"One of the things I thought a lot about was how can we get the views, for instance, the main plaza, you look up to Telegraph Hill from there and therefore it would be a disaster to close that view off"

Lawrence Halprin was a popular landscape designer who was known for his innovative styles. In this quote, he is talking about the importance of protecting views in city design. He is specifically describing the view of Telegraph Hill from the main plaza. Halprin is stressing the significance of maintaining this view, as it would be a disaster to close it off. He is suggesting that urban design ought to take into account the views of the city, which these views need to be protected. Halprin's quote highlights the value of preserving views in urban design, and how it can have a considerable effect on the total aesthetic of a city. He is suggesting that views must be taken into account when developing a city, which they should be maintained in order to create a more aesthetically pleasing environment.