Project for Public Spaces (PPS)
http://www.pps.org/

Known around the world for their work on the design and management of public spaces, PPS was founded as a non-profit in 1975 to build upon the pioneering Street Life Project of writer-sociologist William H. Whyte. Since then they have developed a unique process for transforming public spaces, which they call “Placemaking.” Not only has PPS worked in 2,000 communities in 47 states and 26 countries to improve parks, markets, streets, transit stations, libraries and countless other places, they have also deeply influenced the way cities and towns approach public space. This has been added to Research Resources Subject Tracer™ Information Blog.