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6.2 Theories of Placemaking
from Dissertation
6.2 Theories of Placemaking
Many attributes that contribute to the theory of place-making have evolved from the ideologies of new urbanism and main street development. These themes mainly talk about the accessibility or lack of accessibility to the human interactive spaces which are key-stones to place-making.
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As addressed by William Whyte, the emergence of urban sprawl gave rise to the concept of place-making in the urban realm. Urban sprawl can be identified as an identity crisis experienced in the suburban lifestyle when the sum of their parts fail to add up as a community. This suburban sprawl results in the deterioration of our neighbourhoods, alienation of large fragments of our communities and increasing criminal activities. The reason behind this is attributed to the lack of accessible public gathering spaces, which include cafes, green corners and parks, squares and plazas. These are the places where a community can gather the benefit from the social and economic capital through their interaction, and are recognised as ―third places‖ found outside their home or work. The idea of place-making is mainly based on the creation of such third places that represent the community in the urban environment.
The first theory addressed focuses on New Urbanism, which talks about the multiple scales of design and implementation starting from regional planning to streetscaping and public gathering spaces. This theory is based on the foundation of harnessing the civic engagement of local communities via such public spaces. It focuses on revitalising san reconfiguring the old town centers, main streets and retail to transform them into urban districts and village centers which promotes diversity within the urban realm.
The ultimate goal of place-making is to create a ―sense of place‖ which is creating a certain identity or uniqueness within the settings of a particular place that are specific to its environment. The cities are often known for certain assets or ―influencers‖ that draw the people towards them, which determine the heart of the city as well as significant characteristics of urban cores.
Place-marketing and branding is another theory in creating a sense of place. It is more of an organisational theory that also enhances the attributes of public space.
