As libraries and and post offices are replaced by private development while streets and sidewalks lack funding, what can be done to enliven the public realm?
Howard Blackson offers design solutions, using corners in San Diego where libraries have recently closed as examples. This blog is heavily inspired by Léon Krier:
"We live our daily lives in both private and social realms. Our social lives are built upon the social connectivity that occurs in our civic spaces and institutions. Streets and sidewalks make the majority of our public realm, and we spend too much of that time in isolated, high-speed automobiles. Our streets and sidewalks are in a woeful shape and we lack the infrastructure funding to maintain them, thus a further degradation of the public realm."
"With churches, social clubs, shops, restaurants and bars being private, and public/private partnerships being relied upon to build our parks, plazas and gathering places, we appear to have passed a tipping point - one that the Occupy Wall Street episode captured so vividly as it unfolded in NYC's private/public Zuccotti Park."
Thanks to Hazel Borys
FULL STORY: Res Civitas non-Gratis: 21st Century Public Realm

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie