Final answer:
Large open spaces such as El Zocalo in Mexico City are common in urban planning and serve as central spots for public gatherings, following a Spanish colonial pattern.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering an open space as large as El Zocalo, one can refer to various significant structures and places around the world that have served as large public gathering spots.
For instance, El Zocalo in Mexico City is an extensive space that historically follows the Spanish colonial urban pattern, which included a large plaza at the center of the city for ceremonial purposes. Such spaces were designed to hold a significant number of people and serve various functions, from markets to ceremonial gatherings.
There are many examples globally, including the area in front of Saint Peter's Basilica, known as St. Peter's Square, which measures 320 meters by 240 meters and could host nearly 300,000 people for certain events.
Additionally, ancient cities such as Tenochtitlan were designed with symmetry and grandeur in mind, with a large open space accommodating the Great Pyramid at the center. Modern structures, too, like the Polyforum Cultural Siqueiros, which includes a vast interior space, reflect the central role such spaces play in cultural and social gatherings.