In an age of increasing technology and online social connections, real face-to-face interactions are often hard to come by. But our natural human desire to connect in person should be nourished and supported by the environments in which we live. Public space is critical to those connections.
Remember learning about the "agoras" of Ancient Greece? They were the central gathering places where political assemblies and public markets took place. How about the "piazzas" of Italy or the "town squares" of old Europe or early American cities?
Nearly every culture throughout history has had forms of public gathering places; yet, many of our modern U.S. cities lack these amenities. But those cities that do recognize the importance of public space have found creative ways to incorporate it where people and families can enjoy coming together for music, events, or even just watching the world go by with a cup of coffee in hand.
It's difficult to fit a public square into the suburbs, but Carlsbad's downtown offers the perfect opportunity to create more space to engage and connect its citizens.
As you begin to participate in the reshaping of Carlsbad Village and the Barrio through the Master Plan public charrette process this month,keep the idea of public space in the forefront of your mind.
Where do you currently go to gather, to meet friends or make new ones? Is there a central gathering place in the Village? Do the Village and Barrio need more public space? Where, and how, can we create it?
Westman can be reached at [email protected].
Remember learning about the "agoras" of Ancient Greece? They were the central gathering places where political assemblies and public markets took place. How about the "piazzas" of Italy or the "town squares" of old Europe or early American cities?
Nearly every culture throughout history has had forms of public gathering places; yet, many of our modern U.S. cities lack these amenities. But those cities that do recognize the importance of public space have found creative ways to incorporate it where people and families can enjoy coming together for music, events, or even just watching the world go by with a cup of coffee in hand.
It's difficult to fit a public square into the suburbs, but Carlsbad's downtown offers the perfect opportunity to create more space to engage and connect its citizens.
As you begin to participate in the reshaping of Carlsbad Village and the Barrio through the Master Plan public charrette process this month,keep the idea of public space in the forefront of your mind.
Where do you currently go to gather, to meet friends or make new ones? Is there a central gathering place in the Village? Do the Village and Barrio need more public space? Where, and how, can we create it?
Westman can be reached at [email protected].