Overview

Public Space: notes on why it matters, what we should know, and how to realize its potential journeys a vast territory and presents a panoramic view of public space—an understanding from numerous disciplines—under one cover in an incisive and concise manner. As a dialogue between the social-political and the material-physical, the book brings together the key ideas that encompass the social, political, and physical issues in the making and experience of public space. The book is at the same time a primer and a progressive text. It makes the case for public space, digs deep into understanding what public space is, followed by three sections that present the inherent paradoxes, the possibilities, and propositions for a more meaningful public space. The book presents ideas in concise and approachable ways—from established tenets to new propositions—that are constructive and thought-provoking, with many that will challenge the reader’s preconceived notions. Students and scholars in the built environment disciplines and social sciences, public space managers, public and private sector practitioners, and civic leaders, but also residents who want to better understand and make an impact in their communities and cities will find Public Space to be a valuable resource.

Full Product Details

9781032137025

Table of Contents

Reviews

In this timely book, Vikas Mehta delivers a complex cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural narrative through a rich and elegant combination of texts and illustrations. This is a must read for all those committed to exploring public space-whether undergraduate or graduate students, planning and design practitioners, those who operate and maintain public spaces, or aspiring civic leaders committed to making the best use of public spaces in their cities. Miodrag Mitrasinovic, Professor of Urbanism and Architecture, Parsons School of Design, The New School university, New York City Vikas Mehta is seeking new commons through paradoxes, possibilities, and propositions on public space. This tour de force book considers a broad panoramic, and enlightening array of views on public space as a major interdisciplinary field within urbanism, a book that is at the same time a primer, guide, and a progressive book of rules. It is an insightful new guide that simplifies and demystifies the public space debate and affirms the value of good and just city life in the time of urban crisis. This book, like its author who is one of the leading authorities in urban design and public space, is innovative, clear, and able to open pathways to new ideas. Tigran Haas, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for the Future of Places, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, Guest Research Scholar at LCAU, MIT

In this timely book, Vikas Mehta delivers a complex cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural narrative through a rich and elegant combination of texts and illustrations. This is a must read for all those committed to exploring public space-whether undergraduate or graduate students, planning and design practitioners, those who operate and maintain public spaces, or aspiring civic leaders committed to making the best use of public spaces in their cities. Miodrag Mitrasinovic, Professor of Urbanism and Architecture, Parsons School of Design, The New School university, New York City Vikas Mehta is seeking new commons through paradoxes, possibilities, and propositions on public space. This tour de force book considers a broad panoramic, and enlightening array of views on public space as a major interdisciplinary field within urbanism, a book that is at the same time a primer, guide, and a progressive book of rules. It is an insightful new guide that simplifies and demystifies the public space debate and affirms the value of good and just city life in the time of urban crisis. This book, like its author who is one of the leading authorities in urban design and public space, is innovative, clear, and able to open pathways to new ideas. Tigran Haas, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for the Future of Places, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, Guest Research Scholar at LCAU, MIT

Author Information

Vikas Mehta, PhD, is a Professor of Urban Design, the Fruth/Gemini Chair and Ohio Eminent Scholar of Urban/Environmental Design at the School of Planning, College of DAAP, University of Cincinnati.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available