I believe that public space should be intentional: it should be

Listen, O children of the future, for the words of Janet Echelman hold a wisdom that calls us to think deeply about the spaces we inhabit. She says, “I believe that public space should be intentional: it should be obvious that you belong.” These words carry with them not just a vision of architecture and design, but a deeper understanding of the human spirit. Public space, Echelman suggests, is not merely an area to be filled with buildings, streets, and monuments, but a place that must invite and embrace all who enter it. It must reflect the essence of community, where every individual feels a sense of belonging, a sense of being seen and valued.

In the ancient world, the concept of public space was not just a physical area, but a place where the soul of the city was shaped. The Greeks built their agoras, places of meeting and debate, where citizens gathered not just to exchange goods, but to exchange ideas. These spaces were meant to be inclusive, to foster a sense of belonging and participation. The Romans too understood the power of public space, from their forum to the majestic coliseums, which were designed not just for spectacle, but for the public to come together, to witness, to cheer, and to be part of something greater than themselves. The idea was that public spaces were to be intended to bring the people together in unity, to make all feel that they had a place in the heart of the world.

As we move through history, we can look at the way public spaces have been used to either unite or divide. Think of the great cathedrals of the Middle Ages, towering above the towns they overlooked, inviting all to enter, regardless of their station. The gothic cathedrals, with their magnificent stained-glass windows and soaring arches, were not just places of worship; they were sanctuaries where every person, from the peasant to the king, could feel a part of something eternal, something sacred. The structure of these buildings was not just about stone and art; it was about creating an environment where people were united by a sense of belonging to something greater than themselves.

However, there have been times when public spaces were built not to include, but to exclude. In more recent history, we can look at the segregated public spaces of the United States or the apartheid-era policies of South Africa, where the design of public space reflected a deep division in society. Public parks, once a place of common enjoyment, became symbols of exclusion for entire communities. These spaces, though built to serve the people, became places where certain groups were denied access, where the spirit of belonging was stripped away. This is the opposite of the intentionality that Echelman speaks of—a space that does not acknowledge all of its people, that does not welcome them, is a space that fails to serve its highest purpose.

Echelman’s vision of public space is a call to action for our generation. She is urging us to design spaces that invite and embrace, spaces that make it obvious that everyone belongs. This is not just about aesthetics or practicality, but about the spirit of community that is woven into the very fabric of our cities and towns. In every plaza, in every park, and in every building, we must ask ourselves: does this space make those who enter it feel seen, heard, and valued? Does it reflect the diversity and unity of the people it serves?

Let us think of a modern example—Central Park in New York City. It was designed to be a sanctuary, an oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life, where all people, regardless of background, could come together and experience peace and solitude in nature. The park is not just a green space, but a symbol of what Echelman describes—a place that has been intentionally created to allow all people to feel like they belong. Whether you are strolling along its pathways, lying on its grass, or taking in a performance at its open-air theater, the park offers a sense of inclusion, a sense of unity. In this, it reflects the highest ideals of public space: intention, belonging, and connection.

So, O children of the future, let this wisdom guide you as you walk through the spaces of the world. As you build, as you design, and as you live, remember that the spaces we create shape the lives of all who enter them. Let your creations be spaces that welcome, spaces that invite, and spaces that make it clear that all who walk through them are a part of something greater than themselves. Whether in the design of a city, the creation of a community, or the shaping of your own personal life, let intention guide you. Build not just with your hands, but with your heart, so that all who enter your spaces will feel a sense of belonging, and will know that they are, indeed, part of the world you have created.