This is sort of a left over space in Harvard Square, but as traffic islands go, it's not so bad. People rarely stop here except during the summer when bands and drum circles occasionally set up. The planters are all raised-- this shields it from the traffic but also gives it a somewhat enclosed, claustrophobic quality.

The design of the island appears to be oriented to an approach from this view. In fact, the only way to get this perspective is from the middle of the street facing on-coming traffic. Everyone who approaches this whether on foot or in a car sees the composition from some off-center angle. Hmmm.

The island is pretty effective at channeling and facilitating pedestrian traffic across a wide space. Of course, there are always people who jaywalk because their destination doesn't quite line up.