# Public Square: A Journal of the New Urbanism *Public Square* is the online journal of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), a non-profit organization that promotes walkable, mixed-use, and sustainable communities. As its name suggests, *Public Square* is a forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the art and science of placemaking. It is a place where a diverse community of planners, architects, developers, activists, and engaged citizens can come together to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities facing our cities and towns. This article, inspired by the mission and content of *Public Square*, will explore the key themes and ideas that animate this important publication and the broader movement of [[New Urbanism]]. ## The Ethos of Public Square *Public Square* is more than just a blog or a news aggregator. It is a journal of ideas, a platform for critical thinking, and a call to action. The publication is guided by the core principles of the Charter of the New Urbanism, which advocates for a more humane, sustainable, and beautiful form of urbanism. The articles in *Public Square* cover a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of zoning reform to the poetics of placemaking. But they are all united by a common set of values and concerns: * **A deep appreciation for the traditional city:** *Public Square* is unapologetically pro-urban. It celebrates the enduring wisdom of the traditional city, with its walkable streets, mixed-use neighborhoods, and vibrant public spaces. * **A commitment to human-scaled design:** The journal is a staunch advocate for a more human-scaled approach to architecture and urban design. It rejects the monumental and alienating landscapes of modernism and champions a more intimate and pedestrian-friendly urbanism. * **A belief in the power of community:** *Public Square* is a firm believer in the power of community. It recognizes that a well-designed public realm can be a powerful catalyst for social interaction and community building. * **A passion for sustainability:** The journal is a strong proponent of a more sustainable form of urbanism. It recognizes that the way we build our cities has a profound impact on the environment, and it advocates for a more compact, transit-oriented, and energy-efficient model of development. ## Key Themes in Public Square The articles in *Public Square* explore a wide range of themes that are at the heart of the New Urbanist movement. ### The 15-Minute City The concept of the [[15-minute city]] has become a major focus of *Public Square* in recent years. This is the idea that all of our daily needs—from shopping and schools to parks and healthcare—should be accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from our homes. The 15-minute city is a powerful vision for a more convenient, equitable, and sustainable way of life. ### The Great Ideas of New Urbanism *Public Square* is a treasure trove of "great ideas" for creating better places. These ideas range from the practical and technical to the philosophical and poetic. They include: * **The transect:** This is a planning tool that organizes the built environment into a series of zones, from the most rural to the most urban. It is a way of creating a more seamless and harmonious relationship between the city and the countryside. * **The missing middle:** This refers to the range of housing types that fall between the single-family home and the mid-rise apartment building. These housing types, such as duplexes, triplexes, and courtyard apartments, can provide more affordable and diverse housing options in walkable neighborhoods. * **Tactical urbanism:** This is a low-cost, temporary approach to urban design that uses a "quick and dirty" approach to test out new ideas and build momentum for long-term change. ### Research and Videos *Public Square* is not just a platform for commentary and opinion. It is also a valuable resource for research and education. The journal features a wide range of research on the social, economic, and environmental benefits of New Urbanism. It also features a growing collection of videos that bring the principles of New Urbanism to life. ### The Power of the Porchfest A recent article in *Public Square* highlighted the Porchfest, a grassroots music festival that takes place on the porches and front yards of a neighborhood. The Porchfest is a perfect example of the kind of emergent and community-driven activity that can flourish in a well-designed public realm. It is a testament to the power of place to bring people together and create a sense of shared identity. ## A Forum for a Movement *Public Square* is more than just a publication; it is a vital part of the New Urbanist movement. It is a place where the members of the CNU can connect with each other, share their ideas and experiences, and work together to advance the cause of a more humane and sustainable urbanism. The journal plays a number of important roles in the movement: * **It is a source of inspiration and education:** *Public Square* provides a constant stream of new ideas and best practices for creating better places. * **It is a platform for advocacy:** The journal is a powerful tool for advocating for the policies and practices of New Urbanism. * **It is a builder of community:** *Public Square* helps to build a sense of community among the members of the CNU and the broader New Urbanist movement. ## Conclusion: The Enduring Importance of the Public Square In an age of increasing social and political polarization, the need for a vibrant and inclusive public square has never been greater. *Public Square*, the journal of the Congress for the in an age of increasing social and political polarization, the need for a vibrant and inclusive public square has never been greater. *Public Square*, the journal of the Congress for the New Urbanism, is a testament to the enduring importance of this idea. It is a place where we can come together to discuss our differences, to find common ground, and to work together to create a better future for our cities and towns. The journal is a powerful reminder that the public square is not just a physical space; it is also a state of mind. It is a commitment to a more open, democratic, and collaborative way of life. It is a belief in the power of dialogue and debate to shape a better world. As we look to the future, the challenge is to create a public square that is worthy of our highest aspirations for a more just, equitable, and beautiful world. --- **References:** * Congress for the New Urbanism. (n.d.). *Public Square*. Retrieved from [https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare](https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare) **Keywords:** [[Public Square]], [[Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)]], [[New Urbanism]], [[Placemaking]], [[15-Minute City]], [[Urban Design]], [[Community]]