In Planning Terms - Size Matters

Usually planners get involved in the allocation and details of creating both public and private spaces for groups of people engaged in a wide range of variety of activities.

1 minute read

January 24, 2009, 11:26 AM PST

By Rick Abelson


Usually planners get involved in the allocation and details of creating both public and private spaces for groups of people engaged in a wide range of variety of activities.

Recently, I learned some basic nomenclature about people gathering from my 16 year old son that seemed interesting about sizing a crowd.

He said that if I ever get a text message saying: "Hey, we're fill in the blank. Come on by." I could expect that this many people to be there:

Event or Activity Size

Chillin' or Hanging Out = 1-3 people

Having a Kick Back = 3-9 people

At a Party = 10 people or more

Now, if we account for the normal social pressures of school, dating, drugs, sports, parents, driving and the internet, then this simple form of everyday teen communication helps teens know what they are getting into and hopefully make responsible choices. For planners, it's nice for us to know that although language might change a bit; getting people together means pretty much the same as always.

There's probably a lot more technical information that can be written on this topic about design day criteria, instantaneous capacity, square footage requirements, security and long lines at bathrooms – but I have to leave now for an afternoon ‘kick back'.


Rick Abelson

Rick Abelson is a recognized leader in creating culturally significant land planning developments worldwide. His peers regard him as an original thinker and an internationally respected designer of destination attractions, mixed-use town centers, urban infill and new communities. In many cases, Rick’s projects have become the catalyst for civic revitalization and his early participation and strategic forward-thinking adds immediate financial value to properties seeking optimum land definition.

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

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