1. Cities for People
CMG’s mission statement is about making public spaces inviting, inclusive and comfortable for everyone. These public spaces complement other public facilities, such as libraries and schools, to function as social infrastructure – creating a foundation for resilient communities. Inviting spaces are those that serve neighborhood and district needs and have features and activities that people want to come to. Inclusive spaces remove barriers that create undue effort and separation, both physically and socially. Comfort includes well designed places to sit and linger, and basic support such as shelter from the elements, drinking water, restrooms and the feeling of safety and care.
Social infrastructure creates a foundation for resilient communities.
CMG's Civic Center Public Space Design is a space for all San Franciscans: a ceremonial gathering place that welcomes everyday use and inspires civic pride.
2. Streetlife
In San Francisco the public right of way makes up 25% of the total public open space but because of their limited functions and low quality do not support public life to their full potential. CMG works to make streets vibrant, high quality public spaces that support social life and sustainability and are venues for cultural expression.
3. Public Space Rights
Public space is within the full control of the public, including its design, functions, activities, and oversight. Public agencies and designers should begin any conversation about public space with a democratic process in which all members of the public are included and equal and ensure equity in the planning and long-term management of public space. The best way to create more inclusive and Democratic Public Space is through an inclusive and democratic process that is conducted by people who reflect and represent the community.
The best way to create a more inclusive space, is through an inclusive process.
Case Study: Panhandle Bandshell
A temporary stage constructed almost entirely out of repurposed materials, designed for community-building and activating a section of the Golden Gate Panhandle. The project was funded by an arts grant won through the Department of the Environment to create unique tools that educate the public about the importance of recycling, reusing, and composting material.
The goal was to be forthright in the reuse of materials, but to play with a vaudevillian, theatrical, almost baroque effect. For instance, the undersides of the car hoods were all painted to give a tin-ceiling effect. The novel repurposing of common materials coupled with the bandshell’s success as a sculpture and local event space makes this project a model for collaboration between artists, landscape architects, environmental advocates, and neighborhood residents.
A team of several groups and organizations were a part of the bandshell ideation, site selection, community process and design, fabrication, permitting, installation, and programming. CMG coordinated the design and documentation of the bandshell and directed its fabrication and installation.
