BILD Edmonton Metro’s Post

The architecture of our cities is changing, but has it truly evolved for the better? A lot of modern buildings prioritize privacy and isolation, but at what cost? This approach has left us feeling more disconnected than ever. The solution? Coliving spaces. Here’s why coliving works: 🔑 Community Focus Shared spaces bring people together, unlike traditional apartments that lack true communal areas. 🌍 Flexibility No long leases. Explore new cities and cultures without the pressure of long-term commitments. 💡 Affordability Shared resources mean lower costs. Enjoy premium amenities without the premium price. 🤝 Supportive Environment Coliving fosters a supportive community, helping to ease feelings of loneliness. Cities are vibrant, yet many feel isolated within them. Coliving offers a way to reconnect and foster genuine relationships. What’s your take? Share your thoughts below.

This is what housing should be.

Reorienteering #5 A bit of a diversion this week. Have you ever thought of the Eiffel Tower or European cathedrals as placemaking projects? I hadn’t. I tend to think of placemaking at a specific scale. This thought experiment led me to explore the different scales of placemaking and what they share in common. So, a series on the various scales of placemaking and the lessons they offer. Part 1: Large-Scale Placemaking Large scale regeneration projects aren’t a new thing, but its the integration of placemaking at scale into these projects that shape city districts, cultures, and economies that I’m interested in. These projects create landmarks, reimagine urban identities, and drive change. Examples of Large-Scale Projects - Hudson Yards in New York transformed a former rail yard into a futuristic city-within-a-city. I’ve not visited, but did get a chance to see the impact of the High Line back in 2014. Hudon Yards has radically changed the values of that part of the city. It’s pretty corporate and shiny, not to everyone’s taste, but the placemaking approach and dynamic differentiates it from other “shiny tower” regeneration areas. - King’s Cross in London shifted a once-industrial area into a vibrant, mixed-use district, home to tech giants like Google. An old friend just finished an entire summer of teach Barre Class every weekday morning on the steps at King’s Cross - what an effort by him! And also a clear representation of the changed days for King’s Cross. - The Kelpies and Helix Park in Scotland, a radical sculpture led project. The Kelpies sit within the wider Helix park and has attracted up to 2 million visitors a year. There is no way people could have dreamt of those sorts of numbers before the project was undertaken. Challenges and Impact Placemaking always comes about in the face of balancing the interests of developers, governments, and communities. Projects require long-term investments and often encounter resistance from locals rightly concerned about gentrification and cultural displacement. Sustainability is another crucial factor, as these projects must integrate eco-friendly practices. Successful projects must engage communities and generate activity and interest to avoid becoming soulless, elite-driven developments. Incorporating local culture and heritage creates connection to a place - but I’d like to learn more about success in this area. I’ve worked on a public art project recently and local people have stressed that it’s not just about referencing the past, but also about existing and future community identity. Large-scale placemaking is about more than building vast spaces; it’s about creating experiences and fostering growth. These projects have the potential to play vital roles in making cities and urban places more sustainable too, but not without problems. Next time, I'll have a wee explore of medium-scale placemaking. Stay tuned!

Designer led projects never work...Community led/place led are done by people locally where improvisation and reciprocal gestures create the best outcomes...ownership makes it work and grow...that is placemaking. https://lnkd.in/dqXhQPh2

“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities. The Humanise campaign stands on the shoulders of giants like Jane Jacobs, demanding a radical shift towards people-centric city design. Cities defy rigid logic. We assert that a city’s identity emanates from its inhabitants and the buildings within it should reflect that. Cities demand thoughtful, community-driven buildings that emphasise the preservation of unique character and vitality. It’s time for a radical reorientation. To learn from our mistakes and begin to forge designs that reflect the people who move among them. Building transcends blueprints; it must resonate with the human spirit. Now is the time to take action. Join us today. humanise.org to learn more.

"Placemaking" is in danger of becoming a meaningless word... taken over by a design-centric approach. Don't get me wrong. I'm passionate about great design and it plays an important role in placemaking. But it's the carriage at the back of the train, not the engine driving it. In REVITALISE YOUR TOWN CENTRE IN 7 WEEKS OR LESS, I unpack why placemaking is first and foremost a psychological task, and a task of turning 'customers' into 'citizens'. Yes, I do have a whole section on the role design plays. More details here: https://lnkd.in/gVzVymNR #placemaking #urbanism #towncentre #urbandesign

The Pineapple for Building seeks to recognise a completed building that makes a positive contribution to the wider place and its people through its design and programme. The judges will be looking for a quality building that is inclusive by design and welcoming, contributes to urban life, and encourages people to dwell, live, work, connect, learn or play. Is the building a good neighbour? They will also be considering whether the intervention make a positive environmental and social impact. Submission requirements: The project must be complete and able to be visited by judges. The judges will consider how the building contributes to the wider area or place. There is no restriction in terms of the completion date for a project, however the project must be in-use at the time of entering and we recommend that this has been a notable year in the life of the project. Have a project in mind? Start your entry here: https://bit.ly/3u5iHKf #Building #ThePineapples #MakingPlaces #BetterPlaces #AwardsforPlace

Another insightful article reveals that although Placemaking may not yet be a term familiar to everyone, it is far from being a fleeting trend or mere buzzword. It embodies a strategic approach embraced by real estate developers, place management professionals, and cities large and small, to maximize the value and engagement of public spaces. Real estate developers stand at the forefront of shaping the future of urban spaces, making their involvement in placemaking not just beneficial but crucial. Prioritizing placemaking strategies can significantly enhance a property’s appeal, turning otherwise overlooked spaces into vibrant destinations and community hubs. By integrating placemaking at the early stages of a project, developers can ensure that their public spaces are designed with intention and reflect the needs and desires of the community, ultimately leading to higher occupancy rates, increased property values, and a competitive edge in the market. For developers aiming to maximize long-term impact, placemaking is the key. #Placemaking #RealEstateDevelopment #CommunityBuilding #PublicSpaces https://lnkd.in/g-JuTP3q

The Heart of the Neighborhood: Designing Vibrant Community Squares Neighbourhood squares are vital components of urban design, acting as communal hubs that foster social interaction, community engagement, and a sense of place. These compact parks can significantly enhance the quality of urban life by efficiently utilizing limited space. Key Features of Pocket Parks: 1. Accessibility: Ensure the square is easily accessible to all residents, with well-connected pathways and public transportation options. 2. Greenery and Landscaping: Incorporate a variety of plants, trees, and flowers to create a natural and inviting atmosphere. 3. Seating and Amenities: Provide ample seating options, such as benches and picnic tables, to encourage people to gather and relax. 4. Safety and Lighting: Implement well-lit pathways and open sightlines to promote a safe environment for all users. 5. Multifunctional Spaces: Design the square to accommodate various activities, such as markets, performances, and community events. 6. Cultural and Artistic Features: Include public art installations, sculptures, and cultural displays to enhance the aesthetic appeal and cultural significance of the square. 7. Community Involvement: Engage with local residents and stakeholders in the design process to ensure the square meets their needs and preferences. Benefits: Enhanced Social Interaction: Neighbourhood squares provide a space for residents to meet, socialize, and build community bonds. Improved Quality of Life: Access to green spaces and recreational areas contributes to physical and mental well-being. Economic Value: Well-designed squares can increase property values and attract businesses and visitors to the area. Neighbourhood squares are essential for creating vibrant, livable urban environments. By thoughtfully designing these spaces, we can foster community engagement, enhance well-being, and create lasting social and economic benefits. #NeighbourhoodSquare #UrbanDesign #CommunitySpaces #GreenLiving #PublicSpaces #SustainableCities

Investment in Valley Falls, Robust Community Engagement, Beautiful Public Spaces! These are a few of my favorite things! So grateful for everyone who continues to work with us on creating at Wellness Hub at Valley Falls Heritage Park. As a community we’ve been asking the big questions: - What does Heritage really mean? Who’s heritage is being honored? - What does universal accessibility look like in this space? - How do we bridge the divide between a storied history and an evolving future? While we navigate these questions and talk to our neighbors, the current results and design are a testament to the care put into this work. https://t.co/Wbg6nrEAo5