In 2009, New York City tested a pedestrian friendly transformation of Times Square which is now permanent by Norwegian firm, Snohetta.

2009 New York Times video on Times Square

In 2009, the New York City Department of Transportation tested a people friendly change of Times Square. They took cars off of Broadway making a new public space in one of the busiest places in the world. While using temporary materials for the past few years, construction on a permanent design is expected to commence by Norwegian firm, Snohetta. It was found to reduce car crashes and increase business in the area to the surprise of many. This project was spearheaded by Janet Sadik-Khan, who is the leader of the New York City Department of Transportation.

2013 Presentation from Snohetta

This project may be well known, but there are many other examples of streets being converted (temporarily) into pedestrian areas all over. In general, the scales are smaller, however the idea is similar. To use streets as places for people and demonstrate that roads can be more than simply conduits for traffic. Particularly in areas of cities that lack public spaces and parks.