Changing the Commons - by John Northmore Roberts (Paperback)

About the Book

"The intense social and environmental fervor that arose in the 1960s and 1970s in response to assaults on the planet's life support systems, degradation of communities, and socio-economic inequality unleashed revolutionary change at all levels of society. Out of the turmoil of that era, community-based ecological design emerged as a powerful creative force for reshaping the commons, bringing people together, and forming ecologically sustainable relationships with the environment. The stories in this book reveal how the revolution has played out in re-conceiving public places in the landscape of every-day life in northern California. The text focuses on the broad human, social, environmental, and cultural aspects of place-making to create livable, inclusive, sustainable, and treasured spaces. The aesthetic experience of each place is revealed through photos, diagrams, sketches, and plans. Success stories like these offer hope, so sorely needed, for dealing with the seemingly insurmountable current assaults on earth's life support systems" --

Book Synopsis

This book of stories reveals how placemaking has evolved since the 1960s and 1970s to embed values of equity, inclusiveness, community-building, and ecological sustainability within the common physical environment, offering a beacon of hope for the future.

Review Quotes

"The design of the book and the inclusion of excellent photographs, maps, and landscape plans are all outstanding. It is a tribute to his work and a gift not only to his grandchildren, but to all of us who enjoy the "Commons'."

"Changing the Commons reveals fresh thinking and a strong philosophical grounding in what makes a successful place; it is destined to be a seminal work on the art of placemaking."

"Packed with pictures, sketches, and diagrams of multiple shared spaces across Northern California, Roberts's book addresses this notion and, in so doing, reveals the power of people coming together."

"Readers of Changing the Commons: Stories About Placemaking (ORO Editions, available January 2023 ) by landscape architect John Northmore Roberts will come away with a new appreciation of the importance of landscape architecture to society, a profession whose title is often mistaken as a synonym for gardening. They will also become more aware of how, since the 1970s, movements toward social justice and ecological stewardship have been playing out in our physical environment."