Cities are becoming increasingly privatized: commercial real estate dominates the streets, carving up open space that once belonged to the public and selling it as a commodity to the highest bidder. Architect Elizabeth Diller explores the causes and effects of this growing threat -- and takes us on tour of her groundbreaking projects aimed at creating landscapes for the public to enjoy, from the High Line in New York City to Zaryadye Park in Moscow.

A stealthy reimagining of urban public space

As commercial development carves up open space, urban areas risk becoming exclusive and privatized. Transformative projects like New York's High Line and Moscow's Zaryadye Park prove that even neglected infrastructure can become beloved public spaces. More than eight million people visited the High Line in a single year, inspiring cities worldwide to reimagine what belongs to everyone. Defending and inventing public space is crucial to preserving democracy and civic life in rapidly changing cities.

Public Space Is Under Siege—But Creative Resistance Can Reclaim Cities

architecture

cities