Introduction

Cities and regions are using public space to reclaim and revitalize derelict areas to create walkable humane places, adapting public spaces to create specialized places to accommodate new needs, or to employ ecological practices and engage with nature in urban settings. The vast literature on public space demonstrates a wide spectrum of possibilities, significance, and potential approaches as well as political, social, economic, and psychological value. The Companion to Public Space is proposed principally as an academic text for a broad audience. Contributions that provide readings and interpretations of public space deriving from different disciplines’ points of view are combined in Perspectives. Public space production and practice are constantly in the process of being reframed in relation to changes in state and city régimes, addition of new populations and communities in urban settings, fluctuations in city financing capabilities, impacts of global agendas or issues, or reactions to episodes of violent protests.