What exactly makes a space public – and how do public spaces impact your creativity, well-being, and even democratic rights? Why should you care about protecting our public spaces – and how can you do so? The answers to some of these questions may surprise you. Join us in a book talk with author, speaker, researcher, teacher, and advocate Setha Low provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of the state of public space in her newest book, Why Public Space Matters. A globally-recognized scholar on the topic as well as an East End native, Low’s research will help each of us understand how we can help create the change we’d like to see in the world through thoughtful community and public engagement.
Why Public Space Matters, published by Oxford Cambridge books, is the culmination of more than 35 years of fieldwork in parks, plazas, streets, and beaches across the Americas, from New York to Costa Rica. Low will be interviewed by Sheri Pasquarella, Executive Director of The Church, on the book, her research, and ideas at the core of The Church’s own role as a public space, like placemaking, fostering creativity, and cultivating community. A Q&A will follow, and the evening will conclude with a book signing.
