Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture and Urbanism (NRC) The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar 1735-9635 22 152 2026 01 21 A Comparative Assessment of the Rhythms of Public Life in Leicester Square and Times Square A Comparative Assessment of the Rhythms of Public Life in Leicester Square and Times Square 43 60 233313 10.22034/bagh.2025.537783.5867 FA Saeid Yadollahi Department of Regional and Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-2321-5253 Kamran Zekavat Department of Regional and Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 07 29 Problem statement: In studies related to the social context of public spaces, two distinct perspectives have been proposed: first, an approach emphasizing the similarity of recurring behavioral patterns in squares; and second, an approach that focuses on the complexity and unpredictability of public life, considering behavioral patterns as non-repetitive and context-dependent. <br>Research objective: This research aims to integrate the aforementioned perspectives by, on the one hand, identifying dimensions and elements shaping the rhythms of public life (general behavioral patterns) and examining them in two iconic public spaces -Leicester Square and Times Square- and on the other hand, analyzing differences in the quality of manifestation of certain key activity patterns in these spaces.<br>Research method: The study employed a descriptive research method with a comparative approach. Initially, the components and factors influencing the rhythms of public life were identified descriptively. Subsequently, using a comparative approach, Leicester Square and Times Square were evaluated and compared. In this process, data were collected through library and documentary research, as well as photographic and film archives from media agencies. During the analysis phase, within the framework of qualitative methods, techniques such as tracking activities in photos and videos, coding based on the type and location of activities, and mapping -by identifying recurring behavioral patterns through activity frequency counts- were applied.<br>Conclusion: The findings indicate that both squares exhibit characteristics consistent with inviting, lively, and convivial public spaces; however, the quality of these characteristics differs. Leicester Square demonstrates dynamic and diverse rhythms in conviviality due to spontaneous street performances, whereas street performances in Times Square are predominantly planned, reflecting more controlled and limited rhythms in its convivial experience. Problem statement: In studies related to the social context of public spaces, two distinct perspectives have been proposed: first, an approach emphasizing the similarity of recurring behavioral patterns in squares; and second, an approach that focuses on the complexity and unpredictability of public life, considering behavioral patterns as non-repetitive and context-dependent. <br>Research objective: This research aims to integrate the aforementioned perspectives by, on the one hand, identifying dimensions and elements shaping the rhythms of public life (general behavioral patterns) and examining them in two iconic public spaces -Leicester Square and Times Square- and on the other hand, analyzing differences in the quality of manifestation of certain key activity patterns in these spaces.<br>Research method: The study employed a descriptive research method with a comparative approach. Initially, the components and factors influencing the rhythms of public life were identified descriptively. Subsequently, using a comparative approach, Leicester Square and Times Square were evaluated and compared. In this process, data were collected through library and documentary research, as well as photographic and film archives from media agencies. During the analysis phase, within the framework of qualitative methods, techniques such as tracking activities in photos and videos, coding based on the type and location of activities, and mapping -by identifying recurring behavioral patterns through activity frequency counts- were applied.<br>Conclusion: The findings indicate that both squares exhibit characteristics consistent with inviting, lively, and convivial public spaces; however, the quality of these characteristics differs. Leicester Square demonstrates dynamic and diverse rhythms in conviviality due to spontaneous street performances, whereas street performances in Times Square are predominantly planned, reflecting more controlled and limited rhythms in its convivial experience. https://www.bagh-sj.com/article_233313_6d30bb07bbdd538c42932add5d8aea15.pdf