Welcome to week 10's edition of Pulse of Public Spaces, where we spotlight essential articles, reports, products and more - that drive urban development, engage communities, and support local municipalities in building thriving public spaces! Dive in to stay informed and inspired.
Feature Article of the Week
"Public Pools as Public Spaces: The Role of Swimming and Bathing in Cities"
By Maria Cristina Florian
The article explores the unexpected role public pools play as egalitarian social spaces. One of the few spaces where semi-public nudity and shared communal interaction are the norm. Public pools strip away social status markers, and cast a net of community bonding. Historically, pools have also been battlegrounds for issues like gender and racial segregation. Over time, they have transformed into areas of escape during the hot summer months, social equalizers and much more. Additionally, the article emphasizes that public pools offer a playful respite in urban settings, bringing the act of play into the heart of cities.
Public pools are one of the few truly egalitarian public spaces left, where social status is largely stripped away, and the focus is on the shared experience of swimming and bathing.
Feature Publication of the Week
Case Studies: Ideas for creating places that feel safer for women, girls and gender diverse people
Published by NSW

Where in the world would safe spaces for women, children and gender diverse people not benefit society? The issues with implementing such spaces exist predominantly in changing mindsets, not in the difficulty of implementation.
Access the publication here
Feature Visual (that caught our eye!)
Credits to Giulia Sagramola
Who really owns public space?

Featured Public Space
Mexico City's Zocalo, a Public Square

The Zócalo in Mexico City, officially known as Plaza de la Constitución, is one of the largest and most significant public squares in the world. It has been a central part of Mexico's history, serving as a site for major political, social, and cultural events since the Aztec era. Historically, it has been a place of power and contention, hosting everything from royal proclamations to mass protests. Today, the Zócalo is a symbol of national identity, a vibrant public space that embodies Mexico's complex history and cultural heritage.
Read more: Mexico City's Zocalo
Stay tuned for next week's Pulse of Public Spaces for more insights and inspiration!
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