PALEY PARK Loc

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E 53
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Squ
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1967
1967

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Turning from Fifth Avenue on East 53rd Street, the De ign
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the stone curtain, enticing you to come in and explore.
Keywor
Keywor
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Urban Park
PROJECT SUMMARY
Award + Recognitions
Zion first introduced his idea for pocket parks, very small parks
accessible to the general public, at “New York Parks for New Gothamist – 8 best Parks in
Manhattan - 1st
York” in 1963. Paley Park—the first of its kind—opened just four
years later in May 1967. The entrance to this small space faces Biophilic Patterns
south to maximize sun exposure at midday, and the east and
Presence of Water
west walls are covered with ivy. The north wall is dominated by Thermal & Airflow Variability
the park’s 20 foot tall waterfall, which acts as the focal point Dynamic and Diffuse Light
for the space. Honey locust trees are planted between rough- Refuge

hewn stone tiles, arranged in a loose formation to strengthen

the ordered casualness of the space. Moveable marble-topped
tables and lattice-wired chairs allow flexible seating throughout Central view of Paley Park from E 53rd Street. A
large waterfall dominates the space and focuses
the space and create a dynamic and adaptable series of layouts. the visitors attention with providing a range of
biophilic patterns. P1 P2 P3 P5

Located in the heart of the nation’s commercial by CBS, the park is a public space on privately
epicenter, Paley Park is the most heavily used owned land. A small coffee shop from the
park in New York City per square foot, with original design still sits tucked away in the
over 500,000 visitors per year (60 per hour). southeast corner.
Very few of the tall buildings nearby provide
usable outdoor areas, and Central Park is too The defining feature of the park is its immense
far to reach for a short break. Paley Park is a waterfall. Visitors consistently fill the space
unique oasis for office workers and Museum during weekday lunches and early evenings to Prepared by Joe Clancy, Cory Nestor and Terrapin
sit and admire its calming effect. Bright Green
of Modern Art patrons. Owned and operated

www.terrapinbg.com Paley Park

 NATURE IN THE SPACE
[P1] Visual Connection with Nature. P12
Views of locust trees, ivy, and waterfall

[P2] Non-Visual Connection

P5
With Nature. Sound of P6
splashing water from waterfall

[P3] Non-Rhythmic Sensory

Stimuli. Waterfall on the north wall, ivy P6
covered walls, rustling canopy leaves

[P4] Access to Thermal & Airflow

Variability. Movable chairs and tables, P12
differing levels of shading from locust
trees, cooling effect from waterfall spray

[P5] Presence of Water. 20 foot

waterfall covering the nothern wall
PLAN
[P6] Dynamic & Diffuse Light. Dappled
light filtering through tree canopy, ivy covered
walls allow different levels of light penetration

[P7] Connection with

Natural Systems. Seasonal
changes in canopy cover

NATURAL ANALOGUES
[P8] Biomorphic Forms &
Patterns. Not present in design
[P9] Material Connection with
Nature. Ivy covered walls
[P10] Complexity & Order.
Not present in design

NATURE OF THE SPACE

[P11] Prospect. Raised entrance and seating P6 P6 P5
provides views to busy street beyond
P12 P12
[P12] Refuge. Limited visual access to
street, inward-facing and protected
benches, sound of waterfall

[P13] Mystery. Not present in design

[P14] Risk/Peril. Not present in design SECTION

[P5] The construction of the waterfall helps to

Photo: The overhead tree canopy throughout
PRESENCE OF WATER: amplify its impact on the space. A large
the park contributes to the refuge effect and
vertical aggregate was used to create the
provides dynamic and diffuse sunlight and cover
for songbirds in its branches. By changing with the Approximately 20% of the total floor and wall surface’s rough texture. This rough surface
seasons, the locust trees provide variability in both area is occupied by the park’s waterfall, and creates turbulent water streams that increase
light transmission and color. its sound can be heard from as far away as the sound, amount of mist, and the visual
the sidewalk. At up to 90 decibels, it is loud interest of the feature. 16 spot lights on either
Photo: The raised prospect view is 98 feet (30 enough to drown out traffic and other street side of the wall highlight the texture and depth
meters) from the waterfall to the East 53rd Street noises, as well as neighboring conversations. of the water.
sidewalk. Moving the chairs and tables closer or further
from the waterfall allows occupants to choose By providing access to water, the space
the noise level most appropriate for them. It draws users in from the street. The soothing
also allows them to choose between different sound of water striking stone drowns out the
thermal environments, as the waterfall cools street noise, yet is not so overpowering to be
the air significantly. While unintentional, kids unpleasant, offering a calming auditory and
play in the mist and splash the water pooling visual experience.
on the ground, creating a multisensory
experience and increasing the feature’s
positive physiological impact.

Paley Park www.terrapinbg.com

[P4] [P6] [P12]
THERMAL & AIRFLOW DYNAMIC AND DIFFUSE LIGHT REFUGE
VARIABILITY
The site’s southwest aspect plays a vital role Paley Park was designed to offer ideal refuge.
The shade of the trees, water feature, and in its success and use because the space With limited visual access into the space from
moveable seating allow occupants to achieve has dappled sunlight filtering through the outside on the street, inward-facing benches
optimal thermal comfort by moving around canopy from midday to afternoon during the with protected backs, elevation from the
and occupying the space at their discretion. warmer months. The porous canopy of loose, sidewalk that offers prospective views, and
This endless customization also encourages rustling leaves allows light to penetrate and an informal arrangement of shading trees,
social interaction by adapting easily to the create shadows that dance on the cobbled occupants can enjoy a variety of refuge
needs of occupants. ground. Combined with the tall, ivy-covered conditions.
walls, this allows for varying levels of light and
The large waterfall lowers the temperature of thermal variability throughout the space. The The noise from the waterfall also provides
the entire park, and is particularly appealing ability to move tables and chairs according privacy and refuge to occupants conversing.
on scorching summer days in NYC. The to shade and glare patterns also contributes The vertical surface area occupied by the
waterfall is angled back about 10 degrees, to occupants’ enjoyment and utilization of the ivy and waterfall maximizes the inclusion
and the large aggregate allows the water to space. of natural elements in the space. This lies
break and ripple across the pool at its base, in stark contrast to the experience of the
increasing the surface area and evaporation Seasonal changes in canopy cover moderate adjacent street landscape, where the busy
rate. Especially on hot days, the park is the changing temperature and sun exposure, urban environment requires greater cognitive
noticeably cooler than the surrounding area. connecting occupants to the natural cycles of functionality, leading to mental fatigue.
sun exposure that occur throughout the year.
The locus trees provide shading in the These condidtions make the visitor feel safe
summer. In the winter months, the trees drop The restricted palettes of materials, colors, and secluded, but not alone. The restricted
their leaves and allow much needed sun into and water are visually relaxing while increasing palette of materials and colors is visually
the park. the vivid impact of greenery within the space. relaxing. The soothing sound of water striking
stone drowns out street noise, yet is not so
overpowering to be unpleasant, offering a
calming auditory and visual experience. The
space demands little directed attention,
leading to replenishment of mental capacities,
as explained by Attention Restoration Theory
(ART).

Left: Lighting basks the waterfall and amplifies Center: The overhead canopy was specifically Right: The entire park is set back between two
its surface texture. This enhances the waterfall’s chosen to allow natural light to filter through the large skyscrapers. An elevated entryway and
shimmer and provides additional non-rhythmic leaves in the summer and die back for ample sun in structural bump outs create an urban refuge for
sensory stimuli. P3 P4 P5 the winter. P6 P7 P12 visitors. P12

www.terrapinbg.com Paley Park

HEALTH BENEFITS
Each of the biophilic patterns present in Paley
Park contribute to the overall positive health
effects of the space. The park’s defining
feature, the waterfall, produces positive
psychological and physiological responses,
including stress reduction and a drop in
systolic blood pressure. Studies show an
observed preference for water, linking it to
improved concentration and memory, reduced
stress, and lower heart rate & blood pressure.

[P1] Visual Connection to Nature.

Lower blood pressure/heart rate,
improved mental engagement/
attentiveness, positively impact
attitude and overall happiness.

[P3] Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli.

Positively impacted heart rate,
systolic blood pressure and
sympathetic nervous system
activity, observed and quantified
behavioral measures of attention
and exploration.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS The adaptability of the seating in the space also
[P8] Biomorphic Forms & Patterns. encourages visitors to take some ownership
Observed view preference. A review of the data, including observations, and create the experience they want. It makes
self-reported reviews, and spacial arrangement spending time in the space more enjoyable
[P12] Refuge. of the park show a strong correlation between because it can be more personalized. This
Improved concentration, attention, identified biophilic patterns and increased degree of public control allows for emotional
and perceived safety. physical and mental well-being of the visitors ownership of the space to develop, and may
to the park. in turn explain why the space has encountered
The waterfall also creates non-rhythmic virtually no vandalism.
sensory stimuli, capturing the visual and Common phrases used to describe Paley
auditory attention of visitors. The sound of Park include “oasis in the city” feel, “quite The sense of safety shown by visitors who
the water falling draws our ear, and our eyes atmosphere” and “huge waterfall.” These feel comfortable enough to close their eyes,
are captured by the falling water and light reviews of the park go on to express visitors’ contemplate the waterfall, and let the bustle
reflecting off the droplets. This, too, can help collective change in mood, increased of the nearby street fall away all show that
reduce stress and blood pressure. happiness, and reduced stress. These self- this park is indeed a place of wellbeing. In
reported qualitative changes show a strong a city as loud and busy as New York, it is a
Direct observations of visitors show them correlation to the visitor’s presence in the real challenge to grab the full attention of
reading, closing their eyes, and removing park, and may be examples of Attention visitors. The design of Paley Park does just
themselves from their surroundings. These Restoration Theory in practice. that, creating a restorative oasis in the midst
actions demonstrate that the visitors feel safe, of one of New York City’s busiest areas
lowering their attention to external stimuli.

The texture of the waterfall is increased using side

lighting and large aggregate that works to break up
the water as it falls. P2 P3 P5

Terrapin Bright Green Zion Breen Richardson Associates

Terrapin is an environmental consulting and Zion Breen Richardson Associates are an award
strategic planning firm committed to improving winning architecture partnership famous for its
the human environment through high performance role in Paley Park, establishing an archetype for
development, policy, and related research, in the small urban park, inspiring a generation of
order to elevate conversations and help break new landscape architects and architects to reimagine
ground in thinking creatively about environmental these small urban spaces.
opportunities to shape the outcome of large-scale
planning and design projects around the world. All photos and illustrations courtesy of Terrapin
Bright Green.

Paley Park © 2015 Terrapin Bright Green www.terrapinbg.com