Project for Public Spaces

STEPS & STAIRS

Steps work for the same reason. They afford an infinity of possible groupings, and the excellent sight lines make all the seating great for watching the theatre of the street.

"What attracts people most, it would appear, is other people.' - William H Whyte

"I end then, in praise of small places. The multiplier effect is tremendous...For a city, such places are priceless, whatever the cost." - William H Whyte

The Street Life Project observed and analyzed the interactions and behaviors of people at this and other plazas. A number of key factors were identified for plazas that succeeded as popular gathering spots. First on this list was an abundance of inviting places to sit and relax. Benches, movable chairs, ledges and steps could all provide hospitable seating. 

“The street is the river of life of the city. They come to these places not to escape but to partake of it.” - William H Whyte

http://www.pps.org/reference/sitwalls/

http://betterwaterfront.org/william-h-whyte-on-what-makes-public-spaces-fail-what-makes-them-succeed/