Their work focused on creating inviting public spaces that encouraged livelier neighborhoods. That concept was complemented by Jane Jacobs, who advocated citizen ownership of streets through the now famous idea of “eyes on the street,” and William H. Whyte, who emphasized the essential nature of creating social life in public spaces.
Reclaimed in 1975 by the Project for Project for Public Spaces (PPS) in New York City, the concept of Placemaking expanded. Partnering with public and private organizations, federal, state and municipal agencies and civic groups, PPS has completed projects in over 2,500 communities in 40 countries to date.
Why Placemaking?
While cities rely on the old school methods, too often solutions lag or die altogether, due to a lack of familiarity and an excess of red tape. In contrast, ARTblocks and other Placemaking organizations focus on creating change from within. Placemaking is a grounds-up movement that harnesses the vision of communities to create the spaces that improve their lives.
