Public Realm: Knowledge Exchange Recap

The public realm includes streets, sidewalks, parks, public spaces and trails. By improving the public realm, cities are repositioning themselves to be more livable. At the InVision Tampa Knowledge Exchange on May 16, David Barth of AECOM spoke about how cities are creating livable and economically viable communities through these enhancements.

Barth discussed how it is no longer acceptable for urban public spaces to be concerned only with what’s inside their boundaries. The public realm needs to play a role in solving larger urban problems outside their boundaries. This includes promoting economic development, maximizing use of available resources and being energy efficient. It is also important to focus on connecting people to other places and activities to promote being active 24/7.

These principles form the spine of Tampa’s center city plan and, if done correctly, changes in our public realm. Our urban core can be a magnet for economic development, new population growth and meaningful human interaction. Watch the above video to see David Barth’s complete presentation.