BETTER BLOCK

Using Design to Activate Spaces and Bring People Together

Better Block Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that educates, equips, and empowers communities and their leaders to reshape and reactivate built environments to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods.

It all began when a group of neighbors asked, "What if we could fix our block?"

And the Better Block was born.

The Better Block Foundation works to change the world block by block by: ​ Implementing traditional Better Blocks, which are 90-120 day community engagement projects that end with transformation of a space chosen by and designed with the community. Creating custom-designed, beautiful elements that activate spaces and are easy to build by community members. Open-sourcing ideas, such as digitally fabricated street furniture designs, so that the reach of the Better Block goes far beyond our team. ​ Activating spaces quickly and efficiently with our Better Block in a Box, a mobile placemaking unit that can be shipped straight to your neighborhood. Spreading the word of the importance of placemaking through Jason Roberts’ speaking engagements, study tours around the world, and engaging workshops.

Better Block in a Box All the elements you need for your next placemaking event can now be found in a simple shipping container. Over the past few years, we’ve found there are a few elements needed to make an event successful: places for people to sit, string lights to add romance, shade for the hot days or rainy ones, and places for people of all ages to play. So we decided to package all these together for anyone to rent. Rent the Box

Open Source

Our open-source model provides the opportunity for people to form their own placemaking coalitions and take back their public spaces. Better Block in a Box

Free Recipe Guides

Wikiblock

Block Transformations

Awareness

We work to put the power of placemaking back into neighbors' hands by communicating and demonstrating what is possible to people all around the world. Jason Roberts' keynotes

Study tours

Design competitions

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER From painting abandoned lots into plazas to constructing giant cheeseboards, we hope this monthly glimpse at our progress will inspire and delight its readers. Join Our Newsletter

A monthly bulletin illustrating what goes on here at the Better Block Foundation.

WORKING TO MAKE PLACES YOU WANT TO BE IN Because everyone deserves to feel proud of their neighborhood. And safe. And empowered to make change happen. We perform a wide range of activities to further our mission each year. We organize full-scale Better Block projects, put together smaller installations for various causes, host study tours, teach all ages about placemaking, and expand our Wikiblock Library continually. Our work is joyful and impactful. Contact us about project inquiries here.

Learn About Jason's Keynotes

Click here to learn more about Jason Roberts' keynotes. To inquire about availability, contact one of Jason's associates at speaking@cowanroberts.com. ​

Get Behind Our Mission