Product Description

This expertly researched book makes a radical case for accessible public art that fosters a powerful civic experience of connection to place. The author advocates narrative, site-specific public art that engages the popular imagination through common references to history, folklore, culture and geography, and demonstrates how the integration of approachable art with local landscape, architecture and urban design can facilitate identification with locale. Dozens of case studies of spectacular and innovative works throughout the United States are accompanied by practical information, cost and policy analysis, artist interviews, examples of failures and major controversies, and strategies for the future, making this book an essential reference for anyone involved with transforming and improving our public spaces.

Includes small-scale and city-wide projects that are relevant both to local community groups and major city art programmes around the world
Features public art projects since the 1990s, including the integration of public art in urban design, historic interpretation, street furniture, transit-station and roadway-corridor design, mural towns and more
An invaluable resource for artists, architects, urban planners and teachers, as well as non-professionals seeking to bring art into their communities

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #226138 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 384 pages

About the Author
Ronald Lee Fleming, AICP, is an award-winning, widely published expert on urban design, public art, historic preservation and environmental education.

Customer Reviews

It's an exploration of works within the public imagination
THE ART OF PLACEMAKING: INTERPRETING COMMUNITY THROUGH PUBLIC ART AND URBAN DESIGN is a pick for any college-level art or urban issues library and for professionals interested in public art and urban affairs. It's an exploration of works within the public imagination and explores trends in public art, from 'mural towns' and street furniture to public areas arts, documenting two decades of public arts projects from around the country. Color photos throughout feature the projects while descriptions survey interactions with public agencies, officials, and decision-makers in the process of bringing art into the public eye and making design choices.