Planning Denver's Civic Center

"How should citizens analyze the work of this crop of stars, particularly those competing for prominent buildings in Civic Center? What are the elements of an interesting city, of a great civic place, of public architecture?

...We're not very good at thinking about public place. We admire the expanded convention center that kills (as in, "removes all life from") several downtown streets. Or applaud a full-block downtown hotel with a terrific façade and windows at the street - but no retail or commercial space and only two entrances."