Project for Public Spaces

Planning and Design Services

PPS uses a community-based approach that we call "Placemaking" in all our planning and design projects.

What sets our method apart is that we truly put people first. Instead of incorporating public input after a plan has already been drawn up, PPS gathers ideas from local stakeholders at the outset, helping the community create a vision for improvement.

"It is important, with an open space, to understand in exacting detail just what it is and to have a well-conceived program of what activities the space will accommodate. That was a very important contribution that PPS made."

Guy Hagstette
Director, Discovery Green Park Conservancy, Houston, TX
PPS Project: Discovery Green

This vision becomes the basis for a program of uses and activities. In essence, PPS determines how people want to use a place before we do any design. So when the project is implemented, it reflects the community’s desires and will serve their specific needs.

Learn more about our Planning and Design services and see how we can help your community's public spaces come to life.

  • Our Approach PPS applies our Placemaking approach to all sorts of public spaces--from waterfronts to downtowns to campuses--and at many different scales--from regional transit systems to city-wide street networks to neighborhood parks and plazas.
  • Where Is PPS Working Today Get the scoop on all of PPS's current projects.
  • Why Choose PPS We have an international reputation for our work in the planning, design and management of public spaces.
  • Project Experience A sample of projects from the 2000 communities where we have worked.