@Fred_Kent

Founder of #EarthDayNYC, @transalt, @PPS_Placemaking & the #placemaking movement. Now starting up @SocialLifeProj & @PlacemakingX.

 Brooklyn, NY
placemakingx.org/people/fred-kent
Joined December 2009
  • Tweets4.6K
  • Following1.2K
  • Followers7.4K
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A bollard is not just a bollard is not just a bollard is not just a bollard. Sitting, leaning, playing, kissing, we could go on and on describing all the things that happen around bollards, but it's probably easier if you take a look for yourself! sociallifeproject.org/bollar…

Bollards: How They Add to Social Life in Our Communities

Bollards are valuable, multifunctional amenities used to define public areas, create a place to gather and socialize, and instill a feeling of safety while people wait to cross the street

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Joy follows people, just as people follow joy. And people-powered public spaces are a natural home for both. But we all experience joy differently. How can we accommodate everyone? Photo essay below sociallifeproject.org/joy-fo…
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The best sculptures aren't just objects to look at. sociallifeproject.org/how-in…
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Fred Kent retweeted
Fred Kent@Fred_KentAug 18
If there are no people in a place, it often means there are no reasons to be there. The solution is to add reasons. The Power of 10+ states that a city needs ten destinations, a destination needs ten places, and a place needs ten things to do. sociallifeproject.org/the-po…
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If there are no people in a place, it often means there are no reasons to be there. The solution is to add reasons. The Power of 10+ states that a city needs ten destinations, a destination needs ten places, and a place needs ten things to do. sociallifeproject.org/the-po…
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Never underestimate the power of a lone kiosk, a single bench, a one-off night of programming. Because every small placemaking act can start a chain reaction through reciprocal gestures. Read our @sociallifeproj reciprocal gestures article: sociallifeproject.org/recipr…
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What does this photo tell us about Venice, Italy?
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Fred Kent retweeted
Fred Kent@Fred_KentJun 5
Break the rules and see what happens. Paris waterfront vs. Brooklyn waterfront. sociallifeproject.org/how-pa…
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Break the rules and see what happens. Paris waterfront vs. Brooklyn waterfront. sociallifeproject.org/how-pa…
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The Rochester, NY highway removal was able to reclaim 6.5 acres of land, leading to $229 million in development and millions in new tax revenue for the city. We need more urban highway removals.
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There's something quietly powerful about sharing space with a stranger. You see them with friends, enjoying a meal, laughing. And suddenly they're not so unfamiliar. We discuss the connection between place and division in our Social Life Project article: sociallifeproject.ghost.io/g…
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It’s the sidewalks, stupid. Sidewalks are the least understood, most overlooked public space. No discipline claims it, so it’s up to us normal human beings to make sure this central public space becomes recognized as a top priority for every community. sociallifeproject.org/its-th…

Creating the Streets and Sidewalks We Love - Shifting Our Focus From Cars to People

Paradigm-shattering change will happen when streets, sidewalks and intersections are transformed into community gathering spots through the simple act of giving human beings priority over motor...

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Creative Placemaking - How Murals, Sculptures, and Public Art Inspire Social Life: sociallifeproject.org/creati… by @Fred_Kent & @DrTPanova @PlacemakingX #CreativePlacemaking #PublicArt #Murals #Placemaking
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Please join us Monday evening to hear the inspiring @CarlosMorenoFr deliver the Lewis Mumford lecture at the Spitzer School of Architecture. Our @Fred_Kent will be introducing Carlos. Info and registration: ssa.ccny.cuny.edu/events/lew… #PlacemakingNYC
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The story of Bryant Park has helped inform & inspire the global #Placemaking Movement. Getting to lead the master plan in 1980 after founding @PPS_Placemaking, helped define & fuel our work around the word. Still so much to learn from the story & the park: sociallifeproject.org/how-br…
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Tipping Our Hats to #Placemaking: Why Unique Headwear is an Indicator of a Great Public Place Hats create places that brim with personality! Our fun post for the holidays: sociallifeproject.org/why-un… by @Fred_Kent & @DrTPanova #PublicSpace #PublicLife #StreetFashion
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Division is the Crisis of Our Times - Connecting in Public Places is How We Heal sociallifeproject.org/divisi… @sociallifeproj, @PlacemakingX, @placemakingus, @PPS_Placemaking

Division is the Crisis of Our Times - Placemaking is How We Heal

Places where people can come together in real life are essential to being able to reconnect with each other and heal our divides.

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Division is the Crisis of Our Times - Connecting in Public Places is How We Heal sociallifeproject.org/divisi… by @Fred_Kent, #KathyMadden & @DrTPanova #PublicSpace #Placemaking

Division is the Crisis of Our Times - Placemaking is How We Heal

Places where people can come together in real life are essential to being able to reconnect with each other and heal our divides.

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Yesterday we lost our beloved co-founder Kathy Madden. Please read here about her and her life’s work: sociallifeproject.org/kathle… Kathy has been integral to the work of @PlacemakingX, @PPS_Placemaking & @Fred_Kent, that we commit to continuing!

Kathleen A. Madden (1947-2025)

Kathleen (“Kathy”) A. Madden, a prominent urban public spaces expert and placemaking leader, died on October 20, 2025, at her home in Brooklyn following a brief hospitalization.

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Our @Fred_Kent recently keynoted the @CTMainSt conference in New Haven. #Placemaking #MainStreet #PlacemakingCT @placemakingus @PlacemakingX
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