This is about proper stage management.
The most delightful Spanish and Italian squares that I've seen over the decades often share similar qualities. First, they are often approached through narrow streets. These narrow streets give keyhole views of the square and its central architectural feature. The approach and the keyhole view invites curiosity and wonder. The transition from the confines of the narrow approach streets into the larger public space creates excitement upon arrival.
City Hall Plaza and its approaches share NONE of these qualities. Its conception is closer to the Mussolinian revamp of Rome with its brutal clearances to create spaces for the "oceanic masses" gathered to hear speeches of the Duce and to celebrate the latest Imperial triumphs over the plucky Ethiopians. Also, it is "specimen" planning at its worst..."oh, look at that unusual building, lets knock everything down around it so you can see it better". The result is a large, blowsy uninteresting space.
Could it be fixed? Of course. For example, build a row of buildings along the Cambridge Street side echoing the curve, a giant Tontine Crescent if you will (not in style necessarily, but in shape.) In the middle of the crescent have an opening for a narrow street of midrise buildings that leads to a medium size rectangular square in front of a vine covered City Hall, which if properly fenestrated with plantings on its projections, would surprise and delight like the unexpected discovery by trekkers of a Mayan temple in the jungle.
On one side of the crescent, restore Hanover Street, and line one side with low to mid-rises, the backs of which would form one side of the square. On the other side, restore Cornhill and build a street with low to mid rise buildings mirroring the Sears Crescent, etc. with the squared off back side forming another side of the reduced square. Put lots of retail, and cafes around the square.
Anyhow, that's my fix, and why.
