Brady Public Humanities Archive

Welcome to the Handbook

Reading List

Public Markets: The Seeds of a New Economy

Description:Key ways that public markets can teach us how to create more fair, competitive, and creative economies and food systems: engagement, or their interactive and human-scale nature; order, or their commitment to rooting out fraud; and democracy, or their role as inclusive civic infrastructure.

Author:None

Tactical Urbanism: Short-Term Action for Long-Term Change

Description:Tactical Urbanism is a dynamic approach to initiating and advancing long-term projects related to street safety and public spaces. Originating as a grassroots strategy for citizens to reclaim their streets, it has evolved into a recognized project delivery process used globally. The methodology involves implementing low-cost, short-term "pilot" projects to test infrastructure, accelerate public benefits, and support community initiatives. Street Plans, a leading urban planning and design firm, plays a crucial role in this movement. They travel worldwide, aiding cities and communities in realizing their visions for placemaking and Tactical Urbanism. Through initiatives like the Miami-Dade Transportation Quick-Build Program, they collaborate with local departments and nonprofits to implement diverse projects, fostering community engagement and empowering people to shape their built environment.

Author:Dana Wall

Publication Year:2019

Recommended By:Rachelle Beauplan

The Great Neighborhood Book: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Placemaking

Description:This book offers practical insights into creating vibrant community-oriented neighborhoods through placemaking initiatives and engagement.

Author:Jay Walljasper

Publication Year:2007

Key People

Mark Gottdiener

Description:The first person in the Anglophone world to write an extended analysis of Henri Lefebvre, including comparing his work to traditional urban geography and sociology as well as the Marxist Manuel Castells.

Jane Jacobs

Description:Jane Jacobs was a US-Canadian journalist, author, theorist, and activist who influenced urban studies, sociology, and economics.

Erica Friend

Description:Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez spearheads a new mural on San Fernando Road with artist Erica Friend. The project was produced by 11:11 Projects and features local landmarks and wildlife.

Key Concepts

Digital Placemaking

Description:Digital Placemaking integrates technology, data, and interactive media into urban spaces to enhance engagement, accessibility, and user experience. It blends the physical and digital worlds to create more connected, responsive, and interactive environments.

Economic Vitality

Description:Supporting local businesses, vendors, and job creation to enhance the economic sustainability of a place.

Human-Centered Design

Description:An approach to placemaking that prioritizes people’s needs, experiences, and behaviors when designing public spaces. Instead of focusing solely on aesthetics, infrastructure, or efficiency, HCD ensures that places are comfortable, accessible, engaging, and intuitive for those who use them.

Jennifer Brady 2023