In Search of the Public

In Search of the Public: Notes on the Contemporary American City presents an collection of essays, interviews, and projects that deal with the role of public space within contemporary American urbanism. This publication, the result of a conference held at Princeton University, examines the physical, social, and political impact of public/collective space through three key aspects: ownership, density, and the right of access within the city. Contributors come from a range of disciplines, bringing together perspectives of architects, politicians, academics, and non-profit advocates. Contrary to urban studies practitioners that focus their efforts on issues such as zoning, building codes, and land use policy, this publication focuses on the relevance and potential of architecture - as a practice of programming and form making - to transform the city and change our conception of public space.