Mackenzie Keast surveys the ten fundamental principles for placemaking identified by New York-based Project for Public Spaces (PPS) in their newly released handbook Placemaking and the Future of Cities.
A "best practices guide for those wishing to
improve the economic, environmental and social health of their
communities through the power of successful public space," is how Mackenzie Keast describes the intended application of the new publication [PDF] out from PPS. Produced under the auspices of the UN-HABITAT Sustainable Urban Development Network (SUD-Net), Placemaking and the Future of Cities outlines 10 best practices for successful public space projects and incorporates case studies "describing the impact of the Placemaking process in nearly a dozen cities throughout the Global South." Practices include: improving streets as public spaces, building local economies through markets, and linking public health agendas to public space agendas.
Although oriented towards the challenges of creating and sustaining public spaces in the developing world, the practices outlined in the draft handbook would serve anyone looking to build inclusive, healthy, functional, and productive cities.
FULL STORY: 10 Ways to Improve Your City through Public Space
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service