The site of the Boston Massacre.

From an office window on the 11th floor across the street, the Boston Massacre site looks like a Stonehenge-type primal monument, an extraterrestrial landing spot: a wide circle of well-worn brass, studded with stars, enclosing a rough mosaic of cobblestones.

Primitive. (Photo by Ingfbruno)

Usually people are circulating in loose circles, not sure what they should be looking at.

Here's the backdrop to the whole scene: the Old Massachusetts State House.

The Old Massachusetts State House

The Boston Massacre backdrop

What does this have to do with placemaking?

You're getting to that.