Week 8 Readings and Questions
Walzer, Michael. 1986. “Pleasures and Costs of Urbanity” Dissent, Fall in Metropolis: Center and Symbol of our Times
Solnit, Rebecca. “The Right of the People Peaceably to Assemble in Unusual Clothing” Harvard Design Magazine, Winter/Spring 1998, Number 4
Jeff Weintraub, ‘Varieties and Vicissitudes of Public Space’, in Metropolis: Center and Symbol of Our Times, Philip Kasinitz, Ed., 1995, pp.280-319
Banerjee, Tridib, ‘The Future of Public Space: Beyond Invented Streets and Reinvented Places’, APA Journal, Winter 2001, Vol. 67, No,1, pp.9-24
Ruppert, Evelyn. ‘Rights to public space: Regulatory reconfigurations of liberty’ Urban Geography 27(3): 271-292 2006
Optional:
Meta, Vikas. ‘Look Closely and You Will See, Listen Carefully and You Will Hear: Urban Design and Social Interaction on Streets’ Journal of Urban Design. 2009.
Questions:
1) Consider something like a coffeehouse (There are many different types of coffeehouses). Many types of meetings, sometimes quite large, occur in coffeehouses. Does this serve as a public place? In your response, be sure to define what a public place is and what role public places serve in society.
2) Many of the authors have commented on the relationship between the automobile and public spaces (most have been negative) . Summarize some arguments as to the effect the automobile has had on traditional public places in America. In you opinion, does the automobile deserve this criticism? Explain.
3) Michael Walzer categorizes spaces as being “open-minded” or “close-minded.” Explain how Walzer means these terms. Is this categorization helpful? To what extent is this a result of purposeful planning or social idiosyncracies?
4) Discuss the role of social life and civic life of public spaces. Is one easier to plan for than the other? Why? Is public space essential for these activities? Why or why not?
