A full-scale laboratory to test spatial ideas.

Latham Square is a temporary pilot plaza located at the highly-visible intersection of Telegraph and Broadway in downtown Oakland. The pilot plaza operates as a spatial laboratory to test various arrangements and design elements for an eventual permanent plaza. The movable elements of the plaza can be re-configured to test a variety of options at full-scale and in real time. During it’s yearlong tenure, the pilot plaza also serves as a convenient spot for lunch, a central gathering place as well as a platform for additional cultural programming.

The pilot plaza design was a advanced during a 1/2 day Community Design Workshop that was open to all. Participants were invited to give input through a number of avenues, including drawing, surveys, conversation and physically occupying the plaza space using our Bubbleware inflatable furniture. Building materials for the pilot plaza included a number of elements sourced from the City of Oakland corporation yard, including surplus street signs, tree grates and vintage lamppost bases.

The plaza was fabricated in collaboration with Engineered Artworks, landscaping done by Ian Moore Design and programming developed by the Downtown Oakland Association, the local community benefit district, in collaboration with Popuphood.

For more information, visit the Latham Square website.