How to Turn a Place Around

by Project for Public Spaces

Why are some places better than others? Why do we get out of our cars and walk through certain towns, and take the bypass around others? Why are some neighborhood parks assets to their communities, and others liabilities? What if we want our public spaces to be assets in our communities and neighborhoods, but don’t know how to make them thrive? How do we make our public spaces into great community places? The result of 25 years of experience working in communities around the country and internationally, How to Turn a Place Around is a primer for everyone from mayors to community members on evaluating and transforming public spaces into thriving centers of community activity. Sections Why Places are Important to Cities; What Makes a Place Great; Why Many Public Spaces Fail; An Alternative Approach to Planning; The 11 Principles of Creating Great Public Spaces; and a Workbook For Evaluating Public Spaces. Through examples of peoples’ experiences in other cities, PPS demonstrates that, with an understanding of how a place works, any place can be “turned around.” “Today there is a growing understanding of how a focus on place can change how design and engineering professionals function,” writes Fred Kent in the book’s forward. “If we move away from our own agendas and toward the idea of creating places, there will be a major shift in how our communities and cities function and grow. In fact, many communities are turning to alternatives to the traditional, project-oriented approach to neighborhood revitalization. We are making headway. Downtowns are once again becoming places to walk and shop and gather. Our city parks are greener than at any time since the turn of the last century, and we are discovering new ways for them and for our downtown plazas and civic squares to function as centers of community life.”

Genres: Urban Planning, Urbanism, Nonfiction, Urban Design, Urban, Architecture

125 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 2000

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pacy and engaging read. This, unsurprisingly, is a book about public spaces, and generally outdoor space, however there are many elements which are applicable for public (and other) libraries as well. In a description of Discovery Park in Houston, TX, it says that it is 'not enough to have just one great destination on a great park - you need at least 10 of them to create a truly lively place' (p91). This is relevant for libraries as you need different kinds of spaces within the one building. It is also not a new idea that libraries need different kinds of spaces, for example see this produced by my work place.

I have been following Project For Public Spaces for a while, but it was watching a recent Victorian public library conference about library buildings which encouraged me to read this. There are place making principles including creating a place not a design, and the importance of community consultation, and evaluation. Place making is also continuous as communities change over time.

I found it was helpful reading this book, because of the different locations explored as I could then think about the implications for libraries. I will need to read it again, but that will be enjoyable.

[Cody Knepprath · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting book, cool to get a look into professional strategies for improving public spaces

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just completed the new 2018 edition. Practical, detailed, excellent!

[Tony Crispin · Rating 5 out of 5]

straight fire from cover 2 cover