“What is placemaking?

In a way, placemaking is about nothing – the void. Nestled between crafted architectural and environmental elements like intricate building facades, mature trees, landscaping and shade canopies is a resulting open space, meant for us to occupy, or experience in a way that’s engaging, comfortable and worthwhile.

Rooted in origins of the traditional courtyard, forum or piazza - these places are what brings us all together, sharing a space with others in our community. Essentially, placemaking taps into what makes us human. Whether enjoying a meal at a sidewalk cafe, reading a book on a park bench, window-shopping, or bringing the family to a central lawn to run around and play games – the place to do all these things must be carefully designed in such a way that invites us in, encouraging us to stay and hang out for a while.

Particularly critical in the car-centric and digital era we live in, it is important to recognize the urgency of providing such spaces within our communities – and fast! The economics of the commercial real estate environment (particularly retail/restaurants) - often leads to over-parked concrete havens where buildings are sparsely spaced, the human factor quickly missed. Add to this the continuously evolving digital frontier where the internet promotes virtual interactions and exchanges over anything in-person.

It’s therefore the responsibility of developers, master planners, and architects to strive for something more – something as simple as bringing us back to the roots of human interaction – with a contemporary angle. A place that’s not your home, or where you work; rather, a third place – made specifically to drawn you in - perhaps to conduct business, go shopping, grab a bite, or simply meet up with a friend.

Placemaking, in short, prioritizes the human factor within our built environment”