Public Spaces

The Art of Place Making 

Having an interest in smart urban design is not the same as environmentalism. Being concerned about one's ecological footprint as well as desiring natural landscaping could be appear environmentalist from the outside, but there's a lot more going on than just that. Trying to find and embellish spaces is like a philosophy, as thisbigcity puts it. People should live in harmony with the natural habitat, but also feel comfortable, safe, and satisfied. With the interests of the local community in mind, place makers will transform a location, no matter how rundown or empty, into an inspired public space which promotes togetherness, creativity, low-impact technology, and green objectives, and fosters familiarity. 

Project for Public Spaces: 

As described by PPS itself: The Place Diagram is one of the tools Project for Public Spaces has developed to help communities evaluate places according to a set of criteria. The inner ring represents key attributes, the middle ring intangible qualities, and the outer ring measurable data.  

Urban Farming 

Berlin's Prinzessinnengarten: an exemplary urban garden for the borough of Kreuzberg

HK Farms, Hong Kong organized by farmers and designers offers food, promotes community, and gives workshops and tours 

Parks 

Sunday karaoke, the flea market, basketball, and live music at the Mauerpark, Berlin, Germany. Could we transform public spaces in the same way?

Read more at This Big City: http://thisbigcity.net/can-karaoke-transform-public-space/


Creative Conversions 

Miami's Own ... Once a warehouse district, the recently deceased street developer, Tony Goldman, saw a fantastic opportunity in the empty walls, which he soon opened up to local artists for some creative street art. Now the area is known as Wynwood Arts District.