The piazza in Italy is usually found at the confluence of many streets, often irregular in shape, it might be dominated at one end by a church, or in some cases, the seat of Government. Benches provide a place to sit and you might also find a drinking fountain, but mostly, it's a place of light and air, a relief after the narrow, dark, medieval streets. The Piazza Repubblica in Florence was created in the 19th century, as a prestigious focal point for a city which had become the Capital of Italy, albeit briefly. Dominated by a mighty Arch of Triumph, it is lined with expensive restaurants and an antique roundabout for children.
Increasingly, the idea is catching on in India and as new shopping malls go up, they are building them off the street, allowing for a wide, marble paved, piazza in front of the mall, away from the heat and dust of the street. This rectangular space incorporates a perimeter wall and built in seat, running the full length and breadth of the space. Trees, provide shade during the day and in the evening, Indian families come out to sit and chat, while the children play in the paved area in front. Ice cream vendors are on hand to garner business and in some more up-market malls, a merry-go-rounds provides entertainment over the weekend.
With increasing urbanisation, this kind of space is very necessary, as an alternative to available park land.
Increasingly, the idea is catching on in India and as new shopping malls go up, they are building them off the street, allowing for a wide, marble paved, piazza in front of the mall, away from the heat and dust of the street. This rectangular space incorporates a perimeter wall and built in seat, running the full length and breadth of the space. Trees, provide shade during the day and in the evening, Indian families come out to sit and chat, while the children play in the paved area in front. Ice cream vendors are on hand to garner business and in some more up-market malls, a merry-go-rounds provides entertainment over the weekend.
With increasing urbanisation, this kind of space is very necessary, as an alternative to available park land.
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