Last Updated: June 28, 2023
Just to liven things up on this Useful Community Development sitemap, we have selected a few photos to help you think about successful placemaking, a topic that is so broad it doesn't even have a page on this site. Placemaking just refers to creating a memorable, distinctive, pleasant place to be. You will see a few elements that can contribute to placemaking, including people outdoors, interesting architecture, street markets, and outstanding scenery. Don't focus on what you lack; focus on what you can have to make a special town or neighborhood.
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Again we see the elements of lots of people outdoors and nice architecture, this time with a great water feature in the form of one of Rome's famous fountains.
This example from the Munich Viktualienmarkt incorporates the same placemaking elements, adding great shade, food, adult beverages, and nice pavers underfoot.
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In addition to reinforcing the previously described placemaking elements, this photo adds the ideas of outdoor restaurant seating and protected spaces for pedestrians.
Environmental planning question
In London's Hyde Park we see the same elements of placemaking reinforced. While almost everyone opted out of paying for a chair, would the place be the same without the famous uniform chairs? What do you think?
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