Brady Public Humanities Archive

Welcome to the Handbook

Reading List

Reimagining Public Space through Creative and Equitable Placemaking

Description:Public space is an important part of how residents connect with their community, a lesson many American cities learned during the coronavirus pandemic as streets and sidewalks became outdoor dining spaces and municipal buildings became testing and vaccination sites. However, design of and access to public space has not been equitable across the country.

Author:None

Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design

Description:This book explores the relationship between urban design and human happiness emphasizing the role of placemaking in creating healthier emphasizing the role of placemaking in creating healthier more enjoyable cities.

Author:Charles Montgomery

Publication Year:2013

The Art of Placemaking: Interpreting Community through Public Art and Urban Design

Description:This book explores the intersection of public art and urban design showcasing how art can contribute to the identity and vitality of a place.

Author:Nabeel Hamdi

Publication Year:2018

Key People

Pierre Nora

Description:Pierre Nora is a French historian elected to the Académie française on 7 June 2001. He is known for his work on French identity and memory.

Herbert Dreiseitl

Description:German sculptor, artist, landscape architect, and interdisciplinary urban planner. He founded the firm Atelier Dresiseitl in 1980 with a vision to develop liveable cities inspired by a deep understanding of water.

Eric Foner

Description:Eric Foner is a prominent American historian focusing on the history of the United States, particularly the Civil War, Reconstruction, and slavery. His works explore themes of social justice, equality, and civil rights. Foner's contributions to public understanding of history have been significant through his numerous publications and lectures.

Key Concepts

Tactical Placemaking

Description:Tactical Placemaking is the process of creating Quality Places that uses a deliberate, often phased approach to change that begins with a short term commitment and realistic expectations that can start quickly (and often at low cost).

Public Humanities

Description:The work of engaging diverse publics in reflecting on heritage, traditions, and history, and the relevance of the humanities to the current conditions of civic and cultural life.

Public-Private Partnerships

Description:Collaborating between governments, businesses, and communities to fund and sustain placemaking efforts.