More than 8 million people are crowded together to live in New York City. What makes it possible? In part, it’s the city’s great public spaces — from tiny pocket parks to long waterfront promenades — where people can stroll and play. Amanda Burden helped plan some of the city’s newest public spaces, drawing on her experience as, surprisingly, an animal behaviorist. She shares the unexpected challenges of planning parks people love -- and why it's important.

How public spaces make cities work

A city’s success depends on how its public spaces invite people to gather, connect, and feel at home. In New York, even a tiny park with movable chairs and greenery transformed how people experienced urban life. Thoughtfully designed parks and plazas require relentless attention to detail, and their existence is always under threat from commercial interests. When public space flourishes, neighborhoods feel more vibrant, and millions feel proud to call the city their own.