People who read this handbook
will learn how to create better public spaces
in their own communities and the value of short-term
actions and making visible changes. Through
examples of people's experiences in other cities,
PPS demonstrates that, with an understanding
of how a place works, any place can be "turned
around."
In a workbook included as an
appendix, tools such as observations, surveys,
public meetings, are described in a simple,
how-to manner that will help citizens get all
the information needed to that people can use
to understand why some spaces are successful
and why some of them are not. It also provides
steps that will help one lead a community based
visioning process and begin to improve their
neighborhood.
What people are saying
about How to Turn a Place Around:
"PPS' new places recipe book
includes diagrams and tools to evaluate and
suggest potential changes for any public space,
from a neighborhood playground to a major tourist
attraction. Any town, without calling
in outside consultants, can use PPS's new book
to develop similarly inventive strategies."
- Neal Peirce,
Washington Post, from his review "Still
Planning for Public Spaces as if People Mattered"
"The people involved in the design
and development within cities are thinking about
all other facets of design, except for what
makes a great place."
- Joseph P. Riley,
Mayor of Charlestown, SC
"For years, PPS has been helping
neighborhoods understand what their assets are,
and how to use them to rebuild and restore their
public spaces. This book is indispensable for
anyone understands that with common sense and
a lot of energy, any place can be turned around."
- Dana Crawford,
President, Urban Neighborhoods, Inc., developer
and preservationist
"Our cities and towns need leaders
who understand that vital, active places are
critical to their health and long term sustainability.
This book goes a long way toward not only proving
why, but showing how great places make great
cities. We've ordered hundreds for our field
officers."
- Robert Peck,
Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, General
Services Administration
"Project for Public Spaces gave
developers something to work with that promotes
the idea of planning and building with community
involvement. This book is full of real examples
of building and renovation projects that succeeded
because the communities were involved from the
outset."
- Douglas Durst,
President, The Durst Organization
"Citizens are demanding that
state Departments of Transportation do a better
job of listening, and that we pay more attention
to aesthetic and historic values. This book
should be used as a primer for transportation
officials to understand all the different elements
that go into making a town or city livable."
- John C. Horsley,
Executive Director, American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
"It can serve as a valuable reference
both for introductory design classes and for
professional park planners and designers."
- APA Journal
"Small Cities recommends this
book for public officials concerned about the
public spaces in their own community."
- Small Cities
newsletter
How to Turn a Place Around
is available through our secure online
order form, or you can order over
the phone: (212) 620 5660. We accept MasterCard,
Visa, checks and money orders.
