







Benches are microcosms of an expansive debate about who belongs in urban public spaces. When they are removed or made uninviting, we lose more than just a place to rest.
Why City Benches Are Becoming More Hostile
Why cities are full of uncomfortable benches


The Tale Behind Boston’s Most Challenging Bench
Communal Luxury: The Public Bathhouse
Throughout history, people have bathed in public rather than in private. Should we bring back the public bathhouse for the sake of sustainability?

What the Unfinished Saga of a Still-Not-Built Subway Exit Taught Me About Public Consultation | The Local
One community volunteer traces 20 years of botched communication, unanswered questions, and delays—and asks what public consultation is actually worth.

You Have the Right to Think
Epistemic Status: Public service announcement. We will then return to regularly scheduled programming. Written partly as a response to (Robin Hanson): Why be Contrarian, responding to the book Inad…

Computational Public Space
Chapters — Intro, Communal computing, This presentation, Physicality — Globalization, Centrally-planned, Isolating, Private property, Surveillance, Consumption, Hidden — Summary, Outline
The BBC Is Just Nodding Along
The corporation's news coverage has lost its soul as a bulwark against unaccountable power and extremism, writes a former BBC News producer

Christopher Knight Home® - Outdoor 3-Piece Acacia Wood Dining Set With Cushions, Stylish Teak Finish & Weather-Resistant Design
Enjoy relaxed alfresco dining with this stylish 3-piece outdoor set, combining warm acacia wood with durable black rope and water-resistant cushions for comfort and weather-friendly performance. The compact footprint and classic teak finish make it ideal for patios, balconies, or small gardens — offering an inviting spot for two to dine or unwind. Includes: Two chairs and one square table. Materials: Solid acacia wood frame with black rope accents for contemporary styling; cushions in water-resistant fabric for easy outdoor use. Key dimensions: Table: 27.50" W x 27.50" D x 29.50" H; Chair: 21.50" W x 21.50" D x 32.75" H; Product footprint (packed or overall): 28.75" L x 23" W x 15" H. Finish & color: Teak-toned wood frame with contrasting black rope. Comfort: Cushions provide supportive seating and resist light moisture; removable covers simplify cleaning. Assembly: Some assembly required; hardware and instructions included for straightforward setup. Use & care: Suitable for covered outdoor spaces; recommend periodic wood oiling and storing cushions during prolonged wet weather to extend life. Features Enhance your outdoor space with the stylish and durable Outdoor Acacia 3-Piece Bistro Set. Featuring two comfortable chairs with rope-woven backrests and cushioned seats, alongside a sleek slat-panel tabletop, this set combines modern design with the natural beauty of acacia wood. Perfect for small patios or balconies, it adds both sophistication and comfort, making it an ideal spot for relaxing or entertaining in your outdoor area. ACACIA WOOD: Made with acacia wood that brings a sleek and exotic look to your space, this durable hardwood naturally withstands outdoor elements and will not darken over time. Acacia wood is perfect as a solid, heavy frame that resists wear and tear. Slat Design: The tabletop features beautiful slat panels, giving this piece a clean and classic look.The table features a robust circular base with a diameter of 23 inches, ensuring stability and balance. The wide base provides excellent support, preventing wobbling even on uneven surfaces. ROPE WEAVE BACKREST: These chairs feature an intricate rope strap weave that provides an incredibly durable and unique appearance. Gaps between the ropes allow air circulation, so you won't feel discomfort on your back even after prolonged outdoor use. WATER-RESISTANT CUSHIONS: Our cushions are covered with a non-porous material that makes cleaning any spill a breeze. Please note that these cushions are water-resistant and not waterproof. Please cover when not in use and do not submerge in water. DIMENSIONS: Choose an accessory that is the perfect size for you and your furniture. Each chair is 21.50" W x 21.50" D x 32.75" H and the table is 27.50” W x 27.50” D x 29.50” H . You will love how much your space can transform with the simple addition of this charming dining set. Additional Features Assembled Length(inch): 27.5 Assembled Width(inch): 27.5 Assembled Height(inch): 29.5 Weight of product(pound): 17.64 Color: Teak Material: Acacia Wood Product Dimensions: 28.75 L x 23 W x 15 H Note: Product descriptions may reference specific features of N773P210139B2_N773P191382T-GIGA. You will receive the exact product according to the options (color, size, material, shape, etc.) you select on this page.

Watch These Judges Rip Into Lawyers For Citing Cases That Don't Exist
“It's striking, concerning, disappointing, and saddening to think that members of the bar would forward cases to a court that don't exist, and to think that the lawyers on the other side of that didn’t read it for whatever reason, didn’t check it.”

Abolishing the police and prisons is a lot more practical than critics claim
Mariame Kaba's new book “We Do This ‘Til We Free Us” is a pragmatic playbook for a world without walls.

Building Roundabout: A Pro-Social Platform for Local Communities
A conversation with the team behind New_ Public's Roundabout.
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Editor’s Note: Retraction of article containing fabricated quotations
We are reinforcing our editorial standards following this incident.

The 'Digital Town Square' Problem
Privately owned public spaces like Twitter are often viewed as “public town squares.” But it's unclear exactly how private companies' influence on the so-called public spaces they control affects actual civic outcomes.
