Public Space
Designs Revealed for Manhattan's First Public Beach
A designer was chosen in January, and conceptual rendering were released in July. Project boosters are also pushing an ambitious timeline that would start construction in late 2020.
Boston City Hall Plaza Ready for a Makeover
Bostonians love to hate City Hall Plaza. That could change, as the city finalizes a renovation project that aims to transform the way the public sees the city's government.
Unequal Distribution of Shade Is Environmental Injustice
A longread, written by Sam Boch and published by Places Journal, has been creating a stir online and is highly recommended for those with an interest in intersections between social justice and urban design.
When Does a Public Space Plan Rely Too Much on Pavement?
The debate leading up to the recent approval of the Arlington County, Virginia Public Spaces Master Plan reveals the competing pressures on park planning in 2019.
We Need More Words for Play
Could cities harness the power of play to build more healthy, resilient, and equitable communities, if only we had the words for it?
How to Design and Plan to Address the Root Causes of Gender Inequality
Gender equality has never played such a prominent role in the design of public and urban spaces. The world needs more than superficial, reactionary measures to address the long history of public space as the physical realm of patriarchy.
The Battle for Public Space: Business Owners vs. Homeless Residents
The role of business improvement districts in criminalizing homelessness reflects a tension between private interests and public space, Rob Waters writes.
Role of S.F. Parklets as Public Space Not Always Clear
Parklets in San Francisco are available for public use, but often they serve as extensions of the dining rooms of eateries.
Contest: Design a Logo for New York's Privately-Owned Public Spaces
New York City is holding a competition for a distinctive logo to clearly demarcate all of its 550 privately-owned public spaces.
Master Plan Strives for a 'Seamless' Chattahoochee River for the Atlanta Region
A comprehensive study to revitalize the Atlanta regional waterfront, dubbed the Chattahoochee RiverLands project, is now underway.
Planning a Successful Neighborhood Square
Insight from Barcelona and Portland on how to plan and design an active, welcoming neighborhood square.
The Mysteries Of 'Social Infrastructure'
In his new book Palaces for the People, sociologist Eric Klinenberg explores the places—from libraries and schools to cafes and churches—where cities' social lives take place. It's a compelling idea but one that Klinenberg discusses clumsily.
Toronto Mayoral Candidate Suggests Repurposing City Golf Courses
Former chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat wants to transform three failing golf courses into free public spaces.
Sidewalks and Footpaths 'Functionally Obsolete' in the Near Transportation Future
With so much attention devoted to how technology will change roadways and vehicles, less speculation has attended to the ways technology will change walking.
Public Space Arms Race
Battles for inclusion and exclusion in the life of the city more often end in stand-offs than in skirmishes.
Yes Sitting, Yes Skating, Yes Music
Where can teenagers hang out and be safe in public? Members of Yes Loitering, advocates for public spaces where youth can “hang out and be themselves” without fear of reprisal.
Mapping the Law of the Land: Curbside Access
More uses and modes than ever are fighting for curb space in growing cities. Here's an app to make sense of what you can do, and when, along this valued real estate.
The New 'Public Life Data Protocol' Aims to Revolutionize Public Life
The Gehl Institute, working with several public sector partners, has released an open source "Public Life Data Protocol."
Civic Space: Creating Community
What moves us about great public space is its ability to convene community. To provide an accessible place of solace and celebration. It’s not about the buildings, or even the streets. It’s about the experience. Susan Henderson on Savannah's squares.
Are Dog Parks Taking Space from People in Cities?
The number of dog parks in the United States has almost doubled since 2007. Some worry these spaces are not welcoming or could signal gentrification.
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
