Jay Walljasper chronicles the decline of lively public spaces in the era of "rampant traffic, proliferating privatization, heightened security...and the internet," and human kind's existential need for protecting and expanding the public realm.
Though essential "for human exchange, upon which our communities, economy, democracy and society depend," public spaces have been under threat from a host of sources for the past century. For Walljasper, "The decline of public places represents a loss far deeper than
simple nostalgia for the quiet, comfortable ways of the past." As "the starting point for all community, commerce and democracy," he argues, "the future of the human race depends on public spaces."
With the help of eminent Danish Planner Jahn Gehl, Walljasper goes on to describe how successful public spaces work, and why they matter. They also examine the myriad examples of cities that have revitalized themselves upon a foundation of great public places.
"People are not out in public spaces because they have to but
because they love to," Gehl explains. "If the place is not appealing
they can go elsewhere. That means the quality of public spaces has
become very important. There is not a single example of a city that
rebuilt its public places with quality that has not seen a renaissance."
FULL STORY: The Fall and Rise of Great Public Spaces
Park Funding Problems? Privatize
More parks in the U.S. should fight funding issues through privatization, writes John Stossel.
London For Sale
Britain is becoming increasingly privatized as urban regeneration projects put entire neighborhoods in the hands of developers. One project spans 34 of Liverpool's streets, putting public space in private control.
Towns Preparing for Eclipse Exodus
Monday’s solar eclipse will bring increased traffic to parts of the country in its path.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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