What Would Holly Whyte Do with Putnam Plaza?
Bryant Park, NYC
February 25, 2026
This event has passed. The recording is coming soon!
Petaluma landscape architect Cinda Gilliland has planned a deep dive into the work of pioneer urbanist William H. (Holly) Whyte.
After a brief bio on Whyte, offered by Dave Alden, we’ll watch a sampling of Whyte’s 1980 movie of New Yorkers using, or misusing, Manhattan public plazas, followed by an example from Gilliland of how Whyte’s ideas were essential in the reconstruction of Bryant Park from a maligned to an adored public place.
Holly Whyte
Join us to learn about Whyte, a pivotal figure in the understanding of how people use public places. Watch how Whyte observed public plazas, hear his words as he assessed how people use the places, and see an example where his lessons have been applied in the years since.
Then, pick up a pencil and work with a breakout group for hands-on thinking about the future of Putnam Plaza.
It should be a great kickoff to KBYG 2026. While the evening will be shared on Zoom, this is a forum for which in-person attendance is highly encouraged.
