We describe Placemaking as an “art” in our website. That’s because it’s intrinsically related to the human state and the unique characteristics of a particular location – the DNA of “place” and its community. There can be no “one size-fits-all” solution for its successful implementation. That doesn’t mean to say there isn’t a considerable degree of science behind the process and projects may involve layers of specialists such as architects, planners, anthropologists, historians, economists and so forth, but the professional degree of sensitivity and responsibility focused on realising the vision are key to any successful application.
Fundamental to this success is the complicity that exists between the promoter, the community and the operatives. This relationship is absolutely crucial to achieving a sound project. The Placemakers team positions itself as a specialist knowledge “partner” with the promotor and the community, both of which normally know their own “place” better than us, but where our approach harnesses and steers this intimate understanding to a more structured and sustainable result – whether we are dealing with a neighbourhood regeneration, a new visitor attraction or a museum intervention.
Working together is the only way to make it happen.
I saw this 18th. Century Portuguese tile panel last week in Salvador, Brazil (c1780 São Francisco Convent) entitled “The Unity of the People is Insurmountable”. It makes you think doesn’t it!
Successful places are personable spaces where people can and do interact with the place and each other. The team that creates this space should have the same underlying qualities.