The Town Green, the only outdoor plaza in my hometown, is the center of Vienna. It is the hub of activity because of its close proximity to small shops, restaurants, and convenience stores. Off this main street, there are multiple narrower streets with rows of craftsman and traditional style homes. It is roughly a mile away from my previous high school and two miles away from my middle school. Although the age range is varied, from elderly to young families, the location of the schools draws in a lot of teenagers and young adults. Especially on Fridays, it is common to see students walk to restaurants nearby the Town Green, like Chipotle and Panera, after school.
Based on Lynch’s analysis in “The City Image and Its Elements”, this plaza represents the node of my town. It is the core of Vienna because of its strategic location. People commuting to nearby cities like McLean, Tysons, and Arlington or people traveling on the W&OD trail for work or leisure activities will typically all pass this plaza. The level of activity is normally moderate to high. Although the location has a lot to do with this, the quality of the outdoor space, which Gehl describes in the “Three Types of Outdoor Activities”, is also a key element. Its well-kept and clean qualities convey a very inviting and welcoming setting. Additionally, the number of available seating, including multiple benches, grassy areas, and stonewalls are also key aspects that foster an accommodating and comforting atmosphere that results in activity between people.
Its central location links all the places that Perry identifies, in “The Neighborhood Unit”, as a “well-arranged residential community”. These places include an elementary school, small parks and playgrounds, local shops, and a residential environment. (Perry 488) These places are all connected by sidewalks. Throughout Maple Avenue, which is adjacent to the plaza, there are sidewalks and crosswalks that are safe because of its frequent use. Another key component that Perry describes are streets. This street, Maple Avenue, is a two way, four lane street with cars coming in and out, especially during rush hour. Even at its quietest periods, it still feels safe and calm because of its quaint and maintained features. The streets surrounding Maple Avenue are typically residential areas that are less active, but still foster a safe environment.
Another element Lynch describes in his writing are edges. The edges of Vienna are the highways, including 66 and 495. The energy and activity from the Town Green and its surroundings are carried throughout Maple Avenue until you enter the highways. These highways mark the end points of Vienna. The charm and liveliness are lost once you enter the highway, which illustrates the typical suburban bubble.
