The Global Public Spaces Toolkit is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create vibrant, inclusive public spaces that people love and use every day.  It focuses on creating public spaces that are open, safe, and welcoming for everyone. It is aimed at helping city planners, local leaders, and communities design and maintain great public areas. It covers everything from involving the community in planning to using innovative designs that address challenges like climate change and overcrowding. Packed with real-life examples from around the world, this toolkit shows how thoughtful public spaces can boost community spirit, drive economic growth, and make cities more resilient and sustainable.

How much time do you have? An hour? A day? Would 40 minutes work?

This weekʼs featured public space is one that you cant find anymore, but briefly embodied the principles of successful public spaces such as accessibility, inclusivity, culturally significant and strong engagement with communities. In a fleeting yet powerful act of guerrilla urbanism, a series of pink seesaws appeared on the U.S - Mexico border, capturing global attention for a mere 40 minutes in July 2019. Conceived by artists Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello, these seesaws transformed the imposing steel barrier into a vibrant playground, poetically bridging the divide with laughter and joy. Children and adults from both sides of the border came together, their movements synchronized, turning a symbol of separation into one of transient unity and connection. This temporary public space wasn't just about play—it was a statement on the power of human interaction and the shared desire for connection across divides. The pink seesaws exemplified how creative interventions can momentarily dissolve barriers, foster empathy and solidarity, and leaving a lasting impression on all who took part in this unique experience.