Evolution of the Public Realm: Streets, Squares, Parks and Open Spaces in a Prairie Town (Olds, Alta)‪.‬

Abstract The public realm, that is, the streets, squares, parks and other open spaces, should possess structure, identity and meaning, and should enhance and support civic engagement. The evolution of the landscape, and of the public realm, reflects the evolution of ideas and ideologies. The values cultures place on the land, and consequently the spatial and social qualities of the public realm, are reflected in changing patterns of land ownership and land development. How one understands and interprets those forms and processes depends upon one's philosophical position, and consequently influences the history/ies that is/are constructed. This paper considers how the public realm, and its qualities, have changed in the course of the evolution of attitudes towards the land in one Canadian prairie town.