Social Life Project
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sociallifeproject.bsky.social
Social Life Project
@sociallifeproject.bsky.social
Highlighting what makes #publicspaces thrive. Sister program of @PlacemakingX.bsky.social.

By Fred Kent & Kathy Madden, founders & 40+ year leaders of @PPSPlacemaking.bsky.social.

www.SocialLifeProject.org
Hope people can make it tonight. More on the film that
still fuels our work, more than 50 years since our Fred Kent started working with #WilliamHWhyte on the film's research: www.sociallifeproject.org/the-social-l...
The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces
Revisiting the newly restored classic film by William H. Whyte
www.sociallifeproject.org
November 4, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Thanks for sharing!
October 22, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Reposted by Social Life Project
Our thoughts go out to Kathy’s family, friends and colleagues.

For more on Kathy’s legacy, please visit the Social Life Project: tinyurl.com/5d7e89tx
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.
tinyurl.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Reposted by Social Life Project
Kathy, along with Fred Kent and Steve Davies, were the founders and driving force behind Project for Public Spaces (PPS) and the Social Life Project. An environmental designer by training, Kathy helped to champion the role of public space in communities around the world.
October 21, 2025 at 11:07 PM
She was integral to the founding and ongoing work of @ppsplacemaking.bsky.social and @placemakingx.bsky.social, which will both also continue to build on her legacy.
October 21, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Reposted by Social Life Project
Unfortunately in NYC it is the design community. Though well intentioned and progressive, they limit the affordability, informality and community defined uses of the city, perpetuating car-oriented and culturally exclusionary spaces. Ultimately they are limiting their own demand and creativity.
October 15, 2025 at 1:51 AM