Inclusive Placemaking: Building Future on Local Heritage

Abstract

The original placemaking philosophy was based on the recognition that place is intrinsically tied to cultural values, ones tested by generations of human interaction. Its practices have created a growing body of knowledge of the design strategies and physical elements that make vital public spaces and successful development projects. However, without proper consideration of local history and heritage, such practices might not leave room for character and distinctive beauty. The result can be places that are again more a manifestation of planning principles and generalised design strategies than integrating urban cultures and communities. Without inclusion of the attributes that people want to preserve, adapt, rehabilitate, or even reconstruct, public space may present a missed opportunity to produce specific, beautiful places. Careful approaches to existing structures provide a sense of continuity, comprehensibility, meaningfulness, and coherence – the values of importance beyond aesthetic satisfaction. Placemaking practices might be expanded again, to advocate for more sustaining, organised complexity, and reconciling new urban communities with adaptive places full of character.