12.4 Case Studies of Successful Placemaking Projects
6 min read•july 30, 2024
Placemaking projects transform urban spaces into vibrant community hubs. From 's pedestrian-friendly makeover to Copenhagen's multicultural , these initiatives revitalize neighborhoods and foster social connections. They blend smart design, diverse programming, and to create lasting impact.
Successful placemaking hinges on key factors like human-scale design, flexible spaces, and inclusive events. Partnerships between government, businesses, and locals drive funding and long-term support. The results? Boosted economies, stronger communities, and greener cities. These case studies offer valuable lessons for creating thriving public spaces anywhere.
Placemaking Success Stories
Diverse Urban Contexts
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Cheonggyecheon, Seoul | jeong gon kim | Flickr View original
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Superkilen Sunset | Copenhagen Denmark | Cohen Van der Velde | Flickr View original
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Superkilen park, Nørrebro, Copenhagen - Superflex with Bja… | Flickr View original
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Cheonggyecheon, Seoul | jeong gon kim | Flickr View original
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Superkilen Sunset | Copenhagen Denmark | Cohen Van der Velde | Flickr View original
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Top images from around the web for Diverse Urban Contexts
Cheonggyecheon, Seoul | jeong gon kim | Flickr View original
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Superkilen Sunset | Copenhagen Denmark | Cohen Van der Velde | Flickr View original
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Superkilen park, Nørrebro, Copenhagen - Superflex with Bja… | Flickr View original
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Cheonggyecheon, Seoul | jeong gon kim | Flickr View original
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Superkilen Sunset | Copenhagen Denmark | Cohen Van der Velde | Flickr View original
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- Placemaking is a collaborative process that shapes the public realm to maximize shared value, strengthen the connection between people and places, and promote equitable, healthy, and sustainable outcomes
- Successful placemaking projects can be found in a variety of urban contexts, including downtowns (Times Square in New York City), neighborhoods (Superkilen Park in Copenhagen), waterfronts ( in Seoul), parks ( in New York City), streets, and public spaces
- Examining case studies across different urban contexts reveals the diverse approaches, scales, and outcomes of placemaking initiatives
- Placemaking initiatives can transform underutilized or neglected spaces into vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community assets that serve diverse populations and needs
Notable Placemaking Projects
- Times Square transformation in New York City pedestrianized streets and created vibrant public spaces with seating, programming, and public art, attracting millions of visitors and revitalizing the area
- Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration in Seoul, South Korea removed an elevated highway to restore a natural stream and create a 11-kilometer linear park with walking and cycling paths, green spaces, and cultural amenities
- Superkilen Park in Copenhagen, Denmark engaged diverse community members to create a multicultural public space with design elements and activities reflecting the neighborhood's ethnic diversity and history
- The High Line in New York City converted an abandoned elevated rail line into a popular 1.45-mile linear park with gardens, seating, art installations, and programming, catalyzing adjacent development and economic growth
Factors for Placemaking Success
Physical Design Strategies
- Creating human-scale, pedestrian-friendly environments with active ground floor uses (cafes, shops, galleries) and engaging facades (windows, entrances, architectural details) encourages social interaction and walkability
- Providing a mix of amenities and activities (seating, play areas, performance spaces, food vendors) attracts diverse users and encourages them to linger and socialize in the space
- Incorporating green infrastructure, such as trees, planters, and stormwater management features (rain gardens, permeable paving), enhances environmental sustainability, resilience, and aesthetic appeal
- Designing flexible, adaptable spaces that can accommodate various uses and events over time (markets, concerts, festivals) ensures the long-term relevance and vibrancy of the place
Programming and Engagement Strategies
- Offering a range of free, accessible, and inclusive events and activities that appeal to different age groups, cultures, and interests (music performances, art workshops, fitness classes) activates the space and builds community
- Partnering with local organizations, institutions, and businesses (schools, libraries, restaurants, galleries) to activate spaces and build community ownership and stewardship
- Implementing temporary interventions, such as pop-up markets, art installations, and tactical urbanism projects (parklets, painted intersections), to test ideas, generate excitement, and demonstrate possibilities
- Conducting extensive outreach to diverse stakeholders, including residents, businesses, community groups, and local leaders, ensures broad participation and buy-in
- Employing methods, such as workshops, charrettes, and online platforms, to gather input, build consensus, and empower community members to take leadership roles in the planning, design, and management of public spaces
Partnerships and Funding
- Successful placemaking projects often leverage public-private partnerships (between local governments, businesses, foundations, and community organizations) to secure resources, expertise, and long-term support
- Innovative funding mechanisms, such as business improvement districts, tax increment financing, crowdfunding, and grants, can help finance the capital costs and ongoing maintenance and programming of public spaces
- Establishing sustainable revenue streams, such as concession fees, event rentals, sponsorships, and donations, can ensure the financial sustainability and independence of placemaking initiatives
Placemaking Impacts and Sustainability
Economic, Social, and Environmental Benefits
- Placemaking initiatives can generate a range of economic benefits, including increased property values (adjacent real estate appreciation), business activity (sales, foot traffic), job creation (in construction, maintenance, programming), and tax revenue (from property, sales, and income taxes)
- Social impacts may include enhanced (interactions and relationships among diverse community members), (participation in public life and decision-making), cultural expression (celebration of local heritage, arts, and traditions), and sense of belonging (attachment and pride in the community)
- Environmental impacts may include improved air and water quality (through green infrastructure and reduced car use), increased biodiversity (through native plantings and habitat creation), reduced urban heat island effect (through shading and evaporative cooling), and enhanced resilience to climate change (through stormwater management and flood mitigation)
- Health impacts may include increased physical activity (through walking, cycling, and recreation), reduced stress (through exposure to nature and social interaction), improved mental health (through sense of belonging and purpose), and greater access to nature and recreation (especially in underserved communities)
Long-Term Sustainability and Management
- Evaluating the long-term sustainability of placemaking initiatives requires ongoing monitoring (of use, satisfaction, and impacts), maintenance (of physical infrastructure and amenities), and adaptation to changing community needs and conditions (through feedback and iterations)
- Sustainable placemaking projects should be designed with flexibility (to accommodate different uses and events), durability (to withstand wear and tear and vandalism), and adaptability (to allow for future changes and expansions) in mind to ensure ongoing use and relevance
- Establishing sustainable funding mechanisms, such as business improvement districts (funded by property assessments), conservancies (funded by donations and endowments), or cooperatives (funded by member fees), can help ensure the long-term maintenance and programming of public spaces
- Engaging community members in the ongoing stewardship and management of public spaces, through volunteer programs, advisory committees, or community events, can foster a sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride in the long-term success and sustainability of the place
Applying Placemaking Lessons
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
- Conducting thorough site analysis (of physical conditions, assets, and challenges) and community needs assessments (through surveys, interviews, and focus groups) informs design and programming decisions that are responsive to local contexts and priorities
- Engaging diverse stakeholders (residents, businesses, institutions, government agencies) early and often throughout the planning and design process, through multiple channels and formats (online and in-person), builds trust, ownership, and capacity for long-term stewardship
- Leveraging local assets, such as cultural heritage (stories, traditions, landmarks), natural resources (waterfronts, parks, views), and community talents (artists, entrepreneurs, activists), creates authentic and meaningful places that reflect and celebrate the unique identity and character of the community
- Balancing the needs of different user groups (children, seniors, families, workers) and ensuring equitable access and inclusion (through universal design, multilingual signage, and affordable programming) promotes social justice and cohesion
- Incorporating flexibility and adaptability into design and programming, through modular furniture, multipurpose spaces, and rotating activities, accommodates changing needs and preferences over time and ensures the long-term relevance and vibrancy of the place
- Establishing clear governance structures (roles, responsibilities, decision-making processes) and management plans (maintenance, programming, funding) ensures the ongoing care, activation, and improvement of public spaces with community involvement and accountability
Scaling and Sharing Placemaking Practices
- Successful placemaking practices can be adapted and scaled to different urban contexts, taking into account local conditions (climate, culture, politics), resources (funding, partnerships, community assets), and priorities (economic development, social equity, environmental sustainability)
- Sharing knowledge and lessons learned across placemaking practitioners, researchers, and advocates, through conferences, publications, webinars, and peer exchanges, can help advance the field, build capacity, and promote innovation and collaboration
- Integrating placemaking principles and strategies into broader urban design and planning frameworks, such as comprehensive plans, codes, and capital improvement programs, can help institutionalize and mainstream placemaking as a core approach to creating more livable, equitable, resilient, and people-centered cities
- Developing and disseminating placemaking tools, templates, and metrics, such as design guidelines, community engagement toolkits, and impact assessment frameworks, can help standardize and evaluate placemaking practices across different contexts and scales
Key Terms to Review (19)
Cheonggyecheon Stream: Cheonggyecheon Stream is a restored urban stream in downtown Seoul, South Korea, that runs for approximately 11 kilometers through the city. This revitalization project transformed a previously covered waterway into a vibrant public space that enhances urban ecology, promotes community interaction, and serves as a model for successful placemaking in urban environments.
Civic engagement: Civic engagement refers to the active participation of individuals in the civic and political life of their communities, aimed at addressing issues that affect their lives. It encompasses various activities, including volunteering, participating in community discussions, and engaging in public decision-making processes, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility among citizens.
Community engagement: Community engagement refers to the process of involving individuals and groups in meaningful interactions and collaborations, aimed at fostering mutual understanding, participation, and empowerment within a community. This concept plays a crucial role in public art and urban design by ensuring that projects reflect the needs, values, and aspirations of the community members who are impacted by them.
Defensible space theory: Defensible space theory is a concept in urban design and crime prevention that suggests the physical environment can influence social behavior in ways that reduce crime and increase the safety of residents. It emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that encourage natural surveillance, territoriality, and community interaction to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents, ultimately making areas less appealing to potential criminals.
Human Scale: Human scale refers to the design and dimension of spaces and structures that are proportionate and relatable to the human body, making them comfortable and accessible for people. This concept emphasizes the importance of creating environments that foster interaction and engagement, allowing individuals to connect more deeply with their surroundings. It plays a crucial role in public art and urban design by influencing how people experience and interact with sculptures, plazas, and community spaces.
Installation art: Installation art is a three-dimensional work designed to transform a specific space, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork in a more immersive way. Unlike traditional artworks, which are often standalone pieces, installation art interacts with its environment and may incorporate various materials, media, and sensory elements to create a unique experience. This form of art often emphasizes the relationship between the artwork and the space it occupies, encouraging reflection on both the art itself and the surrounding context.
Jane Jacobs: Jane Jacobs was an influential urbanist and activist known for her advocacy of community-based approaches to city planning and her critique of modernist urban design. Her ideas emphasized the importance of vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods that prioritize pedestrians and local businesses, connecting deeply with the evolution of public art and urban design.
Land use planning: Land use planning is the process of evaluating and regulating how land is used and developed to create sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing communities. It involves balancing various interests, including economic development, environmental protection, and social equity, by guiding the distribution of activities and structures across space. This planning is essential in placemaking projects as it determines how spaces can be utilized effectively to foster community engagement and improve quality of life.
Mixed-use development: Mixed-use development is a type of urban design that integrates residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces within a single project or area. This approach encourages diverse land use, promotes community interaction, and enhances urban livability by reducing the need for transportation and fostering vibrant neighborhoods.
Mural: A mural is a large-scale artwork created directly on a wall or ceiling, often intended to enhance the aesthetics of public spaces and convey social or cultural messages. Murals can transform urban environments, bringing color and life to otherwise dull areas while also serving as a medium for community expression. They often reflect local history, identity, and values, making them significant in discussions about public art and urban design.
New Urbanism: New Urbanism is an urban design movement that promotes walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use developments, and a strong sense of community in response to the challenges posed by urban sprawl and car dependency. It emphasizes sustainable practices in planning and architecture, fostering social interactions, and creating vibrant public spaces that encourage community engagement.
Participatory Design: Participatory design is an approach that actively involves all stakeholders, especially end-users, in the design process to ensure that the final outcome meets their needs and preferences. This method fosters collaboration and empowers communities by making them co-creators of the spaces and art that affect their lives.
Project for Public Spaces: A Project for Public Spaces is an initiative focused on improving public spaces by enhancing their design, functionality, and accessibility for the community. These projects aim to create vibrant, inclusive environments that foster social interaction and cultural expression, emphasizing the importance of engaging local communities in the design process to ensure that public spaces reflect their needs and values.
Social cohesion: Social cohesion refers to the degree of connectedness and solidarity among members of a community, fostering a sense of belonging and collective identity. This concept is crucial for creating inclusive environments where diverse groups can interact positively, share common goals, and collaborate effectively.
Superkilen Park: Superkilen Park is a vibrant public park located in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen, Denmark, designed to celebrate cultural diversity and community engagement. This urban space combines various elements from different cultures around the world, showcasing a range of art installations, landscaping, and recreational areas that encourage social interaction and inclusivity. The park is a prime example of successful placemaking, where design and community needs come together to create a unique and inviting environment.
The High Line: The High Line is a unique elevated linear park built on a former railway track in New York City, transforming an abandoned industrial space into a vibrant public space. This innovative project showcases the potential for urban reuse and placemaking, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and private funding in creating successful urban landscapes.
Times Square: Times Square is a major commercial and entertainment hub located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, known for its bright lights, digital billboards, and vibrant atmosphere. Often referred to as 'The Crossroads of the World,' it serves as a prime example of successful placemaking that transforms urban spaces into lively public areas where people gather and engage.
User surveys: User surveys are structured questionnaires designed to collect feedback and insights from individuals who interact with a public space or urban project. They play a crucial role in placemaking by helping designers and planners understand the preferences, needs, and experiences of the community, ultimately guiding improvements and enhancements to the environment.
Zoning: Zoning is the process of dividing land into sections for different uses, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural. This regulatory tool helps manage urban growth and development by determining how land can be used and ensuring that different land uses are compatible with each other. By controlling the density and types of buildings in specific areas, zoning plays a crucial role in shaping the character and functionality of urban environments.