This Must Be The Place(making)
@urbanplacemaking.bsky.social
News, ideas, and resources in the world of placemaking and urbanism.
"In Canada, only 28% of women aged 15–24 feel ‘very’ safe walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark, and 61% of women from the same age group experience unwanted sexual behaviour in public...It is not just about reducing fear but creating an environment where all individuals feel they belong."
Transforming Nightlife: Designing Secure and Welcoming Public Spaces for Young Girls and Women - 8 80 Cities
This is a guest contribution by Ronika Postaria Cover image by Emma Mulligan on Unsplash Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa – some of Canada’s largest cities are applauded for their bustling streets, cultur...
www.880cities.org
June 5, 2025 at 10:38 PM
"In Canada, only 28% of women aged 15–24 feel ‘very’ safe walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark, and 61% of women from the same age group experience unwanted sexual behaviour in public...It is not just about reducing fear but creating an environment where all individuals feel they belong."
Carmen Santana, Urban architect: "Shaping better cities requires collective effort, a willingness to listen, and the courage to leave our comfort zones."
Human-Centered Urbanism | URA Repository
Cities of the Future: Responsibility, Adaptation, and Human-Centered Urbanism
repository.thebayawards.com
April 30, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Carmen Santana, Urban architect: "Shaping better cities requires collective effort, a willingness to listen, and the courage to leave our comfort zones."
“[It’s] just behavioral science,” explains Throne co-founder and COO Jessica Heinzelman. “If somebody knows that they’ve used their phone to get into a bathroom, they’re treating it a little bit nicer, kind of the same mentality of if you have somebody in line behind you in a regular bathroom.”
Cities Have a Public Bathroom Crisis. Are Smart, Portable Bathrooms the Way Forward?
One toilet startup is using social psychology and gig labor to help address L.A.’s public bathroom problem. But advocates have questions
nextcity.org
April 7, 2025 at 6:21 PM
“[It’s] just behavioral science,” explains Throne co-founder and COO Jessica Heinzelman. “If somebody knows that they’ve used their phone to get into a bathroom, they’re treating it a little bit nicer, kind of the same mentality of if you have somebody in line behind you in a regular bathroom.”
" In the District, this means residents are often invited to help plan and design public space alongside city staff, and residents are engaged through innovative techniques like visual guides and walking tours."
Policies for Regenerating Civic Infrastructure
Leaders weigh in on the role of government in supporting infrastructure for more social connection
medium.com
March 17, 2025 at 5:28 PM
" In the District, this means residents are often invited to help plan and design public space alongside city staff, and residents are engaged through innovative techniques like visual guides and walking tours."
"On the other hand, the social organization of space is as old as human settlement. In early human settlements, the spatial organization of communities was vital to the coherence of their social structure and was used to reinforce rules and meaning."
People, Places, Cities: Making the Case for Placemaking
Why it’s the solution to livable cities.
commonedge.org
March 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM
"On the other hand, the social organization of space is as old as human settlement. In early human settlements, the spatial organization of communities was vital to the coherence of their social structure and was used to reinforce rules and meaning."
"Among its goals, the organization aims to disseminate work and knowledge in the fields of architecture, art, pedagogy, and new technologies, promoting best practices while fostering the development of these areas, encouraging citizen participation, and supporting research processes."
Inflatable Architectures in Public Spaces: Exploring the Works of Conjuntos Empáticos in Spain
¿Cómo se comportan las estructuras inflables en los espacios públicos? ¿Qué relaciones o vínculos son capaces de establecer entre las personas?
www.archdaily.com
February 26, 2025 at 11:03 PM
"Among its goals, the organization aims to disseminate work and knowledge in the fields of architecture, art, pedagogy, and new technologies, promoting best practices while fostering the development of these areas, encouraging citizen participation, and supporting research processes."
"The shortcomings of Hudson Yards underscore the importance of contextual sensitivity in TOD planning. ... Despite being geographically central, its location on the west side lacks the seamless connectivity that characterizes successful TODs in East Asia."
Not Just a Train Stop: The Evolution of Transit-Oriented Developments in East Asia
Explore how East Asia excels in Transit-Oriented Development, creating sustainable urban environments with efficient public transport.
www.archdaily.com
February 26, 2025 at 7:59 PM
"The shortcomings of Hudson Yards underscore the importance of contextual sensitivity in TOD planning. ... Despite being geographically central, its location on the west side lacks the seamless connectivity that characterizes successful TODs in East Asia."
"“R-Evolution” by Petaluma sculptor Marco Cochrane had been scheduled to open... The event was intended not just to introduce the sculpture, but also to announce a renaissance for the beleaguered shopping district and the city park at its center. "
www.msn.com/en-us/societ...
www.msn.com/en-us/societ...
Plan to install 45-foot-tall nude woman sculpture in Union Square canceled, organizers say
“R-Evolution” had been scheduled to open Feb. 6 at Union Square, but organizers said engineering issues made placement of the massive artwork unfeasible.
www.sfchronicle.com
February 26, 2025 at 12:13 AM
"“R-Evolution” by Petaluma sculptor Marco Cochrane had been scheduled to open... The event was intended not just to introduce the sculpture, but also to announce a renaissance for the beleaguered shopping district and the city park at its center. "
www.msn.com/en-us/societ...
www.msn.com/en-us/societ...
"In this context, women and gender minorities might feel that urban greenspaces do not meet their needs or, conversely, that these spaces are designed primarily for men, leading to a reduced sense of belonging."
Sex and the City Park
Gender differences can shape how individuals interact with urban green spaces and influence the psychological and physical outcomes derived from these environments.
genderedcity.org
February 5, 2025 at 9:34 PM
"In this context, women and gender minorities might feel that urban greenspaces do not meet their needs or, conversely, that these spaces are designed primarily for men, leading to a reduced sense of belonging."
“We cannot know for sure,” Salazar-Miranda said of her findings’ causes. “But it’s an indicator that the nature of public spaces may be changing.”
That apparent shift should set off alarms for those who care about the future of urban life."
That apparent shift should set off alarms for those who care about the future of urban life."
What Happened to Hanging Out on the Street?
Urban pedestrians are walking faster and doing less socializing, according to a new study of NYC, Boston and Philadelphia. Is technology to blame, or public space itself?
www.bloomberg.com
February 4, 2025 at 10:13 PM
“We cannot know for sure,” Salazar-Miranda said of her findings’ causes. “But it’s an indicator that the nature of public spaces may be changing.”
That apparent shift should set off alarms for those who care about the future of urban life."
That apparent shift should set off alarms for those who care about the future of urban life."
"Winter placemaking is an opportunity to transform cold, quiet months into a vibrant and engaging season for your community."
Best Practices For Engaging Communities During Snowy Months
Winter can be a challenging season for many communities, especially those that experience significant snowfall. However, with thoughtful planning and creative placemaking, winter can also be a time of...
states.aarp.org
January 31, 2025 at 8:55 PM
"Winter placemaking is an opportunity to transform cold, quiet months into a vibrant and engaging season for your community."
"Research shows that when people move or sing in sync, the results include stronger social ties, a greater sense of well-being and a breakdown of barriers between groups. Generosity, trust and tolerance toward others grow when our voices or actions are harmonized." medium.com/reimagining-...
These communities are singing, dancing and dining their way out of loneliness
4 ways to spur social connection through public space
medium.com
January 31, 2025 at 8:52 PM
"Research shows that when people move or sing in sync, the results include stronger social ties, a greater sense of well-being and a breakdown of barriers between groups. Generosity, trust and tolerance toward others grow when our voices or actions are harmonized." medium.com/reimagining-...
"A town doesn’t need to redesign its housing stock to achieve many of the same ends. Widening sidewalks, closing streets for play on afternoons and weekends, adding speed humps...can immediately provide the same ease for impromptu hang-outs, with even more potential playmates."
Burned-Out Parents Need Better Public Spaces
To ease the burden on families, we need places to let the kids roam free.
www.bloomberg.com
January 30, 2025 at 9:21 PM
"A town doesn’t need to redesign its housing stock to achieve many of the same ends. Widening sidewalks, closing streets for play on afternoons and weekends, adding speed humps...can immediately provide the same ease for impromptu hang-outs, with even more potential playmates."
"In an already trying year, the art in From Chinatown, With Love is a reminder that community will help us get through the tremendous challenges."
Community Care Through Art in Chinatown
In an already trying year, the art in From Chinatown, With Love is a reminder that community will help us get through the tremendous challenges.
hyperallergic.com
January 28, 2025 at 6:18 PM
"In an already trying year, the art in From Chinatown, With Love is a reminder that community will help us get through the tremendous challenges."
"A space is a physical description of a piece of land, whereas a "place" connotes an emotional attachment to the piece of land."
11 Principles of Placemaking (via Placemaking Chicago)
www.placemakingchicago.com/about/princi...
11 Principles of Placemaking (via Placemaking Chicago)
www.placemakingchicago.com/about/princi...
January 22, 2025 at 7:06 PM
"A space is a physical description of a piece of land, whereas a "place" connotes an emotional attachment to the piece of land."
11 Principles of Placemaking (via Placemaking Chicago)
www.placemakingchicago.com/about/princi...
11 Principles of Placemaking (via Placemaking Chicago)
www.placemakingchicago.com/about/princi...
For those who are joining up this week and need to start building your feed with ideas and thinkers who are looking to make our neighbourhoods more human-centric and joyous, here's a good place to start!
(Thanks, @brenttoderian.bsky.social )
#Placemaking #Urbanism #Optimism
(Thanks, @brenttoderian.bsky.social )
#Placemaking #Urbanism #Optimism
HERE IT IS! My 1st Urbanism & City-Building Starter Pack. I’ll keep adding to it as more city champions arrive here on Bluesky & I discover more of you. Please share this far & wide to support and grow our urbanism community here. Our cities need all the help they can get! go.bsky.app/G7isZfk
January 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM
For those who are joining up this week and need to start building your feed with ideas and thinkers who are looking to make our neighbourhoods more human-centric and joyous, here's a good place to start!
(Thanks, @brenttoderian.bsky.social )
#Placemaking #Urbanism #Optimism
(Thanks, @brenttoderian.bsky.social )
#Placemaking #Urbanism #Optimism
"Love and empathy are seen as a weakness, but love and empathy are the limitless resources that underly the virtuous cycle of how we build successful cities. The way to counter a culture of fear and hate is with hope and love. Love is already winning in the places that matter most."
Progress In the Places People Love Will Persevere
How MAGA Could Be Helping to Bring About the Future They Most Fear(But Shouldn’t) America’s story of progress has been driven by people and places building each-other up. That progress, though under a...
www.linkedin.com
January 21, 2025 at 5:24 PM
"Love and empathy are seen as a weakness, but love and empathy are the limitless resources that underly the virtuous cycle of how we build successful cities. The way to counter a culture of fear and hate is with hope and love. Love is already winning in the places that matter most."
"...complete with running tracks, a playground, street workout areas, skatepark, and green spaces, ensures year-round public engagement with many bicycle racks and concrete benches. The venue features a sandy beach, sports fields, a dog park, and outdoor lounges, fostering a sense of community."
National Athletics Centre – Transforming Budapest's Rust Belt into a Vibrant Community Space
Explore Budapest's National Athletics Centre: an innovative space blending sports and community, revitalizing the urban landscape along the Danube.
www.archdaily.com
January 21, 2025 at 4:45 PM
"...complete with running tracks, a playground, street workout areas, skatepark, and green spaces, ensures year-round public engagement with many bicycle racks and concrete benches. The venue features a sandy beach, sports fields, a dog park, and outdoor lounges, fostering a sense of community."
Reposted by This Must Be The Place(making)
Tomorrow. FREE presentation:
THE POWER OF PLACEMAKING CREATING HAPPIER CITIES
Learn what, how, where, why, when...
Live webinar. My guests are superb Emma Avery & Leah Karlberg. Tues. Jan. 21 11:00am EST / 5:00pm CET
Register & share, FREE: bit.ly/4gtGu9B
THE POWER OF PLACEMAKING CREATING HAPPIER CITIES
Learn what, how, where, why, when...
Live webinar. My guests are superb Emma Avery & Leah Karlberg. Tues. Jan. 21 11:00am EST / 5:00pm CET
Register & share, FREE: bit.ly/4gtGu9B
January 20, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Tomorrow. FREE presentation:
THE POWER OF PLACEMAKING CREATING HAPPIER CITIES
Learn what, how, where, why, when...
Live webinar. My guests are superb Emma Avery & Leah Karlberg. Tues. Jan. 21 11:00am EST / 5:00pm CET
Register & share, FREE: bit.ly/4gtGu9B
THE POWER OF PLACEMAKING CREATING HAPPIER CITIES
Learn what, how, where, why, when...
Live webinar. My guests are superb Emma Avery & Leah Karlberg. Tues. Jan. 21 11:00am EST / 5:00pm CET
Register & share, FREE: bit.ly/4gtGu9B
Reposted by This Must Be The Place(making)
“They cut speed limits, changed street design, removed space for cars… Now it appears that work is paying off. #Oslo & #Helsinki are reaping the rewards of committed action on making their roads safer, reducing pedestrian fatalities to zero last year.” #VisionZero #SpeedKills
How Helsinki and Oslo cut pedestrian deaths to zero
After years of committed action, neither city recorded a single pedestrian fatality in 2019
www.theguardian.com
January 20, 2025 at 7:48 AM
“They cut speed limits, changed street design, removed space for cars… Now it appears that work is paying off. #Oslo & #Helsinki are reaping the rewards of committed action on making their roads safer, reducing pedestrian fatalities to zero last year.” #VisionZero #SpeedKills
"Nowadays, numerous proposals exemplify the connection of people with underutilized open and public spaces through architectural interventions, whether temporary or permanent. These proposals share a common element of contextual understanding and adaptive planning to specific needs."
Reactivating Residual Public Spaces with Community-Led Design
The intricate dynamics of human settlements in different contexts have emphasized the need to reclaim underutilized spaces with community-centric approaches.
www.archdaily.com
January 15, 2025 at 9:53 PM
"Nowadays, numerous proposals exemplify the connection of people with underutilized open and public spaces through architectural interventions, whether temporary or permanent. These proposals share a common element of contextual understanding and adaptive planning to specific needs."
Reposted by This Must Be The Place(making)
Video is available, FREE of great presentation by Veronica O. Davis on INCLUSIVE TRANSPORTATION
youtu.be/q7GsabFvrL0
Next webinar #Cities4Everyone:
Tue. Jan. 21 at 11am EST
PLACEMAKING: CREATING HAPPIER CITIES, Emma Avery, Leah Karlberg
Register FREE: bit.ly/4gtGu9B
youtu.be/q7GsabFvrL0
Next webinar #Cities4Everyone:
Tue. Jan. 21 at 11am EST
PLACEMAKING: CREATING HAPPIER CITIES, Emma Avery, Leah Karlberg
Register FREE: bit.ly/4gtGu9B
January 10, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Video is available, FREE of great presentation by Veronica O. Davis on INCLUSIVE TRANSPORTATION
youtu.be/q7GsabFvrL0
Next webinar #Cities4Everyone:
Tue. Jan. 21 at 11am EST
PLACEMAKING: CREATING HAPPIER CITIES, Emma Avery, Leah Karlberg
Register FREE: bit.ly/4gtGu9B
youtu.be/q7GsabFvrL0
Next webinar #Cities4Everyone:
Tue. Jan. 21 at 11am EST
PLACEMAKING: CREATING HAPPIER CITIES, Emma Avery, Leah Karlberg
Register FREE: bit.ly/4gtGu9B
"This mismatch between humans and our habitat shouldn’t come as a surprise. From the second half of the 20th century, pioneering thinkers ... began highlighting the inhuman way our cities were being shaped, with boring constructions, barren spaces and brutal expressways."
#urbanism #urbandesign
#urbanism #urbandesign
It's Official: Boring Cities Are Bad for Your Health
Oppressive, unstimulating urban architecture isn’t just about eyesores; there’s evidence that it can cause actual harm to its residents. To fix this in 2025, we must start building for joy.
www.wired.com
January 13, 2025 at 7:16 PM
"This mismatch between humans and our habitat shouldn’t come as a surprise. From the second half of the 20th century, pioneering thinkers ... began highlighting the inhuman way our cities were being shaped, with boring constructions, barren spaces and brutal expressways."
#urbanism #urbandesign
#urbanism #urbandesign
Reposted by This Must Be The Place(making)
Gerard Doustraat, Amsterdam in 1988 and today.
January 11, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Gerard Doustraat, Amsterdam in 1988 and today.
"Creating public spaces for joy is not just a luxury or privilege, or even necessarily something to achieve after other basic needs are achieved. Joy can be a force for equality, crucial social connections, and healing."
Placemaking for Joy Supports People-Powered Places
The best public spaces enable people to experience and express joy.
www.sociallifeproject.org
January 10, 2025 at 7:51 PM
"Creating public spaces for joy is not just a luxury or privilege, or even necessarily something to achieve after other basic needs are achieved. Joy can be a force for equality, crucial social connections, and healing."