Reflections from Our Founders: Developing the 11 Principles for Creating Great Community Places

Fifty years ago, starting an organization focused on public spaces was a bold move—especially at a time when few even understood what a public space was! Inspired by the work of urbanist Holly Whyte, the founders of Project for Public Spaces began by applying his techniques, but soon realized they needed to first convince others that public space issues even existed.

The latest article on our blog is written by our co-founders Steve Davies, Fred Kent, and Kathy Madden, and is all about how their work evolved into broadly applicable principles, culminating in the 11 Principles for Creating Great Community Places. As we mark our 50th anniversary, we’re reflecting on these enduring values that continue to shape public spaces today!

Read the article to learn about some great stories, see photos, and watch time-lapse videos from over the years!

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