LGA Partners’ Post

While difficult to definitively define, placemaking is part of everything we do as elected officials.

The term "placemaking" has become ubiquitous in conversations around public spaces, echoing through community meetings, policy discussions, and architectural studios. It has morphed into a buzzword, laden with both promise and skepticism. The definition remains as fluid as the spaces it seeks to transform, begging the question, what does placemaking really mean? Placemaking embodies a multitude of interpretations, from grassroots community engagement to top-down urban renewal initiatives. Many define and embrace it as a means to foster vibrant, inclusive communities, others offer critiques, questioning its ability to truly empower marginalized voices or challenging its susceptibility to co-optation by commercial interests. During Placemaking Week and beyond, we'll embark on a journey to explore what placemaking and placekeeping truly mean for the Neighborhood Design Center. Yet while our internal definition is evolving, we embrace shared placemaking practices. Our community engagement around placemaking remains deeply rooted in place-based interventions that respond to the distinctive needs and aspirations of local neighborhoods. Check out our latest article where our team explores the current state of placemaking. Read the article and comment below how you define placemaking: https://bit.ly/4bFDghh

As an interior design company, we believe in the power of connecting people to place, telling stories and fostering unity for all.   As we reflect on the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we take this time to reaffirm the goals we have set for our organization in an effort to become a more involved and aware Indigenous ally. We are committed to:    Learning: We strive to deepen our understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and histories.   Collaboration: We are dedicated to collaborating with members of the Indigenous community.   Advocacy: We stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities, and the importance of their voice in the design industry.   Respect: We respect the land and territories where we work, acknowledging their cultural significance. Together, we aim to create spaces that represent our perspective and learnings as indigenous ally's.   #NationalDayOfTruthAndReconciliation #IndigenousAllyship #InteriorDesignForAll #DesigningWithPurpose #RespectTheLand #InclusiveDesign #DiversityInDesign #toronto #interiordesign #Figure3

Urban Land Institute- Creative Placemaking: Experts Study Creating a Distinctive Sense of Place "ULI’s Advisory Services program, which has convened more than 700 Advisory Services panels since its inception in 1947, over the years has gathered experts in such fields as #affordablehousing, transit-oriented development, urban revitalization, #environment and #sustainability, and brownfield restoration to help communities address challenges and opportunities presented in these areas." NYU School of Professional Studies Schack Institute of Real Estate Professor Matthew Kwatinetz notes that a 2018 survey of 3,000 people, conducted by the Americans for the Arts (AfTA), a U.S. arts advocacy nonprofit, found that a majority of Americans believe “the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity.” This is particularly relevant and needed in these turbulent times of divisiveness. Full Article: http://spr.ly/6048Prb5k #nyu #wearesps #nyurealestate #nyuschack #schackrealestate #realestate

#Placemaking focuses on what really matters - #people and #places. You get what you plan for and act upon. So what are our real ultimate, overriding priorities? As pointed out for years by Fred Kent #KathyMadden Project for Public Spaces PlacemakingX Ethan Kent and dozens of others: "If you plan for cars and traffic, you'll get cars and traffic. If you plan for people and places, you'll get people and places". If you authentically engage and empower local people, you’ll get engaged and empowered local people. If you aim and plan for active people and thriving places, you’ll get active people and thriving places. What do you *really* want to see as the ultimate vision for your area? Take one of our courses to learn more about the depth and potential of placemaking as a change-making agenda at https://lnkd.in/gYhRs4NQ Town Team Movement Rory Murray Jimmy Murphy Patrycja Rosinska Dean Cracknell Cam Perkins Tim Judd Tanya Moran Chris Swiderski Michelle Prior Michael Haynes Steven Burgess Craig Wooldridge Sara Stace BetterStreets Lena Huda PlacemakingUS Placemaking Europe Better Block Foundation

Creative Placemaking is top of mind for public space professionals in 2024 according to Project for Public Spaces. And it's no wonder - with so many people feeling disconnected, overworked, and even burned out, we need inspiring places to gather more than ever. The good news is there are so many ways to inject playfulness, comfort, and creativity into our communities. One small aspect of placemaking is through creative features that are thoughtfully curated and integrated into the development. We've gathered some of our favourite projects over the years to showcase some of the ways creative features can bring new life to communities. What are some of your favourite places to gather in your city? #publicart #communitydevelopment #placemaking #creativefeatures #projectforpublicspaces

Transforming spaces, empowering faces. 🔥 At Pro Accessibility, we're not just changing the game; we're reinventing it for inclusivity and accessibility. Say goodbye to the old limits and hello to a world where every project shines with possibility. 📍 Visit us on our website www.proaccessibility.ca to learn more! #accessiblecanda #homelift #OntarioCA #constructionwork #accessiblehousing #homemodifications #accessibleworkplaces #diversityandinclusion #homeremodel #homerenovations #kitchenremodel #bathroomremodel #houseremodel #accessibledesign #constructionwork #homeassessment

Transforming spaces, empowering faces. 🔥 At Pro Accessibility, we're not just changing the game; we're reinventing it for inclusivity and accessibility. Say goodbye to the old limits and hello to a world where every project shines with possibility. 📍 Visit us on our website www.proaccessibility.ca to learn more! #accessiblecanda #homelift #OntarioCA #constructionwork #accessiblehousing #homemodifications #accessibleworkplaces #diversityandinclusion #homeremodel #homerenovations #kitchenremodel #bathroomremodel #houseremodel #accessibledesign #constructionwork #homeassessment

I've been thinking about how placemaking builds stronger communities. Imagine a park that's not just a place to throw a frisbee, or play fetch with your dog but a hub for neighbours to connect, share meals and collaborate on projects that make the community grow closer. That's the magic of placemaking! This actually happened when a local park went from desolate to delightful. A group of residents started meeting for weekly potlucks, and the energy was contagious! Slowly, through word of mouth, the gathering increased from a mere ten people to hundreds of people getting together every weekend. This simple act of coming together sparked a conversation with the city about revitalizing the space. Now, they're planning a community garden and a recreation area - all designed with input from the people who use it most! Here's the thing: When we design with community in mind, we're not just building structures, we're building trust. Trust between residents and local government, and trust between neighbours themselves. This sense of connection is vital for strong, healthy communities, and it all starts with creating spaces that spark interaction and collaboration. So, what are your thoughts on placemaking? Have you seen any inspiring examples in your own communities? Let me know in the comments! Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/geDJWNH4 #Architecture #HappyCities #Community #Placemaking #UrbanDesign #SocialImpact #DesignThinking

Spot any recent accessible features in your community? 🌍 Share the progress! From ramps to braille signage or inclusive spaces, let's celebrate the strides toward a more accessible world. Comment below and inspire others with positive changes you've noticed! 🌟 #AccessibleWorld #InclusiveDesigns #CommunityAccessibility #AccessibleSpaces #InclusionMatters #UniversalDesign #AccessibleCommunity #EqualityForAll #AccessibleCities #DiverseInclusion #PointCare