Demos is a public policy and advocacy think-tank based in Britain that is well-regarded for its diverse studies on such timely issues as urban governance, the public and the media, and a number of other topics. This latest report from co-authors Melissa Mean and Charlie Tims takes on the always-tmely theme of how cities might create more effective public spaces in cities that will work well for a wide host of constituencies. The 41-page report is based on intensive qualitative research done in the British towns of Cardiff, Preston, and Swindon. The report has a broad agenda, as it offers a number of suggestions and policy initiatives for how effective public spaces might boost people’s participation in public space and “the wider public life of their town or city”.

If you’ve ever spent time wandering the concrete jungles of any city, or if you’ve been lost in a soulless suburb, you’ve probably felt that certain sort of lifelessness — that distinct lack of heartbeat inherent to the crabbier corners of our urban oases.

Listen to Fred Kent’s interview on CBC Radio (click on Part 3).

Project for Public Spaces is currently accepting resumes for project assistants and interns.

If you would like to be considered for these positions, please forward a resume and cover letter to the attention of Shin-pei Tsay.
In your cover letter, please state why you have an interest in Project
for Public Spaces and how your particular experience and interests
could contribute to our mission.

You may contact Shin-pei at:

Project for Public Spaces, Inc.

700 Broadway, 4th Floor

New York, NY 10003

Phone (212) 620-5660
Fax (212) 620-3821Email Shin-pei Tsay

PPS held a public workshop at Denver’s Union Station to elicit ideas from the community that will result in a vibrant and attractive plaza that will be a destination that will draw people year-round.

PPS is working with the the City of Mississauga in an ongoing effort to create a vital downtown core. As we’ve spoken to and trained the people who work for the city, we’ve found they really understand public spaces and embrace the need for Placemaking.

PPS prepared a report for the first phase of this project in Mississauga (which is located outside of Toronto), and this article in Novae Rea Urbis describes the project’s goals.

The city of Honolulu is adding three new “pocket parks,” tiny public playgrounds squeezed into vacant lots in crowded urban areas to give residents a place to escape their apartment buildings and sit outside in the open air.

The deputy parks superintendent in Providence, RI, says the city is looking into creating several enclosed dog runs. The dog owners argue that dog parks reduce crime, cultivate happy and healthy dogs, and foster a social network of dog owners.

Farmers markets are increasingly opening in low income communities where residents need to buy produce as cheaply as possible. In some cases, they’re even accepting food stamps.

Fred Kent delivered the keynote address at a downtown conference in Wausau, WI on October 20th. The City has put forth a lot of effort into improving their downtown, and is on its way to becoming an extraordinary place.

Fred also offered some advice on what to do with the City’s downtown square.

Listen to Fred Kent and Ethan Kent’s interview on Prime Time Radio, discussing the ideals and realities for good public spaces, and how to create great places where environment, people, and community join together.