A public space is defined as “a open, generally accessible physical area where people can gather, move, and interact without paying an entry fee”. Within these areas people are able to live, breathe, and do what they desire. The death of the American Public Space has been detrimental to our citizens. As we are losing these spaces, we are also becoming more reliant on technology and less on human interaction. Children are growing up in front of screens instead of on playgrounds or in libraries. Public space is essential to development, especially for children who are learning how to interact with others.

In Wanderlust, Rebecca Solnit addresses the significance of maintaining social spaces and man’s reliance on machines, observing that “Many people live in a series of interiors” (paragraph 1) While public opinion suggests that such spaces are worthless, Solnit refutes this by noting “When public space disappears, so does the body as, in Sono’s fine term, adequate for getting around.” (paragraph 5) The layout of public spaces function as a “way of exploring the unpredictable”. Solnit critiques the issue, noting that public spaces “are now under assault”. (paragraph 2) The imagery provided frames the significance of public spaces not only as an ecological problem, but as a social and personal tragedy for all of mankind. Ultimately, Solnit’s point demonstrates that when societies prioritize technology over human interaction, the result is more reliance on machines and less on each other.

During an episode of 99% Invisible titled “U is for Urbanism”, Roman Mars explored the aspects of a “Good Neighborhood”. During the opening of the episode, Mars highlights a few key points, “A good neighborhood keeps people safe. A good neighborhood makes you feel like you’re a part of something. A good neighborhood makes the lives of its residents just generally good.” Throughout the episode, Mars uses the iconic children’s show Sesame Street to emphasize the importance of neighborhoods including these aspects. There are four distinct characteristics that a good neighborhood should have.
One- A neighborhood should have multiple functions (Meaning they should include multiple different businesses and areas within the neighborhood)
Two- City blocks should be short.
Three-There’s a need for old buildings. New buildings and old buildings must mingle in a single district.
And four- A neighborhood should have a dense concentration of people
These four conditions all show the need for interaction between people. But, without a public common area or areas, that interaction can not happen.

Public spaces are not only areas for interaction, they are also places where people go to learn and grow. Whether the space exists within a neighborhood or a city’s downtown, the need for public space is everywhere. School courtyards, rooftop hangouts, and outdoor amphitheaters are disappearing. Less and less children are playing on playgrounds, and local coffee shops are closing. The death of American Public spaces can not continue.