San Francisco's Parklets Become Part of the City

"Some are no more than platforms lined with planters; others have a sculptural look or tie in to the landscaping of the adjacent sidewalk. Some feel genuinely public. Others emphatically do not.

What began last year as a form of ad hoc urbanism is emerging as a distinctive feature of neighborhood commercial districts, particularly on the eastern side of the city. Even the most compromised parklets are of value, if only to show what's at stake as the experiment evolves.

'Every circumstance is different,' said Jane Martin of Shift Design Studio. 'It gets people talking about design and comfort on the street.'"

14 of these parklets have already been built and 12 more should be complete by the end of summer.