How does placemaking transform urban development?
This article summarizes the latest episode of the podcast together with Rosanna Vitiello, cultural strategist, creative director, and co-founder of The Place Bureau. She shares her journey into cultural strategies, placemaking, urban research and creating stories that make places meaningful.
What is placemaking?
As Rosanna says:
Placemaking has often been perceived as a small-scale addition focused on community engagement and minor urban enhancements.
However, a broader strategic perspective defines it as a crucial component of urban development, integral to shaping vibrant and meaningful public spaces. Placemaking is not just about physical changes; it's about creating environments where people feel connected to their surroundings, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
In this context, placemaking is described by Rosanna as 'meaning making,' a concept that goes beyond the mere aesthetic to touch on the cultural and social fibers of a community. It is about transforming a house into a home, a street into a neighborhood, and a city into a collective identity, all while considering the diverse actors involved in urban development, such as municipalities, architects, and developers.
Kickstarting a culture of contemporary creativity in Parma, Italy (Photo: The Place Bureau)
History of a place
I invited Rosanna as I am very interested in different actors in urban development, and the role of placemaking which has expanded significantly. Traditionally seen as an addition to the work of architects and developers, placemaking is now recognized for its strategic importance. This shift is partly driven by the growing awareness of the need for urban environments that reflect the unique cultural identity and history of a place.
Rosanna emphasizes the importance of narrative and experience design in redefining how people interact with urban spaces. By integrating elements of cultural identity into the design process, placemaking efforts strive to build meaningful connections between communities and their environments, thus enhancing the overall urban experience.
What happens when placemaking meets architects, developers and city councils?
Architects
The collaboration between placemakers and architects is essential for successful urban development. While architects bring expertise in designing physical structures, placemakers contribute a deep understanding of cultural and social dynamics. This collaboration is particularly important in projects where the goal is to create spaces that resonate with the local community and reflect its values.
For instance, in a city like Bristol, (UK) characterized by its local personality and cultural heritage, placemaking efforts focus on capturing the essence of the city and translating it into tangible design elements. By working closely with architects, placemakers ensure that urban development projects are not only functional but also culturally and socially relevant.
Developers
They, too, play a crucial role in the placemaking process. Their willingness to invest in and support placemaking initiatives can significantly impact the success of urban development projects. Developers who recognize the value of placemaking understand that it is not merely about increasing land value, but about creating long-term sustainable communities.
Placemaking offers a way to prototype and test ideas, allowing developers to assess their viability before making substantial investments. By creating partnerships with placemakers, developers can ensure that their projects are not only profitable, but also contribute positively to the community and environment.
Municipalities
Municipalities are also taking this approach as part of their urban development strategies. By collaborating with placemakers, city councils can enhance their cities' value and visibility, attract investment, and create a sense of community among residents.
The involvement of local governments is crucial in ensuring that placemaking efforts are aligned with broader urban planning objectives and that they address the needs of diverse stakeholders. Ultimately, the future of placemaking lies in its ability to integrate cultural, social, and environmental goals into urban development, creating spaces that are not only functional but also vibrant and inclusive.
📚 The reading recommendation of the episode:
Natural Futures by The Place Bureau
