F. Philip Barash works to shape more vibrant and just places.

Through journalistic and narrative writing, I expose stories about the changing American landscape. By facilitating urban planning projects, I contribute to shared places and social infrastructures of communities. And in my public curatorial and teaching practice, I engage contemporary issues that affect the built and natural environments.

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Common themes across my work include architecture and landscape, placemaking and public art, community engagement and civic projects, and equity and spatial justice.

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Philip Barash 10/16/21 Philip Barash 10/16/21

Obama Presidential Center: guiding principles for a future landmark

Before a center dedicated to the legacy of the first African-American President could become a reality, it required multiple stakeholders to share a unified vision. A Request for Proposals signaled clear intentions and an ambitious vision.

Philip Barash 10/14/21 Philip Barash 10/14/21

OlmstedNow: an inclusive vision for the greater Boston Olmsted bicentennial

Frederick Law Olmsted is central to how we think about and use public spaces. Ahead of his bicentennial, ideas about shared places, shared wellness, and shared power are central to a public engagement campaign.

Philip Barash 10/13/21 Philip Barash 10/13/21

How an equitable place governance pilot in Boston is shifting power balances

If Boston has any hope of altering development dynamics to center community interest and spatial justice, we need to continue shifting the power balance.

Philip Barash 10/12/21 Philip Barash 10/12/21

ONGOING | An expanded vision for coastal resiliency in New England

A climate change consortium is scaling up its vision for coastal resilience and environmental justice.

Philip Barash 10/11/21 Philip Barash 10/11/21

Place Leadership Network: philanthropic and policy investment in equitable public realm

An equitable placemaking initiative to invest philanthropic and policy resources into community groups that champion the public interest in the design, activation, and stewardship of the public realm.

Philip Barash 10/8/21 Philip Barash 10/8/21

Avenue of the Arts: asset-based plan for reimagining a cultural corridor

Boston’s cultural district was struggling with its identity. A visually striking asset map helped to illuminate boundaries, stakeholders, and aspirations, ahead of a comprehensive cultural planning effort.

Philip Barash 10/7/21 Philip Barash 10/7/21

Charlestown Navy Yard: visitor-centered vision for transforming an iconic site

An iconic national park, Charlestown Navy Yard is a rich site of intersecting histories of independence, power, race, and labor. Today, it is reinvigorating its storytelling and visitor engagement approach.

Philip Barash 10/7/21 Philip Barash 10/7/21

ONGOING | Regional governance and active public realms in Northwest Arkansas

Among the fastest-growing regions of the U.S., Northwest Arkansas is investing in its arts, green infrastructure, mobility, and inclusive public spaces. A regional framework for intergovernmental collaboration is now being established.

Philip Barash 10/6/21 Philip Barash 10/6/21

Placemaking in the Loop: art, poetry, and wellness in Chicago’s central business district

Chicago’s downtown organization made its mission to program and activate public spaces. Through art, dance, retail, music, poetry, and innovative partnerships, the Loop transformed into a vibrant and inclusive destination.

Philip Barash 10/3/21 Philip Barash 10/3/21

Reston Town Center: updating a legacy commercial district

Reston Town Center is among the most vibrant commercial and entertainment districts in the Washington, D.C., area. But its public and commercial core had started to feel dated.