CITIES FORUM’s Post

 Urban design but even architecture needs a method founded on interaction among analysis and design; an architecture based on archetypal principles of the individual and collective unconscious, in a dialectical relationship between present memory and future;. If as architects we do not address the issue of urban design, to create Form as a limit state of continuous transformation processes, we will continue to abdicate our fundamental role. The culture of the modern movement and its subsequent declinations, up until today, have programmatically excluded the dialectical relationship between the past, individual and collective unconscious memory, and the present. We need to reconstruct this dialectical relationship using tools that are totally foreign to the discipline of architecture as it is taught and practiced today. If architects do not accept this fact, they will continue to play inappropriate roles as sociologists, anthropologists, economists, instead of proposing themselves as coordinators of the different subjects involved in the urban transformation process, focusing on their specific role: giving shape to people's needs and dreams and of the communities that live and pass through the places. https://lnkd.in/gXYdVsMZ

When it comes to creating #cities, the initially focus is on #economicvalue and growth….but at the core, for a #city to truly #thrive it needs to consider its #social and #environmental values as well, creating an #identity unique to it, which is what #placemaking is all about.

Cities are often seen as collections of buildings and streets. But for an urban placemaking professional, a place is much more than that. It's a feeling – a sense of vibrancy, belonging, and connection that draws people in and makes them feel welcome. We've spent so much time focusing on functionality that we've forgotten the emotional core of our cities. But what if we could design spaces that evoke specific feelings? Imagine a bustling farmers market that sparks joy, a quiet park that fosters contemplation, or a vibrant pedestrian walkway that ignites creativity. Reclaiming the Heart: Reclaiming Space. Here's how urban placemaking can help us reclaim the feeling in our places: * Community Engagement: Put people at the centre of the design process. Gather resident input, stories, and aspirations for the space. * Sensory Design: Consider the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and even tastes that contribute to a place's atmosphere. * Prioritize People: Design spaces for interaction, not just movement. Encourage lingering, gathering, and spontaneous encounters. * Celebrate Local Identity: Incorporate local history, culture, and art to create a unique sense of place. * Activate Underused Spaces: Transform neglected areas into vibrant public spaces that foster community engagement. By focusing on these elements, we can breathe life back into our cities. We can create places that function well and evoke positive emotions, fostering a sense of belonging and sparking connections between people. Let's move beyond concrete jungles and build places with heart! What are your ideas for creating places that resonate with people? #LivableCities #PublicSpace #Wellbeing #Urbanism #Launceston

The simplicity and directness of this is excellent. Also mostly applicable to #digitalplacemaking supporting efforts in how we make digital experiences for online social collaboration and networking grounded in local communities. Why online-only "solutions" and "fixes" to digital will never result in much change. #themediumisthemassage #mediaecology

Let’s learn something from this post!

10 Common Mistakes in Placemaking: 🤝 Ignoring Community Input: Failing to involve local residents and stakeholders in the planning process can result in spaces that don't meet their needs or reflect their identities. 📅 Underestimating Effective Centre Management: Great spaces need more than good design; they need active coordination, management and programming to attract and engage people. Events, activities, and amenities can bring a space to life. 🔐 Lack of Flexibility: Spaces that are too rigid in their design can't adapt to changing community needs and uses. Versatile and flexible spaces encourage diverse activities and long-term viability. 👷♂️ Neglecting Maintenance: Beautiful designs can quickly deteriorate without a plan for ongoing maintenance and upkeep. Ensuring long-term sustainability is key. ♿🚫 Inadequate Accessibility: Not considering the needs of all, including those with disabilities, can make spaces exclusive rather than inclusive. Accessibility should be a priority from the start. 🔗 Poor Connectivity: Spaces that are hard to reach or poorly connected to surrounding areas fail to integrate into the larger community fabric, reducing their usage and impact. 🚨 Ignoring Safety: Perceived and actual safety are crucial for a space’s success. Proper lighting, clear sight lines, and community policing can enhance safety and comfort. 🔎 Overlooking Context: Each place has its unique history, culture, and character. Designing without considering these elements can lead to spaces that feel out of place and disconnected. 🎀 Overemphasising Aesthetics: While aesthetics are important, they should not overshadow functionality and usability. A beautiful space that isn't practical or welcoming won't be successful. 🏭 Forgetting the Environment: Sustainable practices should be at the forefront of placemaking. Incorporating green infrastructure, managing stormwater, and using eco-friendly materials can create healthier, more resilient spaces. #Placemaking #Community #History #Culture #CommunitySpaces #SafeSpaces #CentreManagement #Environment #MainStreets #GreenInfrastructure #Revitalisation #Local #MainstreetAustralia #PlacemakingTips #SustainableCities #Sustainability

Placemaking goes beyond just aesthetics. It's about creating spaces that: Foster social connections: Bringing people together and encouraging interaction. Enhance quality of life: Making neighbourhoods more vibrant and enjoyable. Promote economic development: Creating attractive spaces that can draw businesses and residents. Reflect local identity: Shaping spaces that represent the unique character of a community. Placemaking is a powerful tool for shaping our cities and towns into places that are not just functional, but also meaningful and enjoyable for everyone. There are a few reasons why placemaking remains a topic of discussion and can be misunderstood: Competing Priorities Short-term gains: City planning often prioritizes immediate economic benefits over long-term social and environmental goals. Traffic flow: Car-centric infrastructure can still dominate, prioritizing vehicle movement over pedestrian and public spaces. Difficulty in Measurement Subjectivity: It can be challenging to quantify the impact of placemaking on things like social connection and well-being. Long-term benefits: The positive effects of placemaking may take years to become fully apparent. Public Misconceptions Focus on aesthetics: Some might see placemaking as simply beautification projects, overlooking the social and functional aspects. Gentrification concerns: There's a fear that successful placemaking projects can lead to rising property values and displacement of existing residents. However, there's a growing recognition of the value of placemaking.  As cities grow, well-designed public spaces become even more crucial for social interaction and a sense of community. There's a growing focus on walkable, sustainable cities with a strong sense of place. Is data and advocacy the answer? Tools are being developed to better measure the positive impact of placemaking on social and economic factors. By promoting awareness and demonstrating the benefits, placemaking can move from a misunderstood concept to a standard practice in creating vibrant and liveable communities. So get out there. Speak up. Promote. #urbandesign #cities #planning #placemaking #streets #Launceston

🏙️ The Power of Community Spaces in Urban Design Last night’s visit to JUMP (Jack’s Urban Meeting Place) in Boise was a powerful reminder of why community spaces are vital to the fabric of our cities. Remember the controversy when construction began? The modern design and unknown purpose certainly raised eyebrows. But today, JUMP stands as a testament to urban planning. Here’s why these spaces matter: 1. Versatility: From daytime office hub to nighttime event venue, the block adapts seamlessly. 2. Inclusivity: Whether it’s kid-focused activities or Story Story Night, the space draws diverse groups, bridging generational gaps. 3. Unexpected Joy: Who knew a slide could bring out the kid in so many adults? 😄🛝 4. Economic Impact: Attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and has served as a catalyst for further development (especially hotels!) on neighboring blocks. 5. Cultural Significance: Creates a new landmark and gathering place. Where else can you see an eclectic tractor collection in downtown Boise? As AEC professionals, we have the power to shape cities. Projects like JUMP remind us of our responsibility to create spaces that don’t just occupy land, but truly serve and inspire communities. The built environment matters. It’s not just about structures; it’s about creating the backdrop for human experiences, connections, and memories. If you have a favorite community space in your city, please share below! 👇 #UrbanPlanning #CommunitySpaces #AECIndustry #BuildingCommunities

We're thrilled to share our key insights from another impactful study: "Augmenting Places: The Impact of Placemaking on Behavioral Intentions." This study reinforces the transformative power of placemaking and public art that we witness every day. More specifically, the dynamic study from The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University, The Daniels Corporation., Lemay, Entro, and MASSIVart engaged 598 participants with various settings such as office spaces, outdoor courtyards, lobbies, and transit stations to measure the difference in responsiveness to locations with and without placemaking interventions. Our journey in implementing over 350 projects in public spaces worldwide clearly demonstrates that placemaking initiatives not only boost community engagement and economic prosperity but also cultivate meaningful connections within public spaces. 👇 But let the study speak for itself! https://lnkd.in/dZFqzPKB #placemaking #publicart #interactiveart

Some months ago, I had an incredible trip to New York, and wow, what a city! Strolling through Bryant Park filled me with such positive energy— it’s where urban life truly meets the essence of hospitality. What makes NYC so captivating? It's the city's relentless spirit of innovation and progress. And Bryant Park? It’s a prime example of hospitality in public spaces! It all comes down to thoughtful offerings and engaging programming. With more people traveling than ever, expectations are high, and there’s so much we can learn from the hospitality industry. Here’s how we can transform public realms to elevate the experience for everyone: Enhanced Experience: Personalized service can make public spaces more welcoming. Cleanliness Counts: Emphasizing upkeep makes areas more appealing and usable. Inclusive Design: Accessibility ensures everyone can enjoy these spaces. Engaging Events: Hosting community activities draws people in and fosters connection. Strong Identity: Good branding can instill pride and ownership in public areas. Feedback Matters: Listening to users helps improve services and spaces. Safety First: A focus on security makes public areas more inviting. Convenient Amenities: Adding things like food options and comfy seating enhances usability. Flexibility: Adapting spaces to meet the changing needs of visitors is key to creating vibrant, welcoming environments. Let’s reimagine our public spaces with the creativity and resilience of hospitality. Imagine the possibilities! #NYC #BryantPark #UrbanInnovation #PublicSpaces