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The recent protests in Taksim Square, Istanbul, and those in Tahrir Square, Cairo, have once again highlighted the power of public space as a tool of protest. The use of public space has always been employed as way to reflect the economical and socio-political mood. Yet, public space is a fragile thing. The London Occupy Movement highlighted that our public space may not be as public as we think, when protesters were prevented from entering Paternoster Square by a high court injunction taken out by the  owners. Public space is important because it is supposed to be just that. Public. For you, and me, and the person sitting next to you. It represents our rights, and in all the above cases the right to political protest. The architectural emblem of society in all its guises — economics, politics, protest, food, fun, and enjoyment and at the same time, the arena for all these constructs is, the public square. In what will culminate as Landscape Architects Network’s Top 10...

Is it really safe to swim in a public pool? While reading this morning's newspaper, this headline caught my eye: "Phoenix closes all city pools." The article explained that an intestinal parasite called Cryptosporidium  was discovered at one location. There is one confirmed case in addition to 29 others who are suffering diarrhea from the disease. As a precaution, all the city pools will be closed for cleaning at least for the next few days. Naturally, my first reaction was...YUCK! After voicing my disgust, I wanted to know more about the cleanliness and safety of public pool water. Most of us have joyfully splashed in a public swimming pool or water park at one time or another, but few people consider what could be living in that inviting blue water. We assume the water is highly chlorinated, rendering it germ free. While it is true that chlorination will kill pathogens such as  E. coli  and  shigella , other parasit...