Public Spaces
International Resolution on the Need For Quality Public Spaces
UN-HABITAT (United Nations Human Settlement Programme) recently adopted its first ever resolution on public space, encouraging equity and the development of quality public spaces.
Libraries as Disappearing Public Spaces
With funding in question, the future of public libraries is uncertain. This slideshow explores how libraries function as a commons and public space in American cities.
New York City's Public Parks Add Ping Pong Tables
New outdoor, publicly accessible ping pong tables are taking hold in New York City, adding an extra element of health and activity to some of the city's public parks.
The Commons Commodified?
The "commons" are increasingly falling into the hands of private owners, prompting Jay Walljasper to what it means to have commonly shared spaces in the modern world.
The Internet vs. the City
Will digital communications make cities obsolete, or can online connections actually complement the face-to-face interactions and the cities that support them?
The Contradictions of Regulating Temporary Spaces
As popularity of "temporary urbanism" initiatives rises, there are increasingly efforts to regulate these sites. Jonna McKone of TheCityFix analyzes the trend.
Revitalizing an Historic Plaza in El Paso
San Jacinto Plaza is the historic heart of El Paso, Texas. City officials are planning a major redevelopment of the plaza, perhaps even expanding its traditional borders and using New York's Bryant Park rebirth as a model.
The Importance of Quality Streetscapes
This piece from Next American City looks at plans to dramatically rework streetscapes in Boston, and cheers the effort.
Our Capitol's Lack: A Great Public Square
Critic Philip Kennicott attends a lecture by architect Robert Gatje on great public squares and bemoans the fact that Washington, D.C. has a serious lack of them.
The Conflicting Needs of Tourists and Residents
A new Independence Mall stands in the historic heart of Philadelphia, a decade after the old mall's demolition. According to The Inquirer's Inga Saffron, the new space has been a major boon for tourists but has alienated many city residents.
What Do Good Public Spaces Look Like?
Deborah Marton, Executive Director of the Design Trust for Public Space, asks, "Obviously public space should be beautiful and well designed for circulation, but what else should it do?"
Ugly L.A. Deserves a Makeover
Los Angeles is ugly. But it doesn't have to be, argues Sam Lubell.
Park Funding Problems? Privatize
More parks in the U.S. should fight funding issues through privatization, writes John Stossel.
Cities Putting Public Spaces Up for Sponsorship
Hundreds of public spaces -- from public parks to subway stations -- are open for bids from sponsors for naming rights.
The Blossoming of Barcelona
Jay Walljasper says that Barcelona, once looked upon as a dirty, second-rate city now is a must-see like Paris or Rome. How did the Spanish turn Barcelona around?
Public Space is Essential for Democracy
Architecture critic Sarah Williams Goldhagen says that streets can't create public interaction in the way that unstructured spaces like urban parks can.
The Best Public Spaces in the U.S.
The American Planning Association has released its 2010 selections for great public spaces, streets and neighborhoods, ranging from a sculpture garden in Alabama to New York's transformed Bryant Park.
Reducing Crime With Public Spaces in London
Officials in London are relying on the creation of 86 new public spaces throughout the city to cut down on criminal behavior.
The Predictability of Humans in Public Spaces
Jan Gehl sits down with Greg Linsday to talk about his new book, Cities for People, if Phoenix could take lessons from New York, and "the needs of the urban habitat of homo sapiens."
Pedestrian-Only Zone Proposed for San Diego
With the centennial of the Panama-California Exposition that created San Diego's Balboa Square approaching, the city is considering turning back the neighborhood to its former car-free glory.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
