Place-making is one of those terms that can seem a little fuzzy around the edges, possibly due to the multifaceted approach to the concept. In a nutshell, place-making is an all encompassing approach to the planning, urban design and management of public spaces. Whilst interior architecture focusses on the internal design and function of a space, at Wylde IA our projects often spill over into the planning and urban design aspects of builds – especially when creating a building from scratch.
In the blog this week, we’re looking at how place-making can be used to create a sense of community, belonging and ownership within a neighbourhood. When broken down into digestible steps, place-making is the art of making an area great. Place-making can increase economic activity in an area whilst boosting the appearance and performance. By definition, the process “capitalises on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and wellbeing … Place-making is both a process and a philosophy.”
The means that careful consideration has gone into the way that humans interact with a space, the way they use an area and how it makes them feel. Place-making can’t be an after thought or added at the end, it needs to be integrated from the very beginning of the design process. A well designed building should be uplifting and easy to use with a real sense of place. When users feel welcomed and comfortable utilising a space, they enhance the productivity and atmosphere of the place. When introduced into a workplace, the results are outstanding with increased motivation being turned into profit and better employee engagement and wellbeing with reduced staff turnover.
There are many different ways of creating successful place-making projects, from green spaces to innovative installations, sculptures and artworks – the process always takes imagination, creativity and collaboration. One example of highlighting an areas history and social roots can be found in our very own St.Pauls in Bristol. The Seven Saints of St.Pauls project by Michelle Curtis & Paintsmiths – murals have been created that honour seven key people who shaped Bristol’s black community, including those who helped create the St Paul’s Carnival and others who campaigned for equality in 1960s Bristol.
Find out more here;
Whether its a sculpture, a mural or technology that helps to create a sense of identity and purpose in a place, we believe place-making is a crucial part of a successful build. Check out our gallery to browse some place-making inspiration!