How Global Cities Are Reinventing Public Space
Pandemic-era experiments in car-free streets and pop-up parks are becoming permanent.

Cities around the world are permanently reclaiming streets, parking lots, and underused lots as parks, plazas, and pedestrian corridors.
What began as emergency measures during the pandemic has evolved into a broader rethinking of who public space belongs to.
Urbanists argue that these changes improve health, commerce, and community, though not without friction from drivers and some businesses.
Related Stories

Museums Report Record Attendance as Blockbuster Exhibitions Return in Force
The Louvre, MoMA, and the National Museum of Qatar all set attendance records in the first half of 2026, driven by large-scale retrospectives and immersive design.
July 9, 2026
A cultural renaissance is transforming cities once written off
Independent galleries, music venues, and food scenes are breathing new life into overlooked urban centers.
July 6, 2026
A New Golden Age for Independent Cinema
Lower production costs and global streaming reach are empowering a wave of bold independent filmmakers.
July 6, 2026