Public Places - Lost in Space (Part 1)

[PonderInc]

Lately, I've been giving a lot of thought to how I relate to downtown as a pedestrian.  Why do I walk on certain streets and not others? Why do I stop to sit in some places?  Why do some spaces make me feel happy and comfortable and content...while others, based only on form/design, leave me feeling empty or disconnected?

For the purpose of this exercise, I'm providing a photo of what I consider a place with great potential...but currently a totally wasted space. (I'm sure you'll recognize it as the plaza area at 4th and Main.)

What's wrong with this space?  What could be done to make it a "human compatable?"  What's missing that prevents it from achieving it's potential?  How would you change it?

Have fun!  Let the discussions begin!