The Provision of a Decent, Pleasant and Humane Environment: Remarks on the Un-remarkable Public Spaces of Kendall Square

Stephanie Rabins

The Provision of a Decent, Pleasant and Humane Environment: Remarks on the Un-remarkable Public Spaces of Kendall Square is a video about the unquestionably political yet comically impractical design and location of many of Kendall Square's public spaces. Of course, Kendall Square and Cambridge are not alone in this state of affairs–cities often end up stashing al fresco spaces in undesirable, even un-findable places. As the post-industrial landscapes around South Boston transform into one of the next desirable locations for tech and "innovation" economies, it is worth considering the future of its public spaces. Will Boston’s Innovation District mimic the unconsidered, often sterile public realm of Kendall Square, or will “America’s Walking City” live up to its appellation?

Watch the film here.