‘PlaceMaking’, Unmaking and Remaking of Coventry City Centre What does ‘sense of place’ really mean for Coventry city centre and how might it be defined in its re-making? -AbstractThis essay examines values of ‘sense of place’ in Coventry city centre in the context of its history of architectural re-invention, from the post-war re-construction, to new regeneration proposals. It asks what ‘sense of place’ might really mean for Coventry and how it might be re-defined in its renewal. Part 1 assesses the Jerde Partnership’s recent attempt at ‘placemaking,’ in the city centre, exploring how post-war planning critiques, subsequent ‘regeneration’ culture and discourse around it have influenced their approach. It analyses how key concepts in Jerde’s theory of ‘placemaking’ are described and reflected in the architecture proposed. Key oversights and contradictions of this ‘placemaking’ approach are highlighted and alternative sources of ‘sense of place,’ through detailed study of the city, are proposed to define a more genuine and sustainable identity for the city. Part 2 discusses alternative takes on ‘placemaking’ in planning strategies within Coventry and elsewhere, and possible strategies for revival of the city centre based on the enhancement of Coventry’s existing and developing economies and character.
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