Project for Public Spaces » International http://www.pps.org Placemaking for Communities Mon, 13 May 2013 20:45:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5 The High Points of Placemaking: Around the World in 2010 http://www.pps.org/blog/the-high-points-of-placemaking-around-the-world-in-2010/ http://www.pps.org/blog/the-high-points-of-placemaking-around-the-world-in-2010/#comments Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:29:01 +0000 dkitzes http://www.pps.org/?p=69955 As cities, even countries, move toward a place-based agenda for determining how they will develop in the future, PPS has discovered emerging trends that can improve how we create vibrant, livable cities. Looking back on 2010, we realize just how far the idea of Placemaking has come as a strategy for building great public spaces and communities around the world.

Compiling this list of the Placemaking highlights of 2010 confirmed for us that these ideas have real importance to people in different types of communities, in different styles of public spaces, in different economic settings and in different parts of the world. As the year ahead unfolds, we think these trends will continue at an even greater rate.

Upcoming PPS newsletters will focus on exciting plans for our transformative agendas on markets and transportation, as well as our Digital Placemaking initiative, waterfront developments and a new PPS training course on managing and improving public spaces. We will also continue to revisit our core values, which began with Holly Whyte’s captivating book and film about the importance of getting the details right in the design of public spaces..

And now for the highlights of 2010…

  • Lighter, Quicker Cheaper
  • And the Silos Came Tumbling Down…
  • The Boom in Citizen Activism
  • Return of the Civic Square
  • Placemaking Heard Around the World

Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper

Projects that are generally of smaller scale, can be constructed more quickly than traditional developments and can be done for a smaller amount of capital are catching on as a new way of doing development in public spaces. Eric Reynolds, founder of Urban Space Management in London coined the phrase “lighter, quicker, cheaper” nearly 40 years ago when he implemented an innovative project at the UK’s Camden Lock in London.

Such projects are being implemented in a variety of environments including markets, waterfronts and even on parking lots throughout the world. The results are destinations that grow out of the community in which they are located, creating jobs and a sense of community ownership.

In 2010, PPS hosted two forums that brought together implementers of the idea. Eric’s business partner, Eldon Scott, is promoting the concept in the U.S. with innovative markets in New York, including the Union Square, Madison Square, and Columbus Square holiday markets.

And the Silos Came Tumbling Down…

“The whole earth is in jail and they are planning this incredible jailbreak.” – Legendary Bay Area activist, Wavy Gravy

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to placemaking and community building today is the tendency to define design professions so narrowly that important goals which could make cities more livable are lost. Fortunately, a new trend is emerging in which local governments  realize how much more effective they can be when interacting with a number of different disciplines and implementing changes that reach broader audiences.

One of the outcomes of this kind of “Silo Busting” is a more holistic approach to implementing public spaces and a greater recognition of the convergence that occurs between movements such as preservation, economic development, sustainability and health. For example, transportation is converging with health and community development to promote the health benefits of walking and biking, as well as the benefits of using transportation to build compact community centers.  PPS’ transportation program is  a leader in the Partners for Livable Transportation Solutions that seeks seeks to change the culture of transportation planning in America from a single-minded focus on high speed mobility to a greater focus on  service in which communities view transportation as a logistical means to societal ends.

The Boom in Citizen Activism

There has been an explosion of community-led efforts efforts that represent a new kind of planning – one that is proactive, positive, passionate, practical and provides a new model for the development of public spaces. We’ve seen it happening in places as diverse as Corpus Christi, TX, Buffalo, NY, Annapolis, MD and Tupelo,   MS.

Return of the Civic Square

PPS is excited to announce the opening of four projects in which we were involved that created new gathering spaces in each of the cities: Market Square in Houston; Market Square in Pittsburgh; Main Plaza in San Antonio; and the Perth Cultural Centre in Australia. In each of these places, PPS worked with the communities and stakeholders to create a place-based vision that informed the program and concept plans for the activities taking place. In addition, the Chinatown Summer Nights in Los Angeles, which grew out of a series of PPS workshops, was a catalytic project that kick started improvements for the area

Placemaking Heard Around the World

Placemaking is definitely taking hold internationally. Last year, PPS staff worked in South Korea, South Africa, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bulgaria.

As we look towards the future, we continue to be excited about the range of resources available on PPS.org. We have created our website to be a town square where people can gather to find out what’s new and participate in a powerful exchange of ideas that helps propel the Placemaking movement forward.

We are excited to explore with you ways that the Town Square can evolve in the future. We think we are at a turning point and look forward to your continued support and ideas for making better public spaces.


]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/the-high-points-of-placemaking-around-the-world-in-2010/feed/ 1 Road Diet, Parks Planned for the Bund in Shanghai http://www.pps.org/blog/road-diet-parks-planned-for-the-bund-in-shanghai/ http://www.pps.org/blog/road-diet-parks-planned-for-the-bund-in-shanghai/#comments Fri, 30 May 2008 11:45:43 +0000 mkodransky@pps.org

East-1 Zhongshan Road in Shanghai’s landmark Bund area is about to get a serious road diet. Decades ago, it was a tree-lined boulevard that served as a gateway to the region’s financial and global trade core. Today, it looks more like a moat full of vehicle [...]]]> Photo Courtesy of China Daily (April, 2006)

East-1 Zhongshan Road in Shanghai’s landmark Bund area is about to get a serious road diet. Decades ago, it was a tree-lined boulevard that served as a gateway to the region’s financial and global trade core. Today, it looks more like a moat full of vehicle traffic that separates the waterfront from the majestic buildings facing the harbor and the vibrant city life further inland.

Ten lanes of traffic will be reduced down to four to create more pedestrian space, parks, shops and better linkages to surrounding areas, such as the Nanking Road shopping corridor – one of the busiest in the world. Most of the traffic will be redirected underground to a new tunnel, which will let through traffic vehicles bypass East-1 Zhongshan Road.

Currently, views of the Huangpu harbor from East-1 Zhongshan Road are blocked by raised levees and an elevated promenade. Visitors mostly come to the promenade to see the new skyline shaping up in the Pudong district across the Huangpu River.

The hope is to bring people to the area for many more activities than currently exist. The proposed design promises to improve the physical and visual connection to the water. 

Bund-Redevelopment-Plan.jpg Photo Source: Chan Krieger Sieniewicz

The redevelopment project is expected to be done in time for World Expo 2010.

The Shanghai Planning Bureau is currently soliciting feedback and ideas on the designs. See more photos and view the public feedback page here (translated automatically using babelfish). 

Related Articles:

A New Look for the Bund [Shanghaiist]

Shanghai Waterfront Redesigned [Architecture Magazine] 

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/road-diet-parks-planned-for-the-bund-in-shanghai/feed/ 0 Montreal’s New Public Spaces http://www.pps.org/blog/montreals-new-public-spaces/ http://www.pps.org/blog/montreals-new-public-spaces/#comments Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:30:53 +0000 mkodransky@pps.org  


Montreal is a city with an interesting mix of old colonial squares and new corporate plazas. A new approach to creating vibrant public places seems to be brewing. The focus is on simple and flexible designs that facilitate human activity rather than merely display great architectural achievements.

[...]]]>  


Montreal is a city with an interesting mix of old colonial squares and new corporate plazas. A new approach to creating vibrant public places seems to be brewing. The focus is on simple and flexible designs that facilitate human activity rather than merely display great architectural achievements.

Gavin Affleck, a partner in the Montreal-based firm Affleck + de la Riva Architects and contributing editor for the monthly magazine Canadian Architect, writes:

“What public space is about is human activity; what it is not about is architectural objects. The great urban spaces of European cities are precisely that: spaces. What fills them is the ebb and flow of life–events, experiences, activities.



Rather than aesthetic, formal or visual concerns, the measure of success of a public space is the degree of vitality it achieves as a support for human activity.“ 

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/montreals-new-public-spaces/feed/ 0 Paris on Two Wheels http://www.pps.org/blog/paris-on-two-wheels/ http://www.pps.org/blog/paris-on-two-wheels/#comments Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:32:34 +0000 mkodransky@pps.org  


The ambitious bicycle sharing program in Paris is a model for smart transportation policy. It is revolutionizing the city’s street culture while also tackling rising energy costs and global climate change.

Renting stations are quickly becoming places to meet friends and strangers. Jay Walljasper, PPS  Senior Fellow [...]]]>  


The ambitious bicycle sharing program in Paris is a model for smart transportation policy. It is revolutionizing the city’s street culture while also tackling rising energy costs and global climate change.

Renting stations are quickly becoming places to meet friends and strangers. Jay Walljasper, PPS  Senior Fellow and blogger for National Geographic’s The Ecopolitan, writes:

“Borrowing a bright idea from Lyon, France, the city is developing what amounts to a two-wheeled version of the metro. You can pick up a bike at one of 1500 Velib (roughly, “free bike”) stations around the city and ride it where you need to go for free or a nominal fee. Since last summer 15,000 bikes have been put on the streets, with another 5,000 to be added by the end of the year. The next step is adding more bike lanes and other improvements that make it easier and more fun to cycle around Paris.”

Related Articles:

Paris Wins the ITDP Sustainable Transport Award [Streetsblog]

Paris Joins 2-Wheel Trend In Europe [New York Times]

European-style Bike Sharing Programs Head to US [AFP]

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/paris-on-two-wheels/feed/ 0 Park to Reconnect City Center with One of the World’s Greatest Waterfronts? http://www.pps.org/blog/park-to-reconnect-city-center-with-one-of-the-worlds-greatest-waterfronts/ http://www.pps.org/blog/park-to-reconnect-city-center-with-one-of-the-worlds-greatest-waterfronts/#comments Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:24:26 +0000 mkodransky@pps.org  

The Western Distributor in Sydney wouldn’t be the first urban freeway to be dismantled so a community could access the waterfront. The Embarcadero Freeway in SF was demolished after an earthquake in 1989. The Miller Freeway in NYC has become a successful waterfront park and recreation area. And, tearing down the [...]]]>  

The Western Distributor in Sydney wouldn’t be the first urban freeway to be dismantled so a community could access the waterfront. The Embarcadero Freeway in SF was demolished after an earthquake in 1989. The Miller Freeway in NYC has become a successful waterfront park and recreation area. And, tearing down the Central Artery in Boston created the possibility of reconnecting the rest of the city center to Rowe’s Wharf, which now boasts unobstructed views of the Boston Harbor.

From the Press Release:

“Imagine a new green space almost the size of Hyde Park at Darling Harbour and the Western Distributor buried so the city is reconnected to our harbour.

This is just one of the visionary project ideas put forward as part of the City of Sydney’s Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision.”

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/park-to-reconnect-city-center-with-one-of-the-worlds-greatest-waterfronts/feed/ 1 Removing Traffic Lanes to Lounge Around in Wodonga, Australia http://www.pps.org/blog/removing-traffic-lanes-to-lounge-around-in-wodonga-australia/ http://www.pps.org/blog/removing-traffic-lanes-to-lounge-around-in-wodonga-australia/#comments Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:42:01 +0000 mkodransky@pps.org David Engwicht is a livable streets philosopher and author. Creator of the Walking School Bus, Mental Speed Bumps and many other innovative ways of taming traffic and increasing pedestrian safety, he has taken on “the challenge of a lifetime” to revitalize the downtown district of Wodonga, a small city in Australia [...]]]> David Engwicht is a livable streets philosopher and author. Creator of the Walking School Bus, Mental Speed Bumps and many other innovative ways of taming traffic and increasing pedestrian safety, he has taken on “the challenge of a lifetime” to revitalize the downtown district of Wodonga, a small city in Australia often referred to as “Struggle Town” in comparison to its sister city Albury just across the Murray River.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/removing-traffic-lanes-to-lounge-around-in-wodonga-australia/feed/ 0 Street Vending in Jamaica http://www.pps.org/blog/street-vending-in-jamaica/ http://www.pps.org/blog/street-vending-in-jamaica/#comments Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:44:52 +0000 mkodransky@pps.org “Urban planner and lecturer at the University of Technology, Earl Bailey, says the chaos being created by vendors on the streets could be lessened if market areas were designed with pedestrian traffic more in mind, rather than motor vehicular.

‘The reason why street vending is such a bad thing is because we are planning [...]]]> “Urban planner and lecturer at the University of Technology, Earl Bailey, says the chaos being created by vendors on the streets could be lessened if market areas were designed with pedestrian traffic more in mind, rather than motor vehicular.

‘The reason why street vending is such a bad thing is because we are planning for motor vehicles rather than planning for people and their activities,’ he argues.”

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/street-vending-in-jamaica/feed/ 0 Pirates takeover of Seabus http://www.pps.org/blog/pirates-takeover-of-seabus/ http://www.pps.org/blog/pirates-takeover-of-seabus/#comments Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:37:34 +0000 keenan Passengers commuting to and from the North Shore aboard the SeaBus last Friday found themselves surrounded by a horde of pirates who congregated for an ocean-faring party in the middle of Burrard Inlet.

Over 300 people dressed as a variety of pirates stormed the Waterfront terminal in front of chuckling commuters and TransLink employees. [...]]]> Passengers commuting to and from the North Shore aboard the SeaBus last Friday found themselves surrounded by a horde of pirates who congregated for an ocean-faring party in the middle of Burrard Inlet.

Over 300 people dressed as a variety of pirates stormed the Waterfront terminal in front of chuckling commuters and TransLink employees. The flash mob was organized almost entirely through the social networking site Facebook, which become essential for spontaneous guerilla pillow fights, art installations, and theme parties across the city.

Participants in the event, dubbed Pirates of the SeaBus, gathered at Waterfront Station and boarded two consecutive SeaBuses departing for Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. Upon arrival, they spilled out onto the docks and began dancing to old seafaring songs. Two live bands, the Creaking Planks and Toot a Lute, played both on the ferries and at the terminals, provoking chants of, “Ah-yo hoho, yo hoho!” in spontaneous singings of sailing songs. The night ended with a surprise performance by Empire Alley, complete with mix board and speakers, in front of Waterfront Station.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/pirates-takeover-of-seabus/feed/ 0 Jeddah to Have Parks and Community Center http://www.pps.org/blog/jeddah-to-have-parks-and-community-center/ http://www.pps.org/blog/jeddah-to-have-parks-and-community-center/#comments Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:07:19 +0000 keenan A new center devoted to the development of parks is currently being established under the supervision of the Jeddah Municipality at the Azizyah district, according to a municipality official.

The first of its kind in the Kingdom, the Parks and Community Center aims to serve society in the field of urban parks development through [...]]]> A new center devoted to the development of parks is currently being established under the supervision of the Jeddah Municipality at the Azizyah district, according to a municipality official.

The first of its kind in the Kingdom, the Parks and Community Center aims to serve society in the field of urban parks development through organizing studies, conducting research and providing lectures to public and specialized professionals, according to Ashraf Al-Turki, head of the municipalityï¾’s open areas department.

The 400-square-meter center is being built at the Al-Abrar public park at the intersection of Prince Majed and Sari streets.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/jeddah-to-have-parks-and-community-center/feed/ 0 The Great Neighborhood Book Voted in the Top 10 Planning Books for 2007 by Planetizen http://www.pps.org/blog/the-great-neighborhood-book-voted-in-the-top-10-planning-books-for-2007-by-planetizen/ http://www.pps.org/blog/the-great-neighborhood-book-voted-in-the-top-10-planning-books-for-2007-by-planetizen/#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:24:47 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Planetizen has named PPS/Jay Walljasper’s The Great Neighborhood Book as one of its top 10 planing books of 2007.  http://www.planetizen.com/books/2008
Also, Urban Land magazine recently reviewed The Great Neighborhood Book in the November/December 2007 issue. Click here to read the review.
The Great Neighborhood Book also received an honorable mention on [...]]]> Planetizen has named PPS/Jay Walljasper’s The Great Neighborhood Book as one of its top 10 planing books of 2007.  http://www.planetizen.com/books/2008
Also, Urban Land magazine recently reviewed The Great Neighborhood Book in the November/December 2007 issue. Click here to read the review.
The Great Neighborhood Book also received an honorable mention on the American Booksellers Association’s list of books about promoting local businesses.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/the-great-neighborhood-book-voted-in-the-top-10-planning-books-for-2007-by-planetizen/feed/ 0 Hibernation Discouraged: Cities Need Life on Their Streets http://www.pps.org/blog/hibernation-discouraged-cities-need-life-on-their-streets/ http://www.pps.org/blog/hibernation-discouraged-cities-need-life-on-their-streets/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:40:05 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Jay Walljasper discusses the need for cities to have life on their streets – even in the most frigid days (and nights) of winter.

“Plunging temperatures don’t necessarily sentence us to months of house arrest. People around the world from Copenhagen to New York are figuring out how to keep things lively [...]]]> Jay Walljasper discusses the need for cities to have life on their streets – even in the most frigid days (and nights) of winter.

“Plunging temperatures don’t necessarily sentence us to months of house arrest. People around the world from Copenhagen to New York are figuring out how to keep things lively throughout the colder months. City streets bustle with festivals and outdoor attractions showing that winter is something to enjoy rather than endure.

My colleague Cynthia Nikitin, vice president of Project for Public Spaces, describes Berlin in the dead of winter: “It gets dark at 3:30. It’s snowing like crazy. But it’s no problem. People are playing bocce ball on the ice. There are tents selling hot mulled wine. You are walking down the street just watching all the other people. Life is good, and winter feels good, too.”

But you need to give people reasons to be outside, Nikitin adds — “a market, ice skating, music, decorative lighting. No one will stay outdoors to stare at an empty plaza.”

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/hibernation-discouraged-cities-need-life-on-their-streets/feed/ 0 The Rockefeller Foundation Jane Jacobs Medal Nomination Process is Now Open http://www.pps.org/blog/the-rockefeller-foundation-jane-jacobs-medal-nomination-process-is-now-open/ http://www.pps.org/blog/the-rockefeller-foundation-jane-jacobs-medal-nomination-process-is-now-open/#comments Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:35:35 +0000 rdahl@pps.org The Rockefeller Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Jane Jacobs Medal on its website through February 1, 2008. The 2008 Rockefeller Foundation Jane Jacobs Medals will recognize two living individuals whose creative vision for the urban environment has significantly contributed to the vibrancy and variety of New York City.

Click [...]]]> The Rockefeller Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Jane Jacobs Medal on its website through February 1, 2008. The 2008 Rockefeller Foundation Jane Jacobs Medals will recognize two living individuals whose creative vision for the urban environment has significantly contributed to the vibrancy and variety of New York City.

Click here for the full  press release

Click here for the The 2008 Jane Jacobs Medal Nomination Form

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/the-rockefeller-foundation-jane-jacobs-medal-nomination-process-is-now-open/feed/ 0 In Search of a Great Street http://www.pps.org/blog/in-search-of-a-great-street/ http://www.pps.org/blog/in-search-of-a-great-street/#comments Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:39:46 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Inspired by Las Ramblas in Barcelona, this article discusses what makes a good street – how elements come together to make streets “the river of life.” Community is influenced positively with pedestrian-friendly streetscapes that value social encounters, as primary to commercial endeavors.

]]> Inspired by Las Ramblas in Barcelona, this article discusses what makes a good street – how elements come together to make streets “the river of life.” Community is influenced positively with pedestrian-friendly streetscapes that value social encounters, as primary to commercial endeavors.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/in-search-of-a-great-street/feed/ 0 Fight for Pedestrians Rights in Athens http://www.pps.org/blog/fight-for-pedestrians-rights-in-athens/ http://www.pps.org/blog/fight-for-pedestrians-rights-in-athens/#comments Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:31:22 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Up against indifference from goverment officials and oppression from overpowering vehicles, young Athenians stand up to take back the sidewalks for pedestrians. Due to poor planning, limited space, and an increase in drivership, Athenian drivers have become accustomed to illegally parking on sidewalks and other walkways despite blockades, barriers, or restrictions. Due to the lack of [...]]]> Up against indifference from goverment officials and oppression from overpowering vehicles, young Athenians stand up to take back the sidewalks for pedestrians. Due to poor planning, limited space, and an increase in drivership, Athenian drivers have become accustomed to illegally parking on sidewalks and other walkways despite blockades, barriers, or restrictions. Due to the lack of other simple solutions, the government has looked the other way.

One activist group the Street Panthers, finally fed up with this infringement, has begun sticking signs on illegally parked cars. An action, within the bounds of the law, that pushes back on illegal parkers, and informs and reminds the public and the government that pedestrians need safe and convenient spaces to walk amonst the city.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/fight-for-pedestrians-rights-in-athens/feed/ 0 Limitless in $220 million Vietnam mixed use development http://www.pps.org/blog/limitless-in-220-million-vietnam-mixed-use-development/ http://www.pps.org/blog/limitless-in-220-million-vietnam-mixed-use-development/#comments Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:05:44 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Limitless, the Dubai real estate developer and part of the conglomerate Dubai World, has announced it will build a US$220 million, mixed-use project in Vietnam.

The announcement comes as HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, is on a state visit to Vietnam to discuss bilateral relations.

Halong Star, a [...]]]> Limitless, the Dubai real estate developer and part of the conglomerate Dubai World, has announced it will build a US$220 million, mixed-use project in Vietnam.

The announcement comes as HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, is on a state visit to Vietnam to discuss bilateral relations.

Halong Star, a 125 hectare development at Halong Bay on Vietnam’s North East coast, was confirmed at the signing of a joint venture between Limitless, Phuong Hung Joint Stock Company and International Property Investment Partners.

The Halong Star development will include a 250-room hotel, the first five-star property in an area designated a World Heritage site by the United Nations.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/limitless-in-220-million-vietnam-mixed-use-development/feed/ 0 PPS Training Courses Open for Registration! http://www.pps.org/blog/pps-training-courses-open-for-registration/ http://www.pps.org/blog/pps-training-courses-open-for-registration/#comments Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:45:38 +0000 rdahl@pps.org Registration is now open for our two-day public training courses here in NYC:  How to Create Successful Markets, Oct. 12-13 and How to Turn a Place Around, Oct. 18-19

]]> Registration is now open for our two-day public training courses here in NYC:  How to Create Successful Markets, Oct. 12-13 and How to Turn a Place Around, Oct. 18-19

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/pps-training-courses-open-for-registration/feed/ 0 Melbourne, Australia After a Decade of Focus on Public Spaces http://www.pps.org/blog/melbourne-australia-after-a-decade-of-focus-on-public-spaces/ http://www.pps.org/blog/melbourne-australia-after-a-decade-of-focus-on-public-spaces/#comments Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:19:55 +0000 ksalay@pps.org Project for Public Spaces Vice President, Ethan Kent, writes about Melbourne’s successful new public space development, Federation Square, and a Placemaking training course that he helped lead, which included many city staff, local developers and “place managers.”

]]> Project for Public Spaces Vice President, Ethan Kent, writes about Melbourne’s successful new public space development, Federation Square, and a Placemaking training course that he helped lead, which included many city staff, local developers and “place managers.”

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/melbourne-australia-after-a-decade-of-focus-on-public-spaces/feed/ 0 Career Opportunities Available at Project for Public Spaces http://www.pps.org/blog/career-opportunities-available-at-project-for-public-spaces/ http://www.pps.org/blog/career-opportunities-available-at-project-for-public-spaces/#comments Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:54:26 +0000 ksalay@pps.org Project for Public Spaces is seeking to fill three positions: Executive Assistant; Associate, Marketing and Development; and Associate, Website and Database Manager.

Click here for the full job descriptions and information on how to apply.

]]> Project for Public Spaces is seeking to fill three positions: Executive Assistant; Associate, Marketing and Development; and Associate, Website and Database Manager.

Click here for the full job descriptions and information on how to apply.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/career-opportunities-available-at-project-for-public-spaces/feed/ 0 Public Wants Space, Not Style, Architects Told http://www.pps.org/blog/public-wants-space-not-style-architects-told/ http://www.pps.org/blog/public-wants-space-not-style-architects-told/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2007 11:23:12 +0000 ksalay@pps.org Policymakers are ignoring the wishes of local people and exaggerating the importance of “metropolitan” urban design in creating successful public spaces, according to a new report, the Social Value of Public Spaces.

“Most public spaces that people use are local spaces they visit regularly, often quite banal in design, or untidy in their activities [...]]]> Policymakers are ignoring the wishes of local people and exaggerating the importance of “metropolitan” urban design in creating successful public spaces, according to a new report, the Social Value of Public Spaces.

“Most public spaces that people use are local spaces they visit regularly, often quite banal in design, or untidy in their activities or functions, such as street markets and car boot sales,” the report said.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/public-wants-space-not-style-architects-told/feed/ 0 Interview with Fred Kent in Urban Land http://www.pps.org/blog/interview-with-fred-kent-in-urban-land/ http://www.pps.org/blog/interview-with-fred-kent-in-urban-land/#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:10:30 +0000 ksalay@pps.org This interview with Fred Kent appeared in the February 2007 issue of Urban Land:

“As an internationally known advocate for public spaces, Fred Kent, founder of the New York-based  Project for Public Spaces (PPS), sees cities – and the people who inhabit them – through the measured senses of an urban provocateur.”

]]> This interview with Fred Kent appeared in the February 2007 issue of Urban Land:

“As an internationally known advocate for public spaces, Fred Kent, founder of the New York-based  Project for Public Spaces (PPS), sees cities – and the people who inhabit them – through the measured senses of an urban provocateur.”

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/interview-with-fred-kent-in-urban-land/feed/ 0 Nine Ways to Transform New York into a City of Great Places http://www.pps.org/blog/nine-ways-to-transform-new-york-into-a-city-of-great-places/ http://www.pps.org/blog/nine-ways-to-transform-new-york-into-a-city-of-great-places/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2007 18:09:16 +0000 joshkent Although New York prides itself on its public life, New Yorkers inhabit a public realm that pales beside what it could become. “After working in cities around the world, we’ve developed a rich understanding of public spaces that begs to be put to use back in our home town,” explains PPS President Fred Kent. “New [...]]]> Although New York prides itself on its public life, New Yorkers inhabit a public realm that pales beside what it could become. “After working in cities around the world, we’ve developed a rich understanding of public spaces that begs to be put to use back in our home town,” explains PPS President Fred Kent. “New York can benefit from our experience and become an even greater city in the 21st century.”


Museum Mile Festival, 5th Avenue

Read this special issue of PPS’s newsletter Making Places, which includes the city commentary, New York great public spaces and hidden gems, and the places that provide the biggest opportunities for improvement.

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/nine-ways-to-transform-new-york-into-a-city-of-great-places/feed/ 0 The Social Life: Join Us at the Next PPS Happy Hour, January 11th http://www.pps.org/blog/the-social-life-join-us-at-the-next-pps-happy-hour-january-11th/ http://www.pps.org/blog/the-social-life-join-us-at-the-next-pps-happy-hour-january-11th/#comments Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:53:45 +0000 ksalay@pps.org Everyone is invited to the next PPS Happy Hour: The Social Life.

WHEN & WHAT TIME: Thursday, January 11, 6pm

SMALL URBAN SPACE: The Edge Bar (95 E 3rd Street between 1 and 2 Avenues), New York City

SOCIABILITY: Drinks and Games–billiards and darts!

We hope to see you there!

]]> Everyone is invited to the next PPS Happy Hour: The Social Life.

WHEN & WHAT TIME: Thursday, January 11, 6pm

SMALL URBAN SPACE: The Edge Bar (95 E 3rd Street between 1 and 2 Avenues), New York City

SOCIABILITY: Drinks and Games–billiards and darts!

We hope to see you there!

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/the-social-life-join-us-at-the-next-pps-happy-hour-january-11th/feed/ 0 PPS Client Wins Grand Award http://www.pps.org/blog/pps-client-wins-grand-award/ http://www.pps.org/blog/pps-client-wins-grand-award/#comments Thu, 04 Jan 2007 16:13:45 +0000 ksalay@pps.org Congratulations to the San Jose/Guerrero Coalition to Save Our Streets, co-recipient of the 2006 Grand Award, given by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in San Francisco.

The Coalition of neighborhood activists successfully transformed a dangerous 6-lane arterial into a traffic-calmed street with wide medians, safe pedestrian crossings, and bike lanes. PPS worked with the Coalition to [...]]]> Congratulations to the San Jose/Guerrero Coalition to Save Our Streets, co-recipient of the 2006 Grand Award, given by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in San Francisco.

The Coalition of neighborhood activists successfully transformed a dangerous 6-lane arterial into a traffic-calmed street with wide medians, safe pedestrian crossings, and bike lanes. PPS worked with the Coalition to create a Neighborhood Plan, to further redevelop the neighborhood’s streets into great public spaces.

Read more about PPS’s work with the San Jose/Guerrero Coalition to Save our Streets here.

Less room for cars translates to more room for bicyclists. (Photo: Noah Berger)

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/pps-client-wins-grand-award/feed/ 0 Position Available: Transportation and Placemaking Project Manager, http://www.pps.org/blog/position-available-transportation-and-placemaking-project-manager/ http://www.pps.org/blog/position-available-transportation-and-placemaking-project-manager/#comments Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:05:31 +0000 ksalay@pps.org PPS is seeking a Transportation and Placemaking Project Manager in its transportation line of business. Candidates should have experience in several of the following areas: transportation and land use planning and/or policy, TOD, transportation facility design, public participation and facilitation, community development, redevelopment and real estate development market analysis. The selected candidate will report to [...]]]> PPS is seeking a Transportation and Placemaking Project Manager in its transportation line of business. Candidates should have experience in several of the following areas: transportation and land use planning and/or policy, TOD, transportation facility design, public participation and facilitation, community development, redevelopment and real estate development market analysis. The selected candidate will report to the Vice President for Transportation and work with other VPs, project associates and interns on a range of planning, research, and marketing projects, including land and community development projects and general and specific plans for communities, cities and counties.

Read more about this position at: http://www.pps.org/info/aboutpps/jobopenings

]]> http://www.pps.org/blog/position-available-transportation-and-placemaking-project-manager/feed/ 0