On the Value of Small Spaces in Remaking the Public Realm

John King introduces the idea at the heart of the article by making the following claim: "the aspirations of a city can also be measured in smaller scraps of land - the remnant spaces that often are blighted or ignored, but with imaginative design and care have the potential to be destinations."

"That's why it is heartening to see San Francisco working to fold scraps back into the public realm, making common ground at the community level. The effort began several years ago; this year's crop includes a remade downtown plaza, stray land from a freeway project and a remote dead end."

King goes on to describe such efforts at locations like Mechanics Plaza on Market Street in the Financial District, three spaces "along and under" the Central Freeway, McCoppin Hub, and Burrows Pocket Park.