The next How to Turn a Place Around training course will be held in Spring 2009; dates will be announced shortly. For all questions please contact Craig Raphael at craphael@pps.org or Sandy Pan at span@pps.org. You may also call them at (212) 620-5660.

THE PLACE

This course puts us in the heart of Greenwich Village, a thriving historic neighborhood that's evolved enormously in recent years. It provides ample examples of mixed-use buildings, residences and offices, historic brownstones next to new developments, on varying scales. We'll visit Union Square Park, Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, among other public spaces.

We will spend two days exploring the principles of making places through walking tours, presentations, case studies, PPS's Place Performance Evaluation Game, and the examination of two distinct neighborhoods. We will focus our observations and Placemaking techniques on Greenwich Village and Midtown.

THE WORKSHOP

This workshop is designed for professionals and non-professionals alike who help plan towns and cities -- from highway engineers and real estate developers to community garden advocates and housing specialists. Based on PPS's 30 years of experience in placemaking, and inspired by our popular book, How to Turn a Place Around, the course shows participants our unique approach to revitalization.

Enrollment is limited to 35 participants, in order to promote a close-knit environment that fosters a deep understanding of what makes public spaces function and of PPS's innovative methods for analyzing them. During the course, participants work in small teams to observe and analyze places in Greenwich Village that illustrate pertinent issues, give insights and encourage participants to see the sites from a user's point of view.

Specific topics will include:

• Introduction to Placemaking, PPS’ approach to community based planning
• Components of a great public space
• Tools and techniques to evaluate and design Places
• Development of  a work plan of immediate, short-term, and long-term actions to improve a site
• Engagement of your community
• Discussion of current projects and case studies

FACILITATORS

Fred Kent, PPS President and Founder who has led workshops across the globe on Placemaking and the revitalization of city spaces;

Kathy Madden, PPS Senior Vice President and environmental designer who has directed research, design and training projects worldwide; and

PPS senior staff, who will give specialized presentations throughout the workshop.  

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