Transforming Cities: Revival in the Square

Cities can be transformed by better quality public space and Revival in the Square explains how to do it. In a clear and accessible way, it provides an insight into how design strategies for public spaces can revive our cities. The book is based on real experience and provides an effective bridge between strategy and action on the ground. Endorsed by Richard Rogers, international architect and chief adviser to the Mayor of London and by Jon Rouse, chief executive of the Housing Corporation, Revival in the Square is highly relevant to anyone interested in the role of public squares in urban regeneration. The book demonstrates how uncluttered and joined up public spaces can be built to promote civic values and commercial competitiveness and how squares can bring people together for a more positive, shared experience of urban living. It gives practical guidance on creating the high quality public space that is required for an urban renaissance. Fully illustrated throughout with international examples of best practice, Revival in the Square is an important contribution that links strategy and design to the delivery of a better built environment. Revival in the Square demonstrates how the city square has always been at the heart of public urban life. In today?s world, as cities compete in the global market place, their image and quality of life are increasingly important. Governments around the world are encouraging city authorities to work with the private sector to invest in regeneration and urban design - and new city squares are providing a focus for this activity. The various governmental, professional and commercial organizations involved with the design, development and management of public space have traditionally been divided into separate disciplines, resulting in a fragmented system characterized by communication gaps between the main stakeholders. Transforming Cities: Revival in the Square explains how to close the gaps through strategic leadership, management, and high quality design - all helping the delivery of an urban renaissance. The book has two main themes. Firstly, it is about how the decision-making infrastructure can be improved; secondly, it is about the physical design and management required to create and maintain sustainable public spaces. The book shows that if people are to be aware of the complexity and variety of the society they are a part of, and if they are to appreciate notions of civic identity and respect for others, there must be a place they can occasionally see and experience a diverse cross section of that society - and this is one of the key functions of the city square.