Placemaker Profiles

The Placemaking movement was born over forty years ago, when pioneers like Jane Jacobs and William H. Whyte published their groundbreaking ideas about Americans and the urban experience. Back then there was no name for their way of thinking--they simply showed us that cities should be designed for people, with walkable streets, welcoming public spaces, and lively neighborhoods.

"Placemaker Profiles" highlights the individuals who have captured our imagination about the need to create great places in every community. By bringing together their valuable stories, key insights, and compelling visions, we hope to share their wisdom with our readers, honor their accomplishments, and acknowledge their profound influence on the Placemaking movement.

• William H. Whyte The mentor of PPS and of placemakers everywhere
• Christopher Alexander An architect who believes people should design for themselves
• Donald Appleyard An academic with a flare for activism in returning streets to communities
• Dan Burden A passionate visionary for pedestrian and bicycle-friendly communities
• Jan Gehl The European leader in creating 'life between buildings'
• Roberta Brandes Gratz A strong voice for bringing 'cities back from the edge'
• Tony Hiss The man who made 'the experience of place' popular again
• Allan Jacobs The ultimate student of the street
• Jane Jacobs A true original who inspired a generation with her writings and activism in support of community-based planning.
• James Howard Kunstler Vigilante of the rapidly encroaching 'geography of nowhere'
• Clare Cooper Marcus A purveyor of planning for people
• Ray Oldenburg The man who gave us 'the great good place'
• Enrique Penalosa The mayor who built a city for children

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