Public art standards
In the Seattle Center, formerly The Seattle World's Fair, we have the International Fountain. The original 1962 fountain had a central fountain of tangled pipes at the bottom of a circular pit that was guarded with signs that said "KEEP OUT" or something to that effect. People ignored the signs and walked in and out of the fountain like it was the old swimming hole.
In 1995, Seattle redesigned and rebuilt the International Fountain. They did not put in a pedestrian barrier. Instead, they redesigned the fountain for how people use the fountain. The concrete basin now has a ramp that allows the handicapped to walk/ride down to the base of the fountain. The plumbing of the fountain now has a stainless steel cap to protect the public. They even added small water fountains that spray people from below.
In 2007, Seattle built the Olympic Sculpture Park. The new park was built with philosophy of look but don't touch. There are even security cameras to deter people from touching the exhibits. This is not a park. This is an art gallery.
I believe in the philosophy behind the redesign of the International Fountain. I believe in public art that is interactive. I believe in public art that people can touch and walk on and play with. I believe that all contracts for public art should include a clause that requires that all public art should stand up to the use and abuse of the public. What good is a new toy if you can't play with it.