The National Mall: No Ordinary Public Space
© 2016
The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is one of the most important and highly visible urban public spaces in the U.S. It is considered by many Americans to be “the nation’s front yard.” Yet few have written about the role of this public space in the twenty-first century.
In The National Mall, Lisa Benton-Short explores the critical issues that are redefining and reshaping this extraordinary public space. Her work focuses on three contemporary and interrelated debates about public space: the management challenges faced by federal authorities, increased demands for access and security post 9/11, and the role of the public in the Mall’s long-term planning and development plans. By taking a holistic view of the National Mall and analyzing the unique twenty-first century challenges it faces, Lisa Benton-Short provides a fluid, cohesive, and timely narrative that is as extraordinary as the Mall itself.
Product Details
- World Rights
- Page Count: 296 pages
- Illustrations: 36
- Dimensions: 7.0in x 1.0in x 10.0in
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Reviews
‘This is a valuable document in the development of a movement towards rationalization and reform of Mall governance.’
Don Alexander Hawkins
Washington History Spring 2017‘An excellent book on the National Mall’s history of failures and mismanagement… Benton-Short’s book is firmly rooted in social science scholarship, but it should be read by everyone interested in the past, present, and future of public spaces.’
Mark A Barron
H-FedHist July 2017“Lisa Benton-Short’s scholarship is excellent. This book will be of interest to anyone interested in public space, national parks and other urban issues.”
Setha Low, Professor in the Anthropology Program and Director of the Public Space Research Group at the CUNY Graduate Center“The National Mall is a terrific book. The author has produced a beautifully researched, written and illustrated narrative that makes a major contribution to the fields of American history and urban studies.”
Peter Muller, Senior Professor in the Department of Geography and Regional Studies at the University of Miami -
Author Information
Lisa Benton-Short is Chair and associate professor in the Department of Geography at George Washington University and Senior Fellow with the Sustainability Collaborative. -
Table of contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Plates
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: From Grand Avenue to Public Space: A Brief History of the Mall
Part I: Management Challenges
Chapter 2: Neglecting the Mall
Chapter 3: Managing the Mall
Part II Use and Development Pressures
Chapter 4: Making Space for the Dream
Chapter 5: Brawl on the Mall
Chapter 6: Securing the Mall
Part III Planning and Public Participation
Chapter 7: Whose Mall is It?
Chapter 8: The Right to the Mall
Chapter 9: Envisioning a 21st Century Mall
Conclusion
Notes and References
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Prizes
John Brinckerhoff Jackson Prize awarded by The American Association of Geographers
- Winner in 2017 -
Subjects and Courses
