The design of our cities is important because it shapes the places where public life takes place. It is responsible for what goes where, which focal points tie everything together, how the place connects to its surroundings, etc. But the activity that happens in public places is even more important than what those places look like. It determines what actually happens there. That's where programming comes in. A public place can be drastically transformed without changing anything about its physical design, as long as great programming is implemented regularly.
For example, in the 1970s, we at PPS helped completely transform Bryant Park through the power of programming. It was once a dull place, devoid of activity and a haven for drug use because there were no wholesome reasons for people to go there. When we added numerous fun activities and programs for people of every age and background, Bryant Park did a complete 180. It is now one of the liveliest public places in NYC and a shining example of the power of programming.
Before (1970s) and after (2000s). Left photo source: Gothamist
Fred Kent
So what kind of programming can be implemented to activate a space? The list is extensive and ever-growing as more creative solutions are discovered. Here are 20+ popular programming examples that can add energy, fun, and activity to a public place.
20+ Kinds of Programming
1) Movie or sports nights
A great way to get a crowd together for a prolonged period of time is by showing something people love to watch on a big screen – whether it be a movie, a performance, or a game. People laugh together, cry together, and connect.
2) Sports competitions
Competition fuels our spirits. Putting competition in the eye of the public can be recharging and energize the whole space. Hosting sports games in public squares is a great way to add fun and vitality to them.
3) Crafting events
Coming together to create something is a wonderful way to make friends and memories. Having a craft table or crafting hub for things like painting, beading, or pottery in a public place is a great way to get people in a creative and social mood.
4) Table games
A successful public place is one that is interesting and fun for all ages. Setting up games like foosball or air hockey, or even more relaxed games like chess or monopoly, is a simple and compact way to increase the fun levels of a space for everyone.
5) Ground games
If there's one thing the public realm has a lot of, it's pavement. So a simple way to transform a space is to give that pavement a makeover. Painting gigantic puzzles or setting up jumbo games on the ground transforms it from a place for cars to a place for people and fun.
6) Dance performances
People are big fans of watching dancers do what they do best. It's awe-inspiring and entertaining and creates great memories. Whether it be the tango or the swing, a dance performance is a dynamic way to get eyes on a place.
7) Concerts
One of the best ways to get a crowd to gather is with a musical performance. People are drawn to music and are happy to spend a few hours enjoying it, talking with friends while they listen, even sharing a meal in its vicinity. The power of music brings people together and creates a beautiful shared experience.
8) Dance classes
If there's one thing people love to do more than watch other people dance, it's to dance themselves. Hosting dance classes in public is a fantastic way to bring together people from all ages and backgrounds to have fun together and connect.
9) Yoga or fitness classes
On the topic of classes, other kinds of classes people love to take part in are yoga or fitness classes like Zumba, Tai Chi, etc. These classes get people moving, bonding over a shared hobby, and feeling fit.
10) Markets
A market is one of the best kinds of programming (that we have written about extensively) because of how it combines commerce, community, and social life. While some public spaces play host to permanent markets, temporary ones for certain occasions, holidays, or seasons are also a great kind of programming.
11) Live drawing/painting
Watching someone draw or paint in real time is one of the most fascinating things you can do. To see an image come to life from mere lines on paper is like magic. It's no wonder live artists always manage to attract a crowd.
12) Magic shows
Speaking of magic, the real deal is a great addition to public spaces too. Magicians have an amazing knack for captivating audiences with the unexplainable tricks up their sleeve. Even skeptical viewers often find themselves smiling by the end.
13) "Living statues"
Another popular attraction that gets people stopping and clicking their cameras is the "living statue" – a person painted and covered in props to imitate a character of some sort. The dedication of these artists is incredible and great fun to witness.
14) Comedy performances
People love to laugh! Nothing feels better than having something tickle your funny bone and pulling a chuckle out of you. Comedy acts, puppet performances, and comedians performing on a stage are all great ways to bring cheer into a space.
15) Parades
Everyone loves a spectacle. A parade is one of the most beloved kinds of spectacles in cultures around the world because it has the power to bring a whole city together to celebrate a holiday, a historical event, a cultural festival, and more.
16) Outdoor libraries
Programming doesn't have to be loud and flashy. It can also be quiet and peaceful. An outdoor library is a great way to bring people of all ages together to read, share stories, and perhaps even create new ones.
17) Professional events or fairs
Professional groups are always looking for new venues to host talks, workshops, and other events. Opening a space for them in a public park or community center creates an inspiring mingling between enterprise and public life.
18) Art exhibits
There's no need to keep art locked up behind doors and entry fees. Public spaces are perfect venues to showcase art and photography and people who may not have otherwise ventured into a museum to see them can this way marvel at them too.
19) Interactive art
People don't only like to look at art made by others, they also love to create it. A great kind of passive programming is to set up a canvas and art materials so that people from the community can take part in creating something together.
20) Ice skating
Programming during the cold months is a challenge for many cities. What can get people outside when the outside is freezing cold? Well, with ice skating! One of people's favorite winter activities, ice skating is a fantastic winter activation.
21) Swimming
On the flip side of ice skating is swimming! In the hot summer months, opening waterfronts to swimming and water-based activities is a wonderful way to help people cool off and enjoy themselves under the strong sun.
Northwest Side View
22) Petanque
In public places we tend to focus on programming for kids, forgetting that people of all ages like to have fun. Petanque is a great activity that adults at every age can enjoy. And all you need to set it up is some sand and petanque balls and you'll gather a group in no time.
No matter what kind of programming you choose, the important thing is to have programming. Too many public places have none. Too many parks are just bare fields of grass. Too many squares are just patches of pavement. Many public places focus mainly on physical design features and overlook the kinds of activities that will take place there. And because of that, they often sit empty and underutilized. A public place will not attract the public if there is nothing happening there to capture their interest, attention, and activity. Programming is what gives life to public places and it is an essential component of making them great.
Further Reading
Fred Kent
Fred Kent
Fred Kent
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