The Project for Public Spaces says that despite its reputation as a sprawling, planning-free city, Houston is turning the lack of city planning to its advantage by inspiring a bottom-up approach.
PPS' team writes that in Houston today "...[t]he vision for a public place is now defined by stakeholders in the community with leaders and professionals helping to implement this vision. This approach is already paying off-downtown Houston is thriving from hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment and never before have so many come downtown to enjoy the new amenities."
They look at newly revitalized public spaces like Baker Ripley Neighborhood Center, Discovery Green and Market Square Park:
"The core of this vision was to ensure there is something to do in Market Square Park all times of day and evening. It features a very popular Greek outdoor café with dining trellis, water features, artwork, two dog runs, a variety of places to sit, eat and people watch and neighborhood-friendly programming such as movies and live music. The square has become a popular destination for visitors, but more importantly, it has become a beloved gathering place for local residents."
FULL STORY: Houston is North America's Placemaking Capital
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