In Cambridge, a number of city departments are involved in the planning and design of public spaces, from the various divisions within the Community Development to the Department of Public Works to the Traffic, Transportation, & Parking Department. As a result, a public space policy framework is essential in facilitating discussions among departments.

OverUnder was hired by Cambridge’s Community Development Department to conduct a study with a focus on identifying the multiple benefits of public space, as a way to build consensus around the value and critical role of public space for the City’s residents. Through research, from the big picture arguments — economic, health, social, ecology, equity — to finer-grain ‘before & after’ public space case-studies, OverUnder showcased how different types of public spaces can play a role in business vitality, social interaction, community building, safety, climate resilience and the health of communities.