What is placemaking and how does it change public spaces?

Placemaking: the concept of public space

Placemaking, whose origin is linked to the English word "place," which translates to "location," is a modern approach that encompasses various aspects related to the organization and transformation of public spaces. The essence of this concept lies not only in creating beautiful and cozy areas but also in introducing unique elements and brands, as well as managing them and changing their perception.

The main idea of placemaking is that active community involvement in improving the quality of public spaces contributes to a higher overall quality of life for its citizens. It is also important to note that such areas in cities should encompass the interests of local residents and reflect their needs.

The history of placemaking

Place-making has its roots all over the world, but it gained the most popularity in Europe and the United States. The concept began to actively develop in the 1960s when two prominent figures — futurist and urban strategist William White, along with activist and urban planning theorist Jane Jacobs — started working on ideas aimed at creating cities that are comfortable not only for cars but also for people.

Their efforts focused on creating attractive and engaging public spaces.

The development of the term "placemaking"

The term "placemaking" began to be used in the 1970s among landscape architects and urban planning specialists. It came to denote the process of designing public spaces such as:

• areas
• parks
• streets
• embankments

The main goal of this activity is to create spaces that attract attention due to their aesthetic appeal and convenience for visitors.

An integral part of placemaking is the organization of street events and festivals, which help create a vibrant atmosphere and engage citizens in the active life of their cities. In 1975, William H. Whyte, along with Fred Kent, founded the non-profit organization "Project for Public Spaces" (PPS) in the United States, which continues to operate today, promoting ideas for the creation and improvement of public spaces. Among the successful projects of this organization, we can mention places such as:

• Times Square in New York City
• Mars Field in Detroit
• Haymarket Market in Boston

The significance of public spaces

Public spaces include parks, squares, embankments, and other open areas accessible to everyone. In accordance with the "Charter of Public Space," adopted in 2014 under the auspices of the UN Habitat program,Public lands are of utmost importance for the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.This is a space where people interact, a means of expressing cultural and natural diversity, and the foundation of community identity.

This concept emphasizes the need to create accessible and comfortable spaces for interaction among people, which in turn fosters a sense of community and contributes to improving the quality of life in cities.

The basics of placemaking

The idea of placemaking is based on a clear understanding of the quality of public spaces. For example, a relaxation area for citizens was created on one of the streets in Chicago. The key qualities that characterize a successful public space include:

• Accessibility– a diverse audience, including people of all ages, both women and children, as well as the elderly;
• Active participation of societyand the establishment of social connections;
• Life on the streetthat does not stop even in the evening;
• Multifunctionality– a variety of different activities that include supporting local businesses;
• Comfort- high sanitary standards, preservation of urban infrastructure, cleanliness of the environment, and safety;
• Ease of access- the availability of parking, a well-thought-out transportation infrastructure, and convenient pedestrian routes.

Principles of placemaking

The PPS organization has developed 11 principles of placemaking that help in creating such spaces. First and foremost, it is essential to consider the needs of the users. It is important to form a clear concept of what the public space should become, as it is the visitors who can offer the best options for its improvement. At the same time, it is crucial not to forget about the interests of diverse groups of citizens, as the creation of public space is aimed at many people, not just one category of the population.

Creating a living space

Moreover, it is important to emphasize that it is necessary to create a living space, rather than just following trendy design trends. In this process, partnerships with private companies hold particular significance. Funding for such events can come from various sources, including:

• local budgets;
• rental income from nearby cafes and restaurants;
• income from cultural events;
• charitable donations;
• the funds of private investors, which often become fundamental for the implementation of ideas.

Tracking the needs of citizens

It is important to closely monitor how citizens use public spaces and what needs they respond to. Understanding how a public place should look is crucial for shaping its image and reputation in people's minds. Transformations can begin with small elements: installing blooming flower beds, benches, and organizing cozy outdoor cafes, as well as creating comfortable sidewalks.

Ancillary services

The provision of accompanying services is also crucial – for example, a transport stop becomes significantly more functional when it is accompanied by trash bins and small shops. In the principles of placemaking, it is important to organize the space in such a way that it encourages interaction among people, even with those they do not know.

Creativity and quality

Working in this field requires creativity and the ability to find effective solutions while overcoming obstacles. It is important to remember that it is not the form, but the content and quality that are of primary importance. For successful project implementation, financial issues should not become a barrier, as the cost of improving public spaces is significantly lower than the benefits they offer in the future.

The process of placemaking

Finally, it is important to consider that the process of placemaking is never complete. Creating a comfortable public space is an ongoing process that requires quality management and the ability to adapt to the changing needs of communities.

Transforming urban environments through placemaking

The transformation of the urban environment can begin with the creation of a small but attractive landmark. Placemaking, as a way to enhance public spaces, offers numerous benefits.

Investing in real estate in London

In the next five years, Portman, a property management company, plans to invest significant funds — around £150 million — in the restoration of its properties.

In the meantime, the De Walden company, whose representatives are connected to Walden's Howard, is set to allocate £200 million for various projects, while Cadogan Estate plans to invest £25 million in the redevelopment of the Sloan Street area.

Transformation of Trafalgar Square

One of the main projects in London is the transformation of Trafalgar Square, where De Walden plans to enhance the appearance of Harley Street and its surroundings.

It is especially important to create an image that is associated not with small plastic surgery clinics, but with high-quality medical institutions and large clinics that provide a variety of medical services.

The concept of placemaking

The concept of placemaking is aimed at improving the urban landscape by focusing on amenities for people rather than for cars.

For example, one side of Trafalgar Square has been transformed into pedestrian zones, which has significantly increased the number of tourists and added activity to the evening streets.

Examples of effective placemaking

It is important to note that placemaking does not always require large investments and large-scale projects. An example of this is New York, where an attempt was made to create comfortable public spaces through simple yet effective solutions.

• Bryant Park:Located next to the library, it has become the perfect place to relax, featuring chairs for reading books and socializing outdoors.
• In the nearby kiosks, aromatic coffee and fresh pastries are offered.
• The park is also equipped with a chess club for board game enthusiasts.

Successful examples in the USA

Similar examples can be observed in other American cities as well. For instance, in Boston, a playground for adults was created on a street near the exhibition center, where people can gather, chat, listen to music, and even swing on swings like they did in childhood.

Paris: changes for pedestrians and cyclists

In France, specifically in the capital Paris, projects aimed at improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists have been actively implemented in recent years.

Currently, less than half of families in Paris own cars, and those who do use them much less frequently compared to residents of other cities.

The urban space is constantly adapting to the needs of its citizens. For example, part of Republic Square has been allocated for pedestrian use, and this reorganization is inspired by the transformation of Trafalgar Square in London.

This change not only made the municipal infrastructure more attractive but also increased its accessibility for residents and visitors of the city.

Conclusion

Thus, placemaking becomes an important element in improving the quality of urban life and creating a comfortable space for citizens.

Conclusion

Placemaking is not just a trendy word, but a truly important concept that requires our attention and involvement. As I delved deeper into this topic, I became increasingly inspired by the realization that public spaces can and should become the centers of our community life. We live in a world where the rapid development of cities often leaves people behind. However, as practice has shown, creating cozy and functional spaces for communication and relaxation can radically improve the quality of life.

When we talk about placemaking, it's important to see it not just as a set of rules or recommendations, but as a philosophy that encourages us to rethink our relationship with the environment around us. I am increasingly convinced that each of us can play our part in this process. After all, we are the ones who use these spaces every day, and our opinions need to be taken into account when they are being designed.

Small steps lead to big changes.

At the same time, placemaking is not limited to creating new objects — it also involves enriching existing places. We can start with small steps:

• Add flowers;
• Install benches;
• Organize small events.

Every such step can create positive changes and enhance the street culture of our cities.

Uniting people through space

At the community level, placemaking is becoming a tool for bringing people together. We can see how local residents proudly participate in the design of their streets, parks, and squares. This creates strong connections between people and helps to shape local identity.

Understand that local spaces belong to people and are for people.— a key point in the concept of placemaking. Our ability to work on these spaces and improve the quality of their functionality is a fundamental element. I urge all of us to actively participate in the process of shaping public spaces, making them more accessible and appealing to everyone, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, placemaking is not just about improving the appearance of urban spaces; it is an important step towards creating more cohesive and active communities. Let’s not forget that every street, every square has the potential to become a place where people can connect, interact, and enjoy life. I hope that our work in the field of placemaking will continue, inspiring a new generation of designers, architects, and ordinary citizens to act in the name of improving the quality of life in our cities.