of product. It is interesting to me that cities don’t think more about programming their core just as a retailer does merchandising. These cities want to attract tourists while residents live, work and spend time in its core already. Programming their streets would seem a low capital and affordable way to increase the activity in urban centers. It is amazing the crowd that comes out of the woodwork when the mimes and 20 foot unicycle show up. It would be great to see more cities bring these activities on a regular and recurring basis to their downtowns. The cost is a fraction of the cost of the new buildings they seem to focus so much upon.

Street vendors, actors, and entertainers are part of most of the coolest urban settings I visit. Who doesn’t love off beat sightings and tunes from the Times Square underwear guitar man, the painted statute of liberty mime, the single song (barely) saxophone player, or the 5 gallon bucket, cardboard box and dishpan drummer. Activity, music, colors, personal interaction and constant vibrancy is the hallmark of great public spaces. These things seem easy to replicate, as they are low cost, somewhat spontaneous, and can be implemented at the hours necessary. Add in some good food vendors with unique varieties, hot roasted and caramelized nuts on a cold New York day, or a hot dog and cold drink on the sunny steps of Monument Circle in Indianapolis. It really doesn't take much to make an interesting place.

Photo by Planetware