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Thank Your Local Placemaker
An innovative idea for thanking those who make our neighborhoods great
How to Design Our World for Happiness
Free download of OTC's new book: The Commons Guide to Placemaking and a Convivial Life
16 Ways to Make Your Neighborhood Safer, Greener & Fun
From Italy to Luckenbach, Texas, practical ideas for improving your hometown
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Articles on Public Spaces and Public Life
January 8, 2013
It's All Happening at the Park
More than ever, we need common ground where all kinds of people can interact, learn and have fun
September 10, 2012
The Great American Neighborhood
Welcome to Jacobsburg, which offers inspiring lessons in how to create a great community.
August 11, 2012
Low-income People Need Public Spaces the Most
Parks, squares, sidewalks, transit, schools and community centers are commons that can be used by all
August 5, 2012
The Fall and Rise of Great Public Spaces
Why we need parks, streetlife, squares, markets, trails, community gardens and other hang outs more than ever
June 25, 2012
From Middle East to Wall Street, Justice Depends on Public Spaces
What happens when people have no place to gather as citizens?
June 24, 2012
Why Don't We Do It in the Road?
The surprising absence of pedestrian streets in North America-- and what Calgary can show us
June 9, 2012
Let Us Now Praise Vacant Lots
Commoners work to keep these vital places in the public realm
April 24, 2012
Every Neighborhood Needs a Commons
November 30, 2011
Beloved Commons That Are Not Actually Commons
Support your favorite local, independent shops
October 29, 2011
Changing the World One Block at a Time
The neighborhood is a powerful—but often overlooked—tool for social improvement
October 15, 2011
The Architect Has No Clothes
Why so much modern design looks harsh and feels inhospitable
September 18, 2011
Great Green Public Spaces Right Under Our Noses
Cemeteries were once used like parks, which is beginning to happen again
July 19, 2011
What Happens When You Open the Streets for People
An outbreak of smiles on everyone's face-- and more
April 16, 2011
Designing the Commons Into Our Everyday Lives
Pocket neighborhoods bring us together within our neighborhoods
July 1, 2010
Takin' It to the Streets
Those who want to restrict the free flow of pedestrians will crush the vitality of our cities.
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