Introduction

Throughout this course, beginning with my first Omeka assignment to explore the Hatch Memorial Shell, I have been slowly accumulating further understanding on the value of a public space in shaping urban poetics and community character. Through my exploration of the history, aesthetic, and present-day uses of Moscow’s Red Square, Istanbul’s Istiklal Avenue, and Boston’s Charles River Esplanade, I have come to see that iconic public spaces hold significant weight in shaping the urban poetics of a city. They provide the space for everybody to access shared experiences, becoming an iconic destination among both the local residents and foreign visitors. Public spaces have the power to form the core of a city’s internal and external identity because they inevitably become lieux de mémoire. As memorable city-wide events occur at these iconic locations, the location accumulates nuanced and significant symbolism from every incident that occurs, and the incidents also gain significance because of their venue. Finally, through all of this accumulated history, public spaces are where a city’s residents can collectively change their society and alter the city’s future identity.